Page 81 of Fostering Chemistry
Part of the reason that made me so happy was that I genuinely liked her. And I’d meant what I said about wanting her to have a good time tonight. But I also couldn’t help noticing the way my family looked at me differently. Like I was no longer just the youngest sibling. Just the college kid. Just the last one to get adopted. With Mia accompanying me, it was like they viewed me differently. Except for Cousin Dan. He couldn’t keep his eyes off my date, and I quickly steered her away.
“Your dress is like a Rorschach test,” I said as we went to get something to drink.
“A what?” She smiled up at me, but with those sexy high heels, she didn’t have to tilt her head as far as usual. “Is that a good thing?”
I laughed. “It’s that ink blot test, where everyone looks at it and sees a different shape. Everyone who’s commented on your dress tonight has called it a different color. Aunt Miranda said it was a muted garnet, whatever that means. And Jason called it cinnamon.”
Mia had her hand wrapped around my arm, and her touch was somehow both light and warm. “Jason is your redheaded brother?”
“Yes.” I didn’t tell her that I actually had two redheaded brothers. She was already astonished by the size of our family.
“Who was that tall woman who called it spiced rose?”
“My sister Katie.”
Mia looked around as if searching for her. “Is she the judge?”
“Yes.”
She smiled. “Then I’d say she gets to make the final ruling.”
I laughed. “Better her than Cousin Dan.” I had a feeling that if I knew what he thought of Mia’s dress, I’d have to punch him in the nose.
And then I heard my name. My grandfather strode toward us, still tall and sprightly despite his age. Mia paled, and I knew she was determined to make a good impression.
Judging from the smile that lit up my grandfather’s face, she already had.
“It is so nice to meet you, young lady.” He actually took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it like he was a prince or something. Then grandma joined us, and her eyes sparkled when I introduced her to Mia.
Sparkled and… crap, was that a tear? Half my family seemed to think I’d met the woman of my dreams and that we would marry and soon have a minivan full of children.
The truth wasn’t that simple. Mia was my friend. And I could admit, at least to myself, that I was hoping for more, but right now it was enough to be her friend.
We finally settled at a round table as the meals were served. “You’re not eating much,” I whispered when I’d cut into my steak, a perfect medium rare.
“I’m too nervous.”
My fork stilled, and I looked at her. “You shouldn’t be. My family’s thrilled that you’re here. So please eat something. It’s good.”
“The dress is too tight,” she said, and I couldn’t help letting my eyes follow the line of the fabric as it tucked in at her waist and flared out at her hips. And the slit… that damn slit was going to be the death of me. It was open now, leaving almost all of her gorgeous leg bare.
“I think the dress fits you perfectly, but if it makes you uncomfortable?—”
She put a hand on my arm, stopping me. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I mean it’s a bit too tight to eat a big meal. Trust me, I’m not knocking the dress. I may wear it to every occasion for the rest of my life.”
“Well, sign me up for the ones you’d like an escort for.”
“Will do.” Her dangly earrings sparkled as she cocked her head at me.
Then it was time for the speeches. Some of my older siblings and aunts and uncles told their favorite stories about my grandparents. Then Katie, the judge, came up on stage and conducted a condensed version of a wedding ceremony as they renewed their vows.
And then it was my grandfather’s turn. His voice wasn’t as robust as it had been on the videos I’d seen of him giving political speeches, but it still resonated as he spoke of his love for my grandmother.
When it was done, I was surprised to see tears in Mia’s eyes. I squeezed her hand as she wiped her cheeks. My family could be a bit much, but they loved me, and I loved them. I wished Mia and all foster kids had been as lucky as I was.
The party wasin full swing when I felt Mia's hand squeeze mine, the signal that meant she was getting overwhelmed. I couldn't blame her. My family went all out for everything, and my grandparents' fiftieth anniversary was a huge deal. The large hall was packed with what felt like half the city, everyone dressed to the nines and talking at volumes that competed with the live jazz band.
I glanced down at Mia, taking in the slight tension around her eyes despite her polite smile. I should’ve noticed it sooner, and I might have if I hadn’t gotten fixated on that incredible dress every time I looked her way. And the gorgeous body that filled it out so nicely.
