As he heads off, I watch Vivian struggling with her composure, and feel sorry for her. Smiling at Flynn, I move toward my stepmother and hug her warmly. “Congratulations, Vivian. You must be so happy he’s here.”
The bright tears in her eyes expresses her gratitude and she smiles. “I am.”
I turn to Flynn and am quietly unsettled by the expression in his eyes, and I swallow the lump in my throat as I smile. “I hope you’re going to stick around for a while. It will be good to get to know you.”
He nods, looking a little out of place, and I watch as Sienna grabs his hand and says with excitement, “I could show you how things work around here. Parade you around town and you can hang out with me and my friends.”
“I don’t think…” I interrupt because, from the horror on his face, Flynn would rather stab his own eyes out and she rounds on me furiously. “At least I have friends, Louisa. What would you do to make him welcome? Read him a chapter from one of your romance books? No, leave it with me. I’ll show Flynn how it works around here, and it can begin tonight.”
She turns and says with excitement. “There’s a party at my friend’s house. You could come with me, and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
I roll my eyes behind her back, causing him to smile a little and luckily Vivian steps in and says evenly, “Perhaps another night honey. Flynn has just got here and I’m keen to catch up. It was such a sweet thought, though.”
Sienna nods and looks a little disappointed but cheers up when she takes the seat beside him at dinner. I am seated opposite him and am conscious the entire time of those dark eyes staring at me with a curiosity I can’t explain.
As we take our first family meal together, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. It’s awkward as fuck, yet the most exciting night I have ever spent.