Normally, I wouldn’t care what anyone outside the relationship thought. But these people are important to Ava, so I want them to at least find me acceptable.
Finally, the door opens, and Ava enters with Darcy and Ray and little Mia. I hurry over to help with the luggage.
“Hello, Lucas,” Darcy says with a small smile.
Relieved, I smile back. Behind her, Ray is looking rather reserved. The man doesn’t totally trust me. Smart. Much as I hate to admit it, if the situation were reversed, I wouldn’t trust me either.
“Sorry I couldn’t meet you at the airport. I had some business.”
“It must’ve been very important, the day before Thanksgiving and all.” Although Ray’s expression is neutral, his tone is definitely cool.
“It was. The other party happens to be overseas, so unfortunately they don’t have much respect for American holidays.”
“So, this is my place,” Ava interjects brightly. “It’s small, but I think you’ll be comfortable enough. I’ll use the sofa bed, and you guys can take the one in the bedroom along with Mia.” She clasps her hands. “Do you want to do anything tonight? My schedule’s wide open…”
Darcy shrugs. “We’re pretty flexible.”
“Yeah, because we couldn’t get the reservation we wanted,” Ray grouses.
I arch an eyebrow. “Reservation?”
“A restaurant called Éternité. Supposed to be an amazing experience. We heard so much about it we wanted to go while we were out here, but they said they’re booked full until next year!” Darcy shakes her head. “Can you believe it?”
Ray’s annoyance is palpable. Oddly, it makes him appear more human. “I knew it was popular, but a year’s wait to get in…”
Darcy pats his hand. “We can go next time. You know we’ll be back to visit again.”
“Have you ever been there?” Ava asks me.
“No.” The place is owned by one of my half-siblings’ cousins on the Pryce side of the family. And for that reason, I didn’t rush to the grand opening or bother to dine there. I absolutely loathe running into Geraldine Pryce—Blake, Ryder and Elizabeth’s mother. She’s an exceptionally difficult person to like to begin with, plus she hates my guts because she despises my mother. Never mind that I’m not too crazy about my mother myself.
At the same time, booked full or not, I’m pretty certain I can wrangle a reservation. Elizabeth is very close to her Pryce cousins, and she can probably get a table. And it will be a small way to endear myself to Ava’s family.
“But let me make a few calls and see if I can arrange for something interesting to do,” I say.
I go out to the tiny balcony and close the door behind me. I don’t want to get anybody’s hopes up in case I can’t deliver. I call Elizabeth. She picks up fast, as though she’s been waiting.
“If you’re calling me to tell me you’ve finally reconciled with the love of your life, don’t. I already heard. Congratulations,” she says happily.
“Of course you heard.” My lips twitch. “Everybody talks to you.”
“Well. People like me. What can I say?”
“Perhaps you can help me then, using your s
uper likability.”
“What is it?” I can almost hear her lean closer to the phone. “I can’t remember the last time you asked anyone for a favor.”
“This is actually for Ava’s parents. They really want to dine at Éternité tonight, and didn’t think to make reservations a year in advance. I know it’s owned by your cousin Mark… You think you can get us a table?”
“Sure. He always keeps an empty table for family. How many people?”
“Four adults and one small child. A toddler, really. Is that gonna be a problem?”
“Don’t think so,” she says. “Assuming the child is well behaved.”
“I think she is,” I say slowly. She seems happy and well behaved enough.