Page 60 of Royal Pain
The tapping of his knife on the fine crystal gets everyone’s attention.
“Here’s to James, who is about the greatest big brother a man could hope for.” The table full of enthusiastic champagne drinkers offer whistles and applause. “And to his lovely Susan.”
“Well said!” Susan’s inebriated father calls, wiping a tear from his face. “Welcome to the family, James!”
As Doug takes his seat, and the conversations resume, my brother Tony leans in to my side. “I heard about your boyfriend’s brother. I’m sorry,” he says in soft tones. “Christ, Belinda. Be careful. If a member of their family can be targeted, so can you.”
I nod my head in acknowledgment. “It’s awful. I just found out about it this morning. Don’t worry. I’ll watch my back.”
“Are you actually getting serious with this guy? Mom said you two are pretty tight already.”
His eyes narrow and his brows come together in mock concern. But I know him like I know myself. He’s one hundred percent concerned. Tom’s blue eyes always have given him away. Whenever he gets serious they change from sea to storm.
“I’d say she’s right. It’s real, Tony.”
I forgot for a moment what a straight line it is from my mother to my brothers and sister. It’s the Banks superhighway of family news. Nothing stays hidden for long. We’re up in each other’s business. It’s a given. Only my father is disinterested in our gossip about each other. Every family needs one person who doesn’t pry. For us it’s Dad.
“If I didn’t know better I’d say you were in love with the guy,” he says, looking as if he hopes he’s wrong.
I shoot him the side eye. “Yeah. That’s exactly what’s happened. His name is Zan. Prince Zan.”
He locks eyes with me and processes my words and expression.
“I’ve never known any man who made you have that look on your face.”
“What look?”
“Determination.” We chuckle at his accuracy for reading my face.
“I’m going back to Africa in a couple of days. I promise you I won’t put myself in harm’s way.”
“Uh huh. I know your idea of harm’s way and the rest of ours are two different things.”
“I’m a journalist, Tony. But this time I have Zan looking out for me. Don’t underestimate his desire to keep me safe.”
“Okay. Just make sure to send me his number so I have a way to get ahold of you should your cell lose battery or you don’t answer my calls.”
He’s so transparent in his love and brotherly concern. He knows even the Royals aren’t necessarily safe from those who seek to do them harm. So, he’s thinking what chance I have if someone targets me.
“I see your concerns. Let’s not think of them tonight or tomorrow. Okay? Let’s try to be here for James and Susan.”
His hand reaches for mine and squeezes his answer.
* * *
Our table of ten worked out well. My parents, Aunt Dora, my siblings, and their dates make nine. I’m number ten, with no plus one. I can see Soraya and Graham three tables back. Their tablemates look like fun people. They’re laughing and talking animatedly.
This whole day I’ve tried to put on a happy face. Behind the mask, it’s a different story. The real one. I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening in Mozia. I’ve hidden in the hotel bathroom a few times, checking for news updates. Each time I leave the table, Soraya follows and joins me in the next stall. We’ve talked ourselves blue going over the details of the attack. Not much is known yet, but bits of information drip out like water from a spout.
Otherwise, out with the guests, I’m subject to being asked to dance. I tried to say I was sitting it out. I even tried saying my knee was hurting. Apparently no one was buying any of it. Relatives feel bad I’m without a dance partner, so they’ve taken turns asking me to dance. Whenever there’s a break between Uncle Delbert and cousin Kurt, I’m approached by the bride’s side of the family. Obviously distracted sad face draws men like flies.
I keep checking my cell for text messages, keeping it hidden under the edge of the tablecloth. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve looked at least fifty times throughout the day. Scrolling through as if I’ve somehow missed one he sent. Nothing. Then I feel a tap on my back.
“Would you like to dance?”
