“Our guests should be arriving soon,” her grandmother said.
Bryn peered into the ballroom where silver and gold trees lined the walls. The tables were draped with navy linens which featured alternating silver and gold napkin rings. An orchestra warmed up on the stage in the corner. “It’s even more beautiful than last year.”
“Thank you. We’ve changed the schedule a bit this year. We won’t be relocating to the small ballroom to hand out gifts. We’ll have the gifts delivered to our tables.”
Since the small ballroom had been the scene of the attack last year that made sense. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
Her grandfather came toward them with a huge smile on his face. He kept walking until he reached his wife and took her hands in his. “You look amazing.”
Her grandmother’s cheeks turned pink. “Thank you, Ephram. You look rather dashing yourself.”
What is that about?
He released his wife’s hands and looked at Bryn. “You look lovely. Remember to keep Jaxon on his toes tonight.”
“I will.” Not that she knew what he meant, but he was in such a good mood she didn’t want to do anything to change that.
“I believe our guests are here.” He stood on her other side and they greeted everyone as they came in. It was a strange Blue tradition where you thanked people for coming as they entered the room in a slow orderly line. When Jaxon appeared, looking runway-worthy in a classic black tuxedo, he just stared at her like he was confused, rather than responding with the expected, “Thank you for inviting us.”
“What?” He rarely missed a step in the social dance.
“Your hair,” was all he said before he moved on to shake hands with her grandfather.
Her grandmother gave her a sly grin before greeting the next person. Huh? Had she just rendered Jaxon speechless? That was quite the feat.
When they were done greeting everyone, Bryn headed to their table up front, hoping to find a glass of water. Sitting down sounded good, too. Her heels were gorgeous, but they weren’t the most comfortable shoes she’d ever worn.
She sat next to where her grandmother would be seated and wasn’t surprised when Lillith joined her with Asher. However, his outfit did surprise her.
“Is that poor baby wearing a tuxedo?” Bryn asked.
Lillith ran her finger along the tiny jacket lapel. “It’s a onesie tailored to look like a tuxedo. I think they did an amazing job.”
“Very convincing.” She was glad to know Asher was comfortable. The fact that he was making little baby snuffling sounds as he slept assured her his outfit must be baby-friendly.
Bryn sipped her water and glanced around the room at the color-coded crowd. She wouldn’t let it bother her. Over the summer, she’d grown used to it, but since she’d been at school she’d become accustomed to fitting in, rather than standing out. Not that it mattered. This was her grandparents’ house and she had more right than any of these people to be here. And she’d just keep telling herself that until she believed it.
“Where’s Jaxon?” Lillith asked.
“Probably talking to his friends,” Bryn said.
“He should have come for you before he wandered off,” Lillith said.
Oh. She hadn’t realized that. “Should I be insulted?” Bryn asked in a joking manner.
“Of course not,” Lillith said. “As long as he comes to greet you soon, it’s acceptable.”
Huh. Bryn leaned in. “I trust you, so please don’t make fun of me. I’ve never worn my hair like this and my dress is slit a little higher than I’m comfortable with. Can I carry this off?”
“Oh.” Lillith looked like she understood and it made her sad. “Bryn, your hair is amazing, and the dress fits perfectly. Don’t doubt yourself. And if I may offer some advice…don’t look for your self worth in a man’s compliments. Westgates aren’t good at compliments. It took me awhile to figure that out with Ferrin. I don’t want you stressing over the same thing.”
Bryn was once again struck by her life’s odd similarity to Lillith’s. “Thank you. That’s probably some of the best advice I’ve received about dealing with a Westgate.”
“I did work to make sure Jaxon is more considerate than his father.”
“And I appreciate that.”
Bryn’s grandmother came to the table and sat down. Her smile slipped a bit. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” Bryn said. “We were just bonding over having to deal with Westgates.”
“All men have their issues,” her grandmother said. “You should go find Jaxon and mingle.”
“If I could spot him, I would,” Bryn said.
“Isn’t that him by the orchestra?” her grandmother said.
Bryn peered across the room. “Probably, but I’m not chasing after him tonight. If he wants to spend time with me he knows where I am.”
“I see your point.”
“If he doesn’t come over soon I’m going to put him on diaper duty tomorrow,” Lillith said.
Bryn laughed. “Thank you for having my back.”
“We women have to stick together,” Lillith said.
“Speak of the devil,” Bryn’s grandmother said.
Bryn glanced in the direction her grandmother had indicated. Jaxon came toward her with his friend Quentin. When they reached the table, he barely looked at her, but he said, “Bryn, do you want to mingle with us?”
“Sure.” What the heck was his problem? Thank goodness Lillith had reassured her about her hair and dress because Jaxon was putting off a strange vibe.
She followed him and Quentin to a group of students she’d met at school but never interacted with much. The boys congregated together, talking about cars. The girls talked jewelry. Bryn plastered a smile on her face. Why in the hell had she thought tonight might be fun?
“Bryn,” one of the girls said. “Where did you find your hair pin?”
“My grandmother gave it to me. I think it belonged to her great aunt.”
“Is it a Vanleigh?” the girl asked.
Now that she thought about it, there had been a V carved into the side of the pin just like the bracelet her grandfather had given her last Christmas, which meant it was a one-of-kind-special-order piece. “I believe it is.”
“It’s amazing,” another girl said.
“Thank you.”
The orchestra started to play a song at full volume which was the signal that they should return to their tables so her grandfather could thank them all for coming, which technically he’d done at the door and she’d probably never understand these Blue social norms, but at least this year she knew what to expect. That was a huge relief.
She joined Lillith and her grandmother. Lillith stood and moved over a seat.
“I did shower today,” Bryn said.
Lillith chuckled. “Jaxon will want to sit next to you.”
The irritating male in question joined them and did sit next to her, but he sipped his water and stared off into space rather than looking at her. She leaned in and said, “Fair warning, I’m close enough to kick you under the table if you don’t stop acting like you’d rather be anywhere but near me, and I’m wearing really pointy shoes.”
He looked at her like she was insane. “What are you talking about?”
“Thank you everyone for coming this evening,” her grandfather’s voice boomed through the room. “In these changing times, it’s good to come together as a Clan to reinforce our bonds. I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful time this evening.”
Bryn clapped along with everyone else, while she tried to reason with her inner five-year-old who really wanted to kick Jaxon in the shins. Part of her had thought she might impress him tonight. That he might see her as an attractive female, rather than someone he was burdened with. Apparently, that was not the case and she’d just have to suck it up and get over it. It was Christmas. And she was going to have a good time…possibly at his expense.
“Aren’t the trees beautiful this year,” she said to him.
He nodded.
“Young man, my granddaughter asked you a question and I know your mother raised you to do better than nod at your dinner date and then ignore her.”