Page 113 of Knot Just for Show

“Ursula, honey, this is Marta and Dieter Dressaliers.” Ash scurries quickly to my side. Making a few introductions of his own.

“Mom. Dad. This is Ursula and Ursula's mom, evidently.” He smiles. Reaching For my free hand and giving it a squeeze. I elbow him gently, unsure that my mother will appreciate Ash’s sense of humor.

“It is lovely to meet you Ursula. We've been chatting with your family for some time,” Marta offers sweetly, even though Dieter’s sour expression belies a more contentious conversation,or perhaps lack thereof. I doubt my boisterous family has allowed either of the Dressaliers’ to get a word in edgewise.

I look past my parents, my brothers, and the other guests to the rest of the empty table, several spaces still left unoccupied.

As if reading my expression, Lysander steps forward, taking my hand and guiding me to the next group of guests.

“We have a few other guests that will be joining us this evening. There's just been a slight delay. But no need to worry, I have heard that the chef's sister-in-law and house sommelier will be with us shortly to provide the first tasting of the evening,” he explains coolly. His eyes begging for me to play along without upset.

So I do.

“Won’t you continue to introduce me?” I give his forearm a squeeze, my eyes doing their best to reassure him that we’re on the same team. Tonight and always.

“Of course! This is my best friend and also my business partner Tasha and her wife Joanne,” he introduces me to the sleek-headed blonde woman and her wife.

“Thrilled to meet you,” Joanne almost squeals—while I can tell that Tasha is hyper-analyzing me behind her complimentary smile.

“So glad to see Lysander so happy.” Tasha reaches carefully for my hand, her grip firm as we shake.

All I can do is smile back, because Ronan is quick to jump in and take his chance, turning me toward the tattooed men on the other side of Lysander’s guests.

“This is Kal,” he gestures to the man with long dark hair and a body almost completely covered in tattoos.

I can’t help but blush a little when his wild green eyes skate over me. I’m not looking at him in that way—but sheesh. Maybe I could introduce him to Roxy!

“And this is Conny.” Ronan slaps the other, younger man with the buzz cut on the shoulder.

“Connor. C’mon man I’m not the shop apprentice anymore,” Connor corrects Ronan with a weak laugh, clearly embarrassed.

“Nice to meet you.” I smile politely, even though I’m fast approaching an overwhelmed state.

“How delightful!” my mother gushes. Her eyes. Wide as saucers as she takes in the sight of my mates. “And this—” she turns, guiding me in the direction of the two women seated on the other side of Ash's parents.

“This is Lindsay and Mei, Mrs. and Mrs Wong,” my mother introduces them jauntily.

I reach out my hand, doing my best to stay my gentle shaking.

Where is Teddy? My mind begs. His moms are here, but where is he? I squash down my panic and take Mei’s hand in my own, shaking it gently.

“Ursula, we've heard so many wonderful things about you,” she beams, but at this close distance—I can see that her eyes are slightly puffy, as if she’s only just recovered from a great deal of crying.

“Albeit only recently,” Lindsay grumbles under her breath, earning herself an under the table kick from Mei.

“I'm sorry?” I stammer.

“Ignore her. She's being difficult,” Mei snaps, giving her wife a dirty look. “If you’re going to give anyone attitude tonight, save it for Theodore,” she huffs, and Lindsay seems to nod in agreement before moving to re-introduce herself properly.

“Hi, I’m Lindsay, Teddy’s other mother.”

I'm about to ask Lindsay for further clarification, when I am unceremoniously interrupted by my own brother.

“You all look like you're cosplaying the hot librarian from ‘The Mummy’.” My brother David says deadpan, à propos of nothing—launching my older brother Joshua into a fit of hysterical laughter beside him as he does so.

Never have I been so grateful for my brothers’ playful insults.

“Why thank you, you noticed,” Ronan serves back, taking a seat beside David. His expression inscrutable as he rolls his linen sleeves displaying his brightly colored tattoos, much to my mother's chagrin.

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