Hope grasped her hands. “Mom and Dad are right in what they said. I went through high school without anyone gossiping about where I lived, and I was safe. I’m not taking proper care of you. You’re a kid, and I didn’t look out for you.” The tears spilled out.
Mia gave her a hug and patted her back. Man, Mom and Dad had worked her over. Guilt twisted inside her for throwing Hope to their parents for a distraction. “It’s okay. Shhh, we’re okay. Look at me. We’re better than okay, we’re happy. Mom and Dad will know that soon, okay? Let’s just give them a little time to see it. I’m sorry about their homecoming. I know I made it harder.”
Hope squeezed her back, and then left her to get ready.
Mia stayed upstairs until she heard the doorbell ring. Given her parents strong reaction to the situation, she decided to get a read on the room before rushing in. She went down as far as the landing and peaked into the front room. From her position, she could see through the crack between the door and the wall and hear everything.
Alexi was looking around their nice, homey-home, from the mantle covered with pictures of her sister and her to the bookshelves filled with books and framed artworks. She’d bet money he was thinking he’d been wrong about her parents abandoning her. Their front room wasn’t a showcase for fancy possessions; it was a display of family mementos.
Dad stood at the mahogany sideboard that he’d inherited from his grandfather. “Drink?”
His offer was a test.
Alexi inclined his head. “Water’s fine.”
Smart. He’d been below the Bible Belt long enough to recognize that trap.
Niko took water, too.
Good. They were going to need their wits.
Niko elbowed Alexi.
Alexi shot his brother an annoyed look. “I apologize for trying to stop you from taking Mia from the room earlier.”
Mia held in a snicker.
“Really?” Dad asked. “That was the only thing I approved of during the whole mess. At least it looked like you cared.”
Alexi’s expression turned from annoyed to justified.
Dad rolled a tumbler between his hands and gestured for the guys to sit down on the sofa. “So you want to take Mia out?”
Alexi nodded.
“Even though your brother hopes to marry Mia’s sister?”
“Even then.”
“How are your grades, Alexander?”
How intrusive. Mia briefly closed her eyes and opened them again so she wouldn’t miss anything. Alexi had been candid with her about the quality of American public schools versus English boarding schools. Now was not the time, though.
Alexi opened his mouth, but Niko answered quickly instead. “All A’s. Alexi is an exceptional student.”
“The food is not very good,” Alexi said.
Dad laughed. “I’m not surprised. And which university do you plan to attend?”
Niko sat up and looked interested in the answer.
“I’m undecided.” Alexi leaned back to take a drink of water.
Her father’s gaze met his with a steady look. “I understand that Mia talked to her mother about birth control this morning.”
Chapter 30
Please. Mom had lectured. She had listened.