Page 99 of What Are The Odds?
“Good. How are classes?”
“Good.”
And just like that, Lana and I were caught up.
“Have you seen mum and dad yet?” she asked.
“We’re getting there.”
“Just a warning they want to go to the Golf Club for dinner.” Lana grabbed a towel that was hanging over the back of a lounge chair. “There’s a Thanksgiving tournament this weekend, so the place will be packed.”
I grimaced. Staying late at the Golf Club surrounded by mum and dad’s friends and their rich kids wasn’t what I had in mind. I was barely keeping it together now. If I didn’t get Grace alone soon, I was going to combust.
“Think you can cover for me so Grace and I can sneak out early?”
Lana thought for a moment. “You’ll owe me. I’ll message you once we’re leaving.” She cocked her head playfully. “You know, in case you need to cover up.”
“Jesus, Lana,” I ground.
“What?” she gasped, before putting on her best Australian accent. “Fair dinkum. Bloody ripper in the sheets.” Winking, she punched my stomach. “I watched Ryan’s Insta Live.”
She faced Grace, who looked like she was about to steal my keys, drive back to the airport and get the fuck out of here. I should’ve given Grace a head’s up about Lana. She was as outgoing as they came.
“It’s fine, Grace,” Lana went on. “It’s no secret my brother has a raging libido.” She tightened the towel around her waist. “Besides, there’s nothing shameful about a healthy sex life.”
I smirked at Grace. “Told you, Hughesy.”
51. How lovely to meet you
Grace
Levi’s firm grip held me steady as we walked into the family living space. It literally took my breath away. The large, modern kitchen faced the lounge area. The main feature was an insanely large window, which was framed by black timber. It overlooked the picture-perfect landscape, making it feel as though we were amongst the mountains. A long, timber table ran the length of the island bench. There had to be at least a dozen chairs around it. Levi’s mum saw us first. She’d been standing beside the gigantic island, her attention focussed on an iPad. Unlike Levi and Lana, Deb Holloway had blonde hair. It was pinned back from her face in a low bun. She looked too young to be the mother of two almost-adult children. She set the iPad down.
“Grace.” A familiar smile transitioned her face. “How lovely to meet you.”
“You too.”
She pulled me in for a hug, her slim body wrapping around mine. Over her shoulder, Levi caught my gaze and winked.
“Rick,” Deb called out. “Come here. Levi is back with Grace.”
A tall man with the same broad shoulders and defined jawline as Levi strolled out of what I assumed was a butler’s pantry. He smiled broadly, the creases around his eyes deepening.
“Hi, Grace. I’m Rick. It’s great to have you here.”
“Thank you for having me,” I returned. “Your house is amazing.”
Levi placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Water would be great. Thank you.”
My mouth felt incredibly dry. It was stupid to be this nervous, but I couldn’t help it. This moment was intimidating. I wanted Levi’s family to like me.
"I love your accent, Grace,” Deb said, smiling fondly. “Rick and I honeymooned in Australia.”
“Really?” The common ground was a good conversation starter. “Where did you visit?”
“Sydney of course. Then Melbourne and Queensland.”
