Come Away With Me(93)
“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself, handsome. Are you going to be okay tonight with all the people there?”
“Yeah, I’ll be okay. I’m an actor, remember? I can play the part for one night.”
“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” He doesn’t fool me. I can see the nervousness in his eyes and the way he keeps fidgeting with his tie.
“I’ll know most everyone there. My parents wouldn’t invite a bunch of strangers, so it should be cool.” He kisses my forehead and his lips turn up on one side. “Are you worried about me?”
“Of course I am. I love you.”
His eyes soften. “I love you too.”
“Hey, Nat, can I borrow… Oh, God. We don’t have time for this.” Jules shakes her head in disgust and stomps into my closet, coming out wearing a pair of my earrings. “Can I borrow these earrings?”
“Yes,” I laugh. “That dress is to die for.”
“I know, right?” She flashes a Cheshire cat grin and turns in a slow circle showing off her strapless red dress. She’s stunning in red.
“Are you bringing Nate tonight?” I ask.
“No way, not introducing him to family.” Jules shakes her head adamantly and I let it go. She’s still not talking much about Nate.
“Okay.” I shrug and smile. “Want to ride with us?”
“No, Isaac and Stacy are picking me up. I’ll see you there.”
“Ready, baby?” Luke asks me.
“Let’s go.”
***
The anniversary party is being held at a country club in Bellevue that Luke’s family belongs to. The ballroom has been decorated beautifully, with colorful flower centerpieces, twinkling lights and candles. There is a two-person wooden bench sitting near the entrance with black markers for everyone to sign in lieu of a guestbook. Neil will place it by Lucy’s favorite flower garden at home.
“Luke, this is gorgeous. Samantha and your father did a great job. Your mom is going to be beside herself.”
Luke smiles widely, “She’ll love it. Come on, let me introduce you to some people.”
He snatches two glasses of champagne from a waiter and hands one to me as we begin mingling about the room. I am excited to see Gail and Steven have already arrived and I hug them both.
“Oh my goodness, you both look so wonderful!” Gail is simply stunning with her short blond hair styled around her face, and she’s wearing a beautiful royal blue evening gown. Steven is dapper as can be in a black suit and tie. I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“Darling, you are breathtaking.” Gail hugs me close, her eyes shining with love and happiness.
“Thank you for coming, both of you. My parents will be delighted to see you.” Luke shakes Steven’s hand and kisses Gail on the cheek.
“Thank you for inviting us. You look so handsome, dear.”
“Happy to be here,” Steven responds and winks at Luke.
Huh? I look up at Luke, wondering what that wink was about, but Luke’s face gives nothing away.
The room is filling quickly with people, and Luke sticks close to my side, his hand on my back, introducing me to his family and friends.
Finally, in a moment alone, he hands me a fresh glass of champagne and whispers in my ear, “You are unbelievably gorgeous tonight. And you are charming everyone in this room.”
His smile is possessive and loving and I warm at his words.
“You’re the charming one. Are you having fun?”
“Yeah, I’m excited to see my mom’s reaction. In fact,” he looks at his watch. “Time to get everyone seated.”
He has a word with the band leader who then announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats. The guests of honor will be arriving shortly.”
Luke and I are seated at the head table with his parents, Samantha and her date and Luke’s brother, Mark.
“Luke, Natalie, this is my date, Paul.” Luke shakes his hand while giving him a speculative stare, and I smile to myself.
Overprotective brother.
“Hey, beautiful.” Mark flashes me that signature Williams grin and pulls me into a hug. “Good to see you’re still putting up with my brother’s shit. When you’ve had enough of him, give me a call.” He winks down at me and I can’t help but laugh.
“Stop fondling my girlfriend. Find your own.” Luke pulls me out of Mark’s grasp as Mark grins at him.
Yes, these Williams men are charmers.
Luke takes my hand and kisses my fingers as he guides me to my seat between him and Mark.
Suddenly the ballroom doors swing open, and the room erupts into applause. Neil is smiling lovingly down at his bride as Lucy’s mouth drops and she looks around the large room, realizing that she recognizes everyone here.