Page 48 of Awestruck at Dusk
“Of course, kiddo,” my father replied. We took a seat across from them, and I rested my plate on my lap. Eating with my left hand was still a work in progress.
Nathan initiated the chit-chat with them, and a few involuntarymmm’sescaped my throat as I tried William’s paella for the first time. Nathan turned to look at me with a snort.
“Is it good?” he asked. I nodded and kept stuffing my mouth. It was freakingdeliciousas William promised it would be. A hundred times better than the one we ordered from the restaurant a few days ago. William’s paella was different from my mother’s, a bit more gourmet if you will, but they were both a ten.
Yes … William’s socarrat was the best I ever had. But I would have to find another way of rephrasing that to him, of course.
We kept eating, and the small talk quickly turned into a business meeting. Nathan and his boss discussed a client’s case, and my father happily pitched in. But Mr. Chapman changed the subject after a few minutes of legal talk.
“I know we’ve been keeping you busy at the office, Nate, but try to relax tonight. We’ll talk about the case on Monday on our way to London.”
Oh.
I didn’t know Nathan was leaving on Monday. He hadn’t mentioned it. And by the look on his face, the office hadn’t informed him about going to London either. Zara would still be in New York the entire week, and I thought Nathan would want to be here.
Iwanted Nathan to be here too.
“Oh, of course. I—didn’t know I’d be leaving for London on Monday,” Nathan said to Mr. Chapman. “I’m sure we’ll figure things out on our way there.”
“Well, how else would you sign the paperwork for your new partner position? We need you in London for at least three days next week.” Mr. Chapman replied with a grin.
Nathan shook his head once, fast, and licked his lips. He dropped his glass on the table and glanced at my father and me as if trying to make sure we all heard that.
“Congratulations!” Mr. Chapman said, standing up. He approached Nathan, who shot up from his seat and hugged him with a few pats on the back. “I’ve got to tell you, James, you’ve got one bright future son-in-law. We’re never letting this one go.” He laughed. Nathan chuckled with him, and my father immediately agreed with Mr. Chapman as he stood up to congratulate Nathan too.
Nathan was still in shock. He knew he was getting this promotion, but I don’t think he expected it to come in a few months. I dropped my plate and stood up. I was about to hug Nathan when Mr. Chapman addressed me.
“You’ll be glad to know that Nathan will be having more of a permanent residence here in New York. Surely, he’ll still have to fly back and forth when needed, but you can count on him being here for the long run.”
Nathan had mentioned how once he was made partner in the firm, the traveling would decrease. But that wasn’t the case for what his boss was telling me. It was nice to hear he wouldn’t be asked to go back to London anytime soon, though.
Ahh! I wanted to tackle Nathan and congratulate him, but I was trying to keep it cool in the presence of his boss.
My father looked so proud of Nathan. He couldn’t stop smiling at him.
After dropping the big news, Mr. Chapman excused himself tothe loo, and my father stood up for a second round of paella. Finally, alone, I was able to jump up and down with excitement. “Congratulations!” I said to Nathan as I hugged him tightly. “You’re in shock, right?”
“Thank you! I—yes!” He laughed. “I knew it was coming, but I didn’t think it would be happeningtoday. I guess Mr. Chapman’s having a good time right now. It was a great idea to invite him.”
“I’m so proud of you,” I told him, kissing his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He kissed me back, and I rested my cheek on his chest for a second.
Oh, my God! I pulled Nathan’s arm and whispered, “Look.”
Jordan and Cecile were full-on kissing. They were still sitting on the chairs where I left them. Alone. Nina and Aiden were at the far end getting something to eat.
Jordan kept a firm hand behind Cecile’s neck, the other gripping her waist. Her hands cupped Jordan’s face.
I had to look away. That was one hell of a kiss.
“You’re blushing,” Nathan said with a laugh.
“I’m not!”
“You are,” he said, leaning in to grab his whiskey. “I can kiss you like that if you want me to.”
I laughed a nervous laugh and grabbed my wineglass from the table. “I know you can. You always do.” I sipped on my wine, and Nathan met his lips with mine afterward. He then wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in. His whiskey-tasting tongue brushed slowly against mine.
