Chapter 217
I wasn’t sure I was dressed for the occasion. I thought it was date night until we pulled up outside that fancy hotel he took me to last time. A sigh fell from my lips but I didn’t say anything.
“I know what your thinking baby but I promise it’ll be better than last time”. As he got out I followed suit watching as he gave his keys to the valley. This still wasn’t my scene, I couldn’t do fancy, couldn’t deal with high end snobs.
“If you say so”. Slipping my hand in his we walked inside. Same as before we were greeted by the hostess and escorted to a table or so I thought.
She led us through the back of the hotel stopping when we reached double doors. “You’re the last of your party to arrive. Have a great night Mr Taylor”. Party?
My heart was hammering in my chest. I wasn’t big on surprises and with everything that was going on I was skeptical at who lay behind those double doors. “Breathe”. He opened the door and I let out the breath I was holding.
His family.
“What’s going on?”. I asked.
“Just dinner baby”. He brought my hand up placing a kiss on my knuckles. “I promise p>
I wasn’t convinced. Why so fancy for dinner? Usually his mom would host family dinner at her house.
“My mom wanted to do something nice for you”. He whispered.
That was sweet.
My eyes landed on Charlotte. She was smiling from ear to ear engrossed in a conversation with Jacob. Looking around the room I chewed the inside of my cheek.
I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I knew they were all here to support me. They were my family, they were all I had now.
“Babe p>
“I’m okay”. I smiled.
“Your hearts racing”. He held my hand that little bit tighter.
“I’m happy”. I was, I appreciated and loved everyone in this room.
“Guess I’m late to the party p>
Rylee.
“Right on time”. I smiled as she pulled me in for a hug.
“I’m here if you need to talk”. She whispered.
“Where’s West?”. Jake asked.
“He’s coming”. She rolled her eyes just as West appeared at the door. “I need a drink”. She slipped her arm through mine. “I think you could use one to”. This girl moved fast.
“I didn’t know you were back”. I took the glass of wine she was offering. I liked Rylee a lot.
“We’re only here for a few days. Mom wanted everyone here tonight p>
“Why?”. I frowned.
“She wanted all the family together. She knows you’re having a tough time just now p>
“She’s the sweetest and I appreciate tonight I really do but she didn’t need to go to all this trouble for me p>
“You’re family”. She smiled. “And we look after our own p>
“She’s right sweetheart”. Charlotte joined us placing her hand on my arm. “We’re all here for you p>
“Is this a private conversation or can anyone join?”. Alanna bumped my hip with hers. “Hey girl”. “Hi”. I smiled.
“Go take your seats. Dinner will be served soon p>
Jake was right. It was nothing like last time and I actually enjoyed the food. As he placed his hand on my knee I jumped. “You okay?”. He asked.
I was miles away. Taking in everyone around me. All smiles and conversation. This was my family now. Never did I see the day coming where my gran would no longer be in my life. Yet I still hadn’t shed a tear.
“Baby p>
“I’m just taking everyone in”. I smiled placing my hand on top of his.
“How was your dinner p>
“Better than last time”. I grinned.
Rolling his eyes he brought my hand to his lips. “Fancy getting out of here p>
“Think your mom will let us p>
He chuckled. “Babe p>
“We’re skipping out. You coming?”. Alanna grinned.
I guess that answered my question. I wasn’t really in the mood to go out tonight. Couldn’t be bothered with the club scene.
Taking my phone from my bag I frowned when I saw her name. I hadn’t heard from Lana in what felt like forever. We were still friends but hadn’t hung out very much. She hadn’t really been around.
Since she moved out of my grans and didn’t bother finishing school we kind of grew apart. Weird considering we’re in the same pack but I guess that’s life.
She had sent me a message half an hour ago.
‘Hey gal! Can we meet p>
I knew he was reading it over my shoulder.
Texting her back I told her I would give her a message when I was home and she could come over. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss her. We had been best friends for years and we had a lot to catch up on. “You ready to go?”. He asked.
“Yeah p>