Page 80 of Unraveled

“For the first time since Soph.” Dad looked down at his drink before looking back up, and Uncle Stef pressed his lips together in a thoughtful frown.

“I’m not going to lie, Mitris. There’s a lot of trauma there to break through. If you’re serious.”

Dad looked out at the crowd. “I have a feeling it would be worth it. That sixth sense that hits. Do you remember?”

“I do.”

My brow furrowed, deciphering, and Uncle Stef cleared his throat when he saw me. Dad glanced over, his thoughtful expression immediately replaced with a smile until he took me in. “Are you alright?”

I glanced at Uncle Stef, and he walked off without another hint. “We’ll talk later.”

“Sorry to interrupt. That was something about Mum?”

“Something between brothers. I’ll ask again. Are you alright?”

“I will be.” I sipped the iced sweet tea. It was good and cool but nothing like the hot tea I’d grown up with.I wish it were liquor instead.

I stiffened for just a moment and then shook my head to dispel the thought. I hadn’t let myself turn to that yet, and I refused to let myself now.

Why the hell am I so tempted all of a sudden, anyway? I’ve barely craved it since I came here, and the pain that kept threatening my control isn’t as severe as it was.

Relief and surprise fell over me with that thought. I’d just spent that time inside trying to rid myself of doubts, and here my mind reassured me on its own.

Maybe therewashope.

I spent the next bit of time quietly enjoying my father’s company when I caught a glimpse of Jet and Annie slipping outside, both wearing dopey grins while Annie ran her fingers through her ponytail like a comb. I rolled my eyes and went back to assessing the crowd.

The younger kids were running around in a game of tag, and the twins’ cousins were at a table talking with their grandparents. I’d talked to them some earlier. They’d seemed nice. I hadn’t realized they were half-Hispanic, having only met Blake before today, but the influence was heavy here in Texas, so my surprise was minimal. Gabe was darker like his mum while Kurt was lighter. He could easily pass for white like his dad while Gabe’s wife, Julia, was the opposite with rich, mocha-colored skin.

I was glad to find the twins’ family didn’t care about race. It would have made it hard for Jet and Annie if they did. I’d been on the negative end of it once or twice while dating years ago. Which was mostly why I’d agreed to attend prom with Emma. She and Mateo had deserved an actual shot, even if they weren’t the right fit in the end, but her dad had been brutal, and it made me thankful that my dad had always been so fond of Anna.

I gritted my teeth with the turn of my thoughts. I didn’t want to think about Anna today. So, I kept my focus on the crowd, watching as Izzy and Tucker slipped outside, their reappearance a little more discreet, and Tucker kept his hand around her waist as they waded through the crowd to meet up with Annie and Jet by one of the tables where my cousin was now scarfing down an abandoned plate of food.

Micah came through the back door a few minutes later, and Tucker grew tense until Izzy placed a hand on his chest. Jet got up, taking his place at his best mate’s side as Micah walked up. I halfway thought to walk over, remembering Izzy on that bathroom floor, but before I could decide if I should move, Micah and Tucker shook hands, and he was invited into their fold.

Watching them talking and laughing with each other, I never felt more alone than I did at this moment. Therewas a sting to the feeling but a contentment as well, knowing I’d willingly placed myself here.

“You could go join them,” Dad said, watching me, and again, I found myself debating.

“How about we take the opportunity to introduce you to Izzy? You missed meeting her before.”

Dad smiled. “I’d like that.”

Izzy was the first to spot us coming over, and she held her hand up in a wave as she stepped away from the group. “Hey! I was about to come get you. Micah just told us that Jenna and my mom are getting ready to bring out the cakes.”

“Perfect.” I faked a smile. “Before they come out, do you mind if I introduce you to my dad?”

“Oh, of course.” She tucked her hair behind her ears, a blush already forming on her cheeks at meeting someone new. “I should have come over to meet you before. I’m Izzy.”

“Dimitris.” Dad took her hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet the young lady that managed to break through some of those walls my son put up. I wish there was more, but Nic assures me there’s not.”

Izzy flushed again. “No, I’m sorry. I’m engaged to the Hulk back here.” She pointed over her shoulder. “But Nic and I are still very good friends. I plan on working on a few more of those walls.” She smiled, bumping into my hip with hers and dragging out a smirk.

“Well, if not the other, then at least that.” Dad grinned. “Congratulations, by the way. When is the wedding?”

“Doeseveryonehave to keep talking about that?!” Bridgette yelled, eyes blazing with aHappy Birthday, Jetcake in her hands. Jenna stepped back, balancing the onefor me as Bridgette came to an abrupt halt. “Today’s supposed to be about graduation and birthdays. It’s not about this so-called wedding!”

All the chatter and laughter of the party stopped as everyone turned to look, and Jenna hurried around Bridgette to set my cake down.

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