Page 63 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges
“How generous of you, Levi.” I loved watching him squirm. “At least you offered to share eventually.”
“Oh yes.” Max crossed his arms, looking like he was fighting a smile. “Levi’s quite generous when he wants to be.”
Ronan lifted his wine glass in a mock toast. “To Levi’s newfound generosity.”
I lost it then, dissolving into a fit of giggles I couldn’t contain.
“I hate all of you,” Levi muttered, but his lips were twitching.
“Now, now,” Diana chided, “sharing is caring, dear. I thought I taught you better than that.”
That set me off again, and I had to press my face into Levi’s shoulder to muffle my laughter.
Diana beamed at us all, clearly pleased to see everyone enjoying themselves, even if she didn’t quite understand why herice cream story had caused such a reaction. “Well, I’m happy to see you’ve grown out of your ‘cooties’ phase, darling. Though,” she added with a wink in my direction, “I suspect Emery might have helped with that.”
“You have no idea,” I managed to say once I could breathe again, earning myself a gentle squeeze from Levi and two heated looks from across the table.
No idea at all.
Finally, the laughter faded, leaving a contented silence around the table as everyone caught their breath and finished their desserts. Diana’s gaze kept lingering fondly on each of us, like she was already reminiscing about the night.
With a thoughtful tilt of her head, she reached for her napkin and dabbed her lips delicately before shifting gears. “Emery, will you be joining us for the New Year’s Eve gala? It’s the social event of the season. Everyone who’s anyone attends.”
I froze feeling the temperature around our table drop several degrees.
“Mother-” Levi started, but Diana steamrolled right over him.
“Emery, you’ll love it. The ballroom at the country club is transformed into a winter wonderland. Last year we had ice sculptures of swans, and the champagne fountain was simply magnificent.” She turned to Max and Ronan. “And you boys are invited too, of course. Though perhaps this year you’ll actually bring dates.”
The sudden sound of Max’s chair scraping against the floor made everyone jump. He stood abruptly, his face a careful mask that didn’t quite hide the storm in his eyes. “Excuse me, I need some air.”
Before anyone could respond, he strode away from the table, his shoulders rigid under his perfectly tailored suit.
Ronan was on his feet a moment later. “I should...” He nodded his chin vaguely in Max’s direction before following his friend.
The silence at our table was deafening.
Diana looked from me to Levi. “I hope I haven’t said something wrong.”
Levi looked torn, his gaze darting between me and the direction his friends had gone. I could practically see him wrestling with the choice; stay with his “girlfriend” or go after his best friends.
“Actually, Diana, I’m so sorry, but I think I’m getting one of my migraines.” I pressed my fingers to my temple for effect. “They come on suddenly sometimes, especially with all the lights and the sugar...”
“Oh, you poor thing! You do look a little pale.” Diana’s concern was immediate and genuine. “Levi, take her home right away. Migraines are absolutely dreadful.”
“Are you sure?” Levi turned to me, relief in his eyes.
I nodded, wincing slightly. “I’m so sorry to cut the evening short. Everything was lovely.”
“Don’t apologize, dear.” Diana stood to give me a gentle hug. “We’ll see you on New Year’s when you’re feeling better.”
We walked into the house where Ronan and Max were having a heated discussion by the door. When they saw us, they both stopped.
“Can we leave without saying goodbye to your mother or…?” Max went to the temporary coat racks set up by the door.
“It’s fine.” Levi sighed, grabbing my coat and helping me into it.
I didn’t know what to say or do. The tension was so strong that it made me want to simultaneously cry and to yell at the three of them to knock it off.
