Page 75 of Lotus

Okay, I’m done being fancy. Time for booze and vulgarity.

“Ready?” I quip, reaching for my winter coat, while everyone scatters to do the same. As my arms slip into the sleeves, Oliver slides up beside me, hands in his pockets. He smells like every sexual fantasy I’ve ever had, mixed with a trace of pine. My lips quirk into a nervous smile. “I’m glad you’re coming tonight. If my relatives start bombarding you with questions, we can go hide out in one of the bedrooms.”

Oliver’s throat bobs, his eyes lingering on my lips for a beat before meeting with mine. “I’m not certain that would be wise.”

The meaning behind his words seduces me instantly, causing my legs to start shaking like they have a mind of their own. My mouth dry, my underwear far from dry, all I can manage is a slow blink before he turns away with his own timid smile tipping his lips.

Clem appears behind me with an elbow to my arm. “Cold? You’re shaking.”

Stupid legs!

Collecting myself, I dismiss her. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

As we pile out the front door, my sister whispers in my ear, her tone taunting, “Potential.”

“Ruin,” I snap back, pulling my car keys from my purse. I glance at Oliver, pacing beside me. “Oliver gets shotgun.”

A frown appears while his brain processes. “I’m not proficient with firearms.”

Our giggles are collective as we approach my Jeep.

“That just means you get to ride in the front seat with Auntie Syd,” Poppy proclaims, darting out in front of us and diving into the back.

Oliver and I share a humorous grin before entering the vehicle and getting situated, preparing for the one-hour drive to the Neville household. It goes by quickly, the atmosphere light and playful as we swap stories and jokes, while Christmas music serenades us from the speakers. Even Oliver is talkative, asking questions and sharing in the cumulative laughter. His walls are being stripped away, little by little, day by day. I wonder if I’ve played a role in that, and the notion sends a series of flutters to my heart.

When we pull onto the familiar street and park, I reach for Oliver’s hand as we walk through the front yard that is bedazzled in twinkle lights. Giving his fingers a light squeeze, a silent promise that he’ll be okay, we reach the front door and I force myself to let go.

Clementine’s voice is already in my ear. “Potential.”

“Dude. I’m going to ruinyou,” I reply in a strained whisper.

Her laughter is interrupted when the door flies open, my father already three sheets to the wind in his Rudolph sweater and light-up antlers. “My beautiful daughters have arrived,” he beams, his eyes glazed over with entirely too much rum. Then he turns around to holler, “Honey! Our beautiful daughters have arrived!”

Mom appears, ushering us all inside and scooping Poppy up into a giant hug.

I’m tempted to reach for Oliver’s hand again, a gesture of reassurance, but I don’t want to be the source of whispers and gossip all evening. Instead, I give his forearm a quick squeeze, just as my mother pounces on him with another fierce hug, her perfume nearly toxic.

“Oh, Oliver. I didn’t think you’d tag along. We’re so happy you could make it,” she tells him as Oliver’s stiff limbs raise to return the embrace.

“I’m humbled to be invited. Thank you for the kindness.”

My mother is grinning brightly as she pulls back, her short, flaxen bob only slightly streaked with silver. She scans our group. “No Gabe this year?”

Clementine clears her throat, snatching Poppy’s wrist and leading her inside the bustling house to mingle with friends and family.

I shake my head. “Clem and Gabe had a thing. Now they don’t.”

Mom nods, the implication registering. “No worries. Why don’t you two make yourselves some drinks? Sydney, I’m sure Oliver would love to meet Uncle Rory.”

“Uncle Rory is terrifying.”

There’s no way in hell I’m subjecting Oliver to Uncle Rory’s never-ending stories of life in the Bronx, back when he was a drug-dealing gangbanger turned Christian minister.Oy.

But drinks sound fantastic.

“We’ll be around, Mom. Appetizers and eggnog are calling.”

“Enjoy!” she calls to our backs as I drag Oliver away.

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