Page 679 of Rock Me All Night
"No thank you." Madison turns to Dad. "You?"
"Yes, please. Thank you." He settles into the armchair with a half-awkward, half-welcoming expression.
"Anyone else?" Ophelia offers.
I hold up my cup. She takes it with a smile then she's in the kitchen, refilling our beverages.
Tom shouts to his mother. "Willow cooks." He points to Willow's wedding ring. "You saying she isn't family?"
Ophelia returns to the room. She shakes her head at Tom. "Don't be ridiculous, Tom. You know Willow is as welcome as you are." She hands Dad his cup. "Cream and sugar are on the table. Almond milk in the fridge if you'd like that."
"Jess cooks," Pete offers.
"She's family," Willow says. "Even if it's not legal… not yet… I'm sure soon they'll be… soon… Nevermind."
Tom laughs. "Kid, you might as well spell it out and say, you're sure they'll get married soon."
"Leave your wife alone. It's bad enough she has to live with you," Ophelia teases.
Tom presses his forehead against Willows. "You're my wife."
She drags her fingers over his wedding band. "You're my husband."
They kiss. Thankfully, it's more sweet than steamy.
Ophelia clears her throat and turns to Madison and Dad. "How was your flight?"
"Good. Long." Madison smiles. "So, who is going to fill me in on all the gossip about my sister?"
Tom lights up. He and Pete share a look.
Pete nods then he turns to Madison. "What exactly do you want to know?"
* * *
The afternoon is perfect. Dinner is perfect. It's an incredibly untraditional spread of Indian food. It's all vegetarian, so Willow won't feel left out.
It's sweet how much Ophelia cares about us feeling accepted. She's warm, welcoming, and take no shit at once. Come evening, she practically kicks us out of the house. I hug Dad and Madison goodbye. They're staying at a nearby hotel. We have plans to show them around Los Angeles tomorrow.
But, tonight is ours.
After we say our goodbyes, Pete slides his arm around my waist. He practically drags me outside.
The dark sky is dotted with stars. The moon is a thin sliver of silver. We're in the suburbs, surrounded by the light of houses and shopping centers, but I can see so much more details of the stars than I can in Hollywood.
"You secretly miss the suburbs, baby?" he asks.
"No." I pull him closer, soaking in the warmth of his body. It's cold out here. "I miss the stars."
"Let's go look at them."
"We caught a ride here with Tom and Willow." I stare into his eyes, trying to figure out what the spark of mischief in them means. "Explain yourself."
"You trust me?"
"You know I do."
"Then follow me."
