“Didn’t want to miss the Christmas dinner. But I have exams. I need to go back.”
Chloe and I exchanged a glance. Lucas didn’t miss it, of course.
“Hey! No banding against me.”
Chloe opened her mouth theatrically. “Against you? We never do that.”
I burst out laughing. “Never.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let them plot,” Winston said.
Lucas whistled. “Much appreciated, man.”
“Guys have to stick together.”
Chloe placed both hands on her hips, tapping her foot. “Hey! Don’t forget that I’m the one who lives on this side of the ocean. If you’re going to have a favorite, I’m the better choice.”
Winston laughed, pulling me into a half hug. “These two are even funnier than you told me.”
I melted against him. There was so much warmth in his voice. I was so happy that he was here.
As we went further inside, Christopher himself came, holding his hand out to Winston.
“Christopher, this is Winston.”
“Welcome,” Christopher said. “Heard a lot about you. Good to finally meet you.”
Whew. He looked friendly enough. I’d been expecting at least one or two frown lines. Come to think of it, I couldn’t be sure he wasn’t frowning, because a few rebellious strands of hair had fallen over his forehead. Wait a second! Christopher’s hair was shorter.
“Max, I can’t believe you,” I exclaimed.
He grinned from ear to ear. “What gave me away? Was it the hair? Damn, I’m losing my touch.”
Despite myself, I laughed. “Winston, my mistake. This is Christopher’s identical twin brother, Max.”
The next second, Christopher joined us on the corridor. He, too, was smiling.
“You’ve plotted this?” I asked them.
“Of course, we did,” Christopher said.
“What’s the use for having an identical twin if you don’t get up to no good from time to time,” Max added jovially. “We should do it more often. My skills are getting rusty.”
“So are mine. We’re out of practice.”
Christopher and Winston shook hands. “Winston, welcome.”
“It’s great meeting you,” Winston said with a warm smile. I was grinning from ear to ear.
Christopher nodded. “Let’s go meet the others.”
The clan was spread throughout the enormous living room. There were several couches and armchairs. Victoria waved enthusiastically. We first greeted Jenna and Richard, and I introduced Winston to all the Bennetts in the room before we made our way to Victoria. Blake was with her.
“Welcome,” Victoria said.
“Thanks. Heard many stories about the family gatherings. Happy to be here.”
There he went with that charm of his. My ex had been completely cold with the family... probably why I didn’t even invite him very often. Sometimes I still couldn’t believe I’d stayed in that relationship for as long as I had.