I give Damian a bright smile from the counter where I pause to measure his reaction. To my relief, neither of the men pushes the issue, but Damian’s next words almost have me gasping out loud.
“Where are the photos?”
Maxime regards Damian with a blunt expression. “What photos?”
Damian’s gaze sharpens. “Your wedding photos.”
I open my mouth to make up an excuse, to say that in our rush we’d forgotten all about it, but Maxime beats me to it with an even tone.
“They’re not ready yet. The photographer hasn’t finished developing them.”
Damian relaxes a fraction. “You’ll send some to us, I hope.”
“Of course.” Maxime’s smile is a little more genuine this time.
Wiping my hair from my suddenly clammy face, I swallow away my nerves.
“How’s the business?” Damian asks.
I watch Maxime from under my lashes as I fill the big pot with water and turn on the gas.
“Great,” my husband says, not missing a beat. “Thank you for your support. Black diamonds are only taking off in Europe now, but I congratulate you for your vision.”
Damian picks up his glass, takes another sip of his wine, and sets the glass aside again. “What’s your vision?”
“To follow the trends.” Maxime’s eyes are fixed on Damian, giving the impression my brother has his undivided attention, but I know he’s watching my every move and measuring my expression.
I don’t dare to look at him for fear that Damian will catch something passing between us. Instead, I pour a scoop of salt into my palm and add it to the water before dusting my hand on my jeans.
“What about buyers?” Damian asks. “Will they follow?”
I’m not stupid. I know the buyers are afraid of showing disloyalty to Alexis by supporting Maxime now that he’s broken away from the mob. That’s why the business is suffering. If I could’ve figured it out, so has Damian. I tear open the box of spaghetti with shaking hands, trying not to spill the pasta as I dump it into the bubbling water.
“They’ll come around,” Maxime says with so much certainty he makes even me want to believe him. “These things take time.”
Damian nods, seemingly pacified for the moment.
“Would you like to visit the office?” Maxime asks. “I’d love to introduce you to some of the prominent business players.”
Damian’s smile is polite. “Maybe another time.”
Understanding flashes in Maxime’s eyes. “How’s your wife doing?”
My brother’s features darken. He’s taking Maxime’s forced interest as a threat.
“We’re both excited about the baby,” I say.
Damian’s gaze finds mine briefly before he says, “She’s doing great.”
“Good.” Maxime sounds sincere. “I’m sorry we can’t be there for the birth.”
Damian glances at me again. “If Zoe wants to come, I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“I don’t doubt your ability to protect her,” Maxime replies, “but I can’t let her out of my sight.” Rubbing a thumb over his lip as he studies me, he adds, “Yet.”
I roll my eyes at the possessive statement, but it’s a language my brother obviously understands from the way he relaxes with an agreeable if not satisfied nod.
When I carry plates and cutlery from the kitchen, Maxime gets up to help me set the table. Damian fetches glasses and the jug I’ve filled with water. While the men instill themselves at the table, I heat a tin of tomato sauce in a pan.
“I’m sorry for the simple meal,” I say when I put the pasta and sauce on the table.
Damian’s eyes soften as he looks at me. “You know I’m not fussy.”
No. When we were growing up, we didn’t have that luxury. We were lucky to get anything other than a piece of buttered toast for dinner. I relax a bit. It’s easy to forget the wealthy, cultured man in the expensive suit is still my brother. We should never fail to remember where we come from.
During the rest of the dinner I fall quiet as the guys talk business. Damian explains his vision of expanding his finished products, jewelry styled by his designer, to Europe, while Maxime agrees to provide a base for selling them as soon as the foundation of his business is sound again.
When I propose fresh fruit for dessert, Damian checks his watch.
“I’m afraid I have to get going,” he says.
Shameful relief mixes with my sadness. “Already?”
“My flight leaves in two hours.”
“Coffee before you go?” Maxime asks.
Damian gets to his feet. “I’ll get one at the airport.”
Maxime follows suit. “I’ll drive you.”
“It’s not necessary,” Damian says. “I can get a taxi.”
“It’s no trouble.” Maxime heads to the door to get his jacket. “Besides, I know the safe roads.”
My heart is heavy when I walk my brother to the door. Folding my arms around him, I hug him tight. “Give Lina and Josh a hug from me.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I will.”
“Please let me know the moment there’s news,” I say, staring up at him.
His smile is tender. “Don’t worry. You’ll be the first to know.”
“A baby.” I sigh. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt.”
“What about you? Getting broody?” Damian asks, but he’s looking at Maxime as he poses the question.
“Soon,” Maxime says just as I reply, “No.”
Damian gives me a curious look, a flicker of caution creeping back into his eyes.
“Something we’re still to discuss,” Maxime says. “It seems I’m keener than my wife.”
I recognize his iron will, but to any onlooker he must appear tender and caring.
Damian relents, releasing me with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll work it out.”
“Thank you,” I say. Thanks for caring enough to check up on me.
Damian’s expression turns stern. “Call me.”
“I’ll make sure she does,” Maxime says. Taking my face between his hands, he kisses my forehead before retrieving his keys.
The door closes on their backs, and then they’re gone. Suddenly, I’m alone in every sense, feeling it all the way to my soul. My hand automatically
