Page 8 of Mercy & Malice

The clicking continues, getting louder each time. “That’s probably enough. We really need to leave, and I’m sure you need to get there soon too.”

“Yes, I really do need to get going. Just a few more.” She glances at her phone before passing it to Mr. Montclair then moving beside me. “Will you take one of us?”

“Sure thing.” His beaming smile grows as he takes the photo and proclaims, “My two beautiful ladies.”

There’s no way my face isn’t showing my surprise. Yes, he’s technically dating my mom. I knew they had a thing long before we moved in and while she was still with my dad, but my understanding of our move was for a safe, temporary place to live. Not to cosplay a happy, doting family. Now it seems like this may be a permanent setup with her boyfriend.

And he’s adding to the mix as he hands the phone to Ivy. “Will you get a photograph of the three of us please?”

Ivy takes the phone, her eyes darting to mine. She knows I don’t want to, and I see the hesitation in her expression, but we both know it’s easier to smile and take the damn picture so we can get out of here.

Mr. Montclair throws in a curveball when he motions to Luca. “Come get in the picture.” When Luca doesn’t move, his father says, “Please, son.”

My mom adds a heartfelt, “Yes, please, Luca. I’d love a photo with the four of us.”

It should be five.

Luca’s eyes focus on Ivy, who I see gives him a subtle nod. She’s trying to keep the peace for sure.

Coming to stand beside me, Luca stays stiff as Ivy snaps a few more pictures then hands my mom her phone. Mom swipes through them in review as she asks Ivy, “Is Zachary attending? I can take a few pictures of you and your brother together if you’d like.”

Ivy chuckles. “No, he’s not. He told us he’s not going to anything that isn’t mandatory.”

“Understood.” Mom turns and pulls me into a quick hug, whispering to me, “Enjoy the moment. You deserve it.”

Even after she and Mr. Montclair walk out of the door, I stand there speechless.

“I need a drink,” Luca mutters.

“Me too.” My eyes are still on the door when I feel Cain brush my arm.

“All good?”

“Oh, yes.” Totally. “So ready. I just didn’t expect Mr. Montclair to show for pictures or my mom, actually. She’s never been the let’s-take-pictures-together type before an event.” Which, in her defense, the moments leading up to any occasion were usually miserable. My father would always go out of his way to ruin the day if he got the slightest inkling that we were excited about anything. Maybe Mr. Montclair isn’t so bad after all. My mom sure seems happier than she has in a while, and that’s even with Dad still lurking around.

Luca passes a shot glass to each of us. Cain is the one who raises his first as he says, “To us.”

We clink them together before muttering the same then downing the shots before I add, “And to those who should be here.”

Cain taps his glass to mine then gently takes it and sets both down. “Come on. It’s going to be a great night.”

“Agreed.” I take a deep breath. He’s right. It’s going to be a fabulous night that we will never get back. Might as well make the best of it.

“Is it over yet?” Ivy grumbles.

Luca pours himself another shot as he laughs. “You wanted to go and were excited about tonight.”

She rolls her eyes as she takes the whiskey from him and puts it back in the cabinet. “Yes, for Brooke. She’s put so much hard work into it. So, don’t think this was about anything else.”

Luca smirks as he pulls her against him. “But you are looking forward to dancing with me, admit it.” He doesn’t give her the opportunity to respond before he covers her mouth with his.

I don’t realize I’m staring until I hear Cain clear his throat. “Feels like we’re intruding on a private moment.”

I agree with that too. “We’ll be waiting outside.”

Ivy shifts back, shoving her hands against Luca’s chest as she smiles at him. “No, we’re ready to leave.”

“Are we?” He leans back down, giving her a quick kiss before she laughs.