Page 42 of I Want You

“Harper!” He throws his arms wide. “You look spectacular,” he compliments her as he steps back, winking at her.

“And you’re still a master manipulator,” Harper retorts.

“Thanks. It runs in the family, even though my sister insists on suppressing it.”

Victoria steps forward, ready for a fight.

“You tricked me, Liam.”

“Technically, I just left out a few details.”

“That’s lying in any language.”

“Maybe so, but I don’t regret it. The rest of the gang will be here any minute.”

Harper bursts out laughing, unable to hold it in. Victoria glares at her brother.

“I’m going to check on the beef ragù,” Liam announces cheerfully.

Shortly afterward, the loft’s doorbell rings again. Solange is the first to burst into the living room, carrying a huge box from a bakery and sporting a thoroughly mischievous smile.

“Here comes the fun and the sugar!” she announces at the top of her lungs.

Behind her come Julian, carrying more wine; Rachel Kim—a lawyer and longtime family friend; and Ben Foster, the stylist who shared dozens of Sunday dinners with them in their heyday.

Harper greets them all alongside Victoria and then goes to check on Liam in the kitchen.

“What a secret get-together you’ve organized,” she says, crossing her arms as she leans against the doorframe.

“I just organized a dinner among friends,” he defends himself. “If you guys are reading too much into it, that’s not my problem.”

Rachel takes off her coat and tosses it onto an armchair.

“A dinner where, coincidentally, all of us who survived your wedding reception are here.”

Victoria points an accusing finger at her brother.

“See? Even Rachel has figured out your scheme.”

Solange walks over to Harper’s side while the others greet each other effusively and pour the first drinks.

“Did you know he was going to bring us all together?” Solange whispers, nudging her.

“I hadn’t the faintest idea.”

“Unbelievable.” Solange smiles, her eyes sparkling. “This promises some good drama.”

“Don’t even think about adding fuel to the fire, Solange.”

“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed. But I’m going to enjoy the show like crazy, I’m telling you.”

The atmosphere becomes noisy and strangely comforting in a matter of minutes. When dinner is ready, everyone sits down at the table. Harper is seated directly across from Victoria, with Solange to her right and Rachel to her left.

“You have to admit I’m a genius,” Liam proclaims as he serves the pasta. “It was only a matter of time before I brought these two eternal lovers back together.”

Harper almost chokes on her first sip of Barolo. Solange covers her face to stifle a fit of laughter, and Julian hides a suspicious cough. Victoria points her fork at her brother.

“You’d better be grateful the sauce is edible.”