“Well, the invitation is there…and he’s more than welcome.”
I stared into her eyes—so much like Dominic’s. “Thank you.” I squeezed her hand. “I’ve missed you guys so much.”
Her eyes glistened. “You have no idea.”
As we hugged, my cell phone chimed, alerting us to the arrival of our private car.
“Time to go,” I called out to the boys as we made our way to the front door.
I turned back to Tash as the boys ran outside. “Make sure Bryce takes you out for a romantic dinner tonight.”
“Oh, I will…” she said, following us outside. “Holy cow!”
The boys applauded at the sight of the stretch limo in the driveway and proceeded to jump around like crazy as the driver ushered them inside.
Tash nudged my arm. “He’s really pulling out the big guns with you.”
“This is normal for him. Don’t read too much into it.”
“Well, you boys have fun,” she called out as she blew her son a kiss. “And you…” She caught my hand. “Let yourself be happy. Whatever this is…just enjoy the time you have together.”
I squeezed her fingers. “I’ll try.” With one last hug, I jumped into the car and gasped at the huge bowl of candy between the kids. “Slow down, boys. You have the whole night to fill your bellies. I don’t want you sick before the first siren.”
As their giggles filled the car, I glanced over at the bottle of champagne resting in the ice bucket and rehashed Tash’s words.Fuck it.I reached over, poured a glass, and took a long sip as I relaxed into my seat. The bubbles on my tongue dissipated into a divine flavor that had me instantly pouring another once the glass was empty.
Half an hour later, the limo pulled up at the basketball stadium where Adam stood with his Lakers cap pulled low over his face.
“Adam!” Finn burst out of the car and wrapped his arms around his long legs. “Thank you so much.”
Adam’s jaw tensed as he surveyed our surroundings, then scuffed his hair. “Glad you could make it.”
I moved closer with Tristan by my side. “Introduce your cousin, Finn,” I said, meeting Adam’s gaze with a sheepish smile.
“Adam, this is Tristan. Tristan, this is my mom’s boyfriend, Adam.”
My eyes bulged while Adam’s eyebrows arched.
“Finn,” I grumbled. “He’s just a friend. You know that.”
“Whatever,” Finn said with a shrug. “Can we get a hot dog?”
Adam cleared his throat after a strained laugh. “Sure thing. We can visit the merchandise stand, too.”
With matching squeals, Tristan and Finn ran ahead while Adam and I ambled behind.
Adam was the first to speak. “Did you have a good day?”
“The best,” I said with a genuine smile. “Finn and I went for a swim, then spent the afternoon with my sister-in-law and nephew.” I glanced over at him. “And you? How was work?”
He shrugged. “It was there.”
“And they didn’t crumble and die without you over Christmas?”
“Surprisingly, no.”
“That must be a relief.”
“In some ways.”