Page 65 of Just Do It
‘Yeah, because they’re nosy.’
I grinned. ‘Fair enough. I’d probably have been the same if I’d had siblings.’
‘Do you miss not having had any?’
I shrugged. ‘I don’t know any different and I’ve always been pretty good at entertaining myself.’
‘Yeah, I guess you don’t miss what you don’t have. I can’t imagine not having my family close.’
‘No, they’re obviously a huge part of your life. I think it’s lovely. I’m ridiculously nervous but I’m also looking forward to meeting them.’
My comment appeared to please Finn as the faint smile he’d been wearing spread into a grin. He took advantage of a pause in the traffic to lean over and kiss me.
‘Come in, come in!’ The family resemblance was obvious in the woman who opened the door. Her blue eyes shone with laughter and the wide, bright smile was welcoming and warm. ‘You must be Elizabeth,’ she said, having hugged her brother tightly. ‘I’m Alice. We’ve all been so looking forward to meeting you,’ she said as Finn took my coat and I was suddenly enveloped in a hug. Her speech had a distinctive pattern to it and when she stepped back, Finn tapped her on the arm to get her attention.
‘Elizabeth brought you something.’ His hands signed the words as he spoke them and Alice turned back to me. ‘You didn’t have to do that,’ she said, now using both methods, asher brother had, her hand reaching for mine as soon as she’d finished. I smiled and handed over the present.
‘I wanted to.’
Alice studied me as I replied and I guessed she was reading my lips. ‘That’s so kind.’ She took the present and then linked her arms around mine and her brother’s and led us through to where everyone else was gathered.
‘Lizzie!’ Colette wrapped me in a hug, careful not to tip the champagne she held in one hand down my back. ‘I was worried you weren’t coming.’
‘Yeah, sorry. I saw your messages. Work went a bit mad and I didn’t get a chance to reply.’
Colette gave a dismissive wave with her free hand. ‘You’re here now. That’s what matters.’
I got the impression that Colette had been here a while and that most certainly wasn’t her first glass of fizz.
‘They’re the nicest people. Alice was so sweet when I made my rather clumsy attempt at signing that I was happy to meet her.’
‘I didn’t know you could sign?’
Colette took a sip of drink before replying. ‘I can’t really. Greg can though. He’s known Finn for so long. I think he learned with the rest of the family when Alice lost her hearing.’ She tilted her head. ‘What is it?’
I glanced around quickly and leant close to my friend. ‘I didn’t know any of this. Finn didn’t say a word.’
‘Oh. I know they don’t make a thing of it. I just wanted to make an effort.’
‘Yes, I know. That’s really thoughtful. I just… I wish Finn had mentioned it.’
‘It doesn’t matter though, really, does it? She’s still the same woman.’
‘No, of course! I didn’t mean like that. I just would have perhaps liked to have at least known how to say hello or something too.’
‘Don’t worry. From what I hear, Finn’s been singing your praises so highly, I don’t think anything else you do could possibly endear them any more to you.’
‘Oh God, has he?’
Colette laughed. ‘Yes. And he’s absolutely right to.’ She reached out and hugged me again, Greg appearing at just the right moment to take her glass as the contents swilled up the sides of it. ‘You’re lovely, Lizzie. It’s wonderful to see you with someone who actually appreciates it.’
‘Thanks, Colette.’
‘Talk of the devil…’ Colette reached out her arms to Finn who returned the hug and then gave his mate a similar one. His hand then slid around my waist. ‘Sorry, got caught up.’
‘Don’t be silly. It’s your family.’
‘I know. And they’re dying to meet you.’ He looked over at Colette. ‘Mind if I steal your friend for a while?’
