My teeth chattered as the raw wind hit my exposed face, raising the tiny hairs from my face and neck, and leaving fine goosebumps in its trail. Luca was kind enough to drape his brown coat over my shoulders as we waited outside the airport.

"I should have checked the weather forecast princess." He rubbed gentle circles on my back to create heat. I wasn't sure if he was being genuine or pretending because, James, was around. It was going to be hard to determine genuine and bogus actions in front of company.

"There you guys are, "A red-haired woman said, approaching us. "I've been looking everywhere," she sighed in relief.

She was dressed in a black coat, black pants, and a bowler hat. Her auburn hair fell around her shoulders highlighting her heart-shaped face.

James beamed from beside me as he stared at her. "Amelia," he said, excitedly.

"Hello James," she said with an unexpected grunt and a roll of her eyes. She seemed less excited to see him and I could sense some tension between the two, as James had a look of somewhat guilt on his face while she openly glowered at him.

"You must be Elizabeth," she turned her gaze away from James, to look at me instead. Her facial features softened as she looked me over." Mrs. Hendricks has been singing your praises," she smiled warmly.

Her eyes landed on Luca next and she gasped, placing a hand on her heart dramatically. "Great Scott," she examined him with her eyes. "You've cut your hair!"

"It's nice to see you too Amy," Luca said, with a tired smile on his face. He looked pale and his eyes looked as if they were struggling to stay open. 

"Still acting the maggot and pissing of your father?" Amelia chuckled.

"Always," Luca chuckled lightly, and she high fived him.

"I parked in the back. Easier to get out of here." Amelia began walking and we followed her. She pulled out a set of car keys and pushed a button unlocking a black BMW SUV

James moved to get into the passenger's seat of the car, Luca and I got in the back, and Amy started up the car, revving the engine and making the men laugh in the process.

"What?" She laughed.

"This is why they don't let you drive the sportscar," Luca chuckled. She drove out of the parking lot and I rested against the leather interior seats. The car smelled new.

I looked at Luca who wasn't as talkative ever since we landed at the airport. He rested his head back on the seat, stifling a yawn as he pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes. "I'm just tired princess," his voice came out groggy. It's like he read my mind.

His hair fell onto his forehead and my hands itched to push it back into place. He looked so different when he was sleepy. Less egotistical and more like a baby animal.

"Why didn't you sleep on the plane?" I asked and he shook his head slowly.

"Flying makes me nervous. I can't sleep when I'm nervous."

"How long till we reach the house?" I asked, holding his coat closer to my body.

He lazily opened his eyes as he brought his wristwatch close to his face. "Twenty-odd minutes princess."

After a while, the car turned down a street that was secluded and covered in forestry. After a few more turns the car stopped in front of a huge silver gate. The fence around the area went on and I couldn't see where it stopped.
The letter 'H' sat in the center of the gate.

Amelia pressed a button on a remote and the gate slid open as she drove the car in. She stopped the car and unbuckled her seat belt. Everyone moved to get out of the car but I felt numb. I didn't want to walk anymore. My body had succumbed to laziness.

I forced myself out of the car and as my feet hit the ground I could hear the subtle crunch of fresh grass. The air was crisped and for the first time in a while, I felt like I was breathing oxygen, and I couldn't get enough of it. I just wanted to absorb it into my body.

James and Luca grabbed the bags from the trunk of the car and I moved to help them only to get a solid no. I was freezing and couldn't wait to go into the house.

The mansion lay in the center of grassy fields and tall trees. Tall lampposts decorated the yard as well as brought a warm eminent glow to the place.

My teeth began to chatter and I let out a breath to see the mist drift in front of me. "H-u-r-r-y-y u-p-p-p," my teeth chattered as I spoke.

Amy patted my back. "You get used to it after a while," she smiled, leading me up to the house with James and Luca following behind us. "While you here Elizabeth feel free to ask me for anything," she declared, and I smiled sheepishly. I wasn't going to bother anyone while I stayed here. I just wanted to help Luca as well as take a well-deserved vacation.

James rushed in front of us to open the door and Amelia still ignored him. "You got to stop trying so hard mate," Luca laughed and James smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head uncomfortably as he shot Luca daggers.

The house was immaculately decorated. Warm yellow light flooded through the room. A beautiful red and black carpet with intricate designs carpeted the floor all the way to a staircase.

"Liz," a familiar feminine voice said in excitement and I turned around to see Stephanie standing on the staircase. She held onto her belly as she hurriedly walked down the staircase. She was wearing a pink sweater and black tights.

"Please be careful Stephanie," Luca panicked and rushed over to the edge of the staircase. "You can't run down the stairs. You pregnant," Luca reprimanded.

"Oh how could I forget when everyone keeps reminding me that there is a tiny human growing in me," she chuckled, patting her tummy gently.

I tried to keep my mouth closed so that my teeth didn't chatter but I couldn't help it and my teeth began to chatter. "You poor thing your teeth are chattering," Stephanie came over to me and put her arm over my shoulder. "Come dad's lit the fireplace in the sitting area. Everyone's here."

I looked at Luca. I suddenly didn't feel so cold anymore. I knew I had to meet all of Luca's family members because it's a wedding, but I thought it would be later than sooner.

She led the way through a set of mahogany double doors. Black and silver curtains, lined large windows. The room was decorated with red velvet couches that had black scatter cushions. A red brick fireplace lit up the room. Old paintings hung on the walls. The fire crackled delightfully while classical music played softly in the background, blending in with everyone's chattering.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I took a step into the room. "My boy," an elderly man beamed, as he walked over to us. He had a square-shaped glass in his hand and he was dressed in plaid. His circular-shaped glasses sat at the tip of his nose as he took a long drag of the cigar in his other hand, releasing puffs of smoke in the air.

"Grandfather," Luca said in excitement and the two embraced each other in a brief hug, patting each other on the back.

"How you've been my boy," the old man smiled. "And this must be your little lady friend," he said looking over at me.

"This is Elizabeth," Luca introduced.

"It's a pleasure my dear, but if you'll excuse me I have something important," he shook his now empty glass. "To discuss with my grandson over here," the old man heartedly chuckled.

Luca walked away with his grandfather and when I glanced over my shoulder, James and Amelia were gone. Leaving me alone with Stephane. I wanted the universe to swallow me alive. I couldn't do this without Luca by my side. I was afraid I'd say something wrong. "Come I want you to meet the other bridesmaids," Stephanie said maneuvering me through the groups of people in the room.

"I kind of wish I knew you were having a party," I said looking at everyone. I probably looked tired and I was in no mood for a party.

She walked up to a group of girls that were animatedly chatting. All except one that remained silent as she sipped on a champagne flute. The woman was dressed lavishly and even their subtlest of movements had an air of class to it. "Steph is your brother here yet?" A lady dressed in a blue long-sleeved dress asked. Her ginger blonde hair was in a ponytail.

"Yes Abigail," Stephanie said and she had a bit of growl in her voice as she answered. "This is his girlfriend, Elizabeth. She is going to be a bridesmaid as well."

Abigail looked me over, a look that screamed disgust formed in her eyes as they narrowed into slits and a sickening scowl flashed on her face. She looked at me as if I was something she stepped on and got stuck under her red bottoms.

What did I sign up for.

"Liz this is Suzanne," Stephanie then introduced, gesturing to the lady that was sipping on a champagne flute silently. She was wearing a white floral knee-length dress and her dark brown hair fell over her shoulders. "And this is Madeline," she said gesturing to a tall lady. Her sandy blonde hair was curled and short and she was wearing a red body fit dress.

"So Elizabeth, how did you and Luca meet?" Abigail wasted no time in asking as she smiled through her teeth.

"He came into the restaurant I work in and I was his waitress, "I said and she erupted into a fit of giggles.

"You a waitress," she laughed and the condescension in her voice was clear.

"Yeah," I said getting offended that she found it so funny.

The other girls remained silent as Abigail giggled. "Hey," A familiar German lady's voice excitedly said, getting our attention.

Mia walked up to us with a broad smile on her face. She was dressed in dark denim jeans and a purple off-shoulder top. "I'm sorry I'm late," she walked over to Suzanne and gave her a side hug followed by a peck on the cheek. "

Stephanie turned to me. "Mia and Suzanne are engaged," she beamed at the two and they smiled. "And I can't wait for their wedding. Suzanne agreed to let me design her dress as well," Stephanie told me, and I could see the excitement in her as she spoke and clasped her hands together.

"Did she now," Mia chuckled.

Suzanne smiled at Stephanie. "Steph drives a very hard bargain and she said it would be my wedding gift to her."

"Steph," A man's voice called and we turned our head to see Christian walking through a crowd of people.

He walked over to us with another man by his side. The man was well dressed. He was wearing a midnight blue suit without the tie and the top button open. His hair was black and sleeked back.

"Carlos," Stephanie shrieked and the man opened his arms to hug her.

"Steph you look amazing," Carlos kissed her on the top of her head and Christian glowered at him playfully.

"Hey keep your lips off my future wife Sanchez or I'll kick your ass," Christian joked.

"Don't get jealous Mi hermano," the man chuckled. He had a noticeable Spanish accent.

"Hi I'm Abigail," Abigail stepped forward putting out her hand.

"Nice to meet you señorita," Carlos said, letting Steph go and placing a kiss on the back of Abigail's hand.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," she blushed and I had to fight the urge to gag.

His eyes landed on me and at that moment I didn't know if my brain was still functioning properly. "Hi," he greeted as his mesmerizing light brown honey eyes looked into mine.

"Hi," I greeted back and he flashed a dangerously debonair smile.

"I simply love your accent," Madeline said getting his attention. "I'm Madeline by the way."

"Princess," Luca called, walking up to me. "Mum wanted to have a word with us."

"Luca," Abigail smiled, running her hands over her dress, and a look of fear washed over Luca's facial features as he visibly gulped.

Everything started to fall into perspective and I realized Abigail was so venomous towards me because she had the hots for Hendricks. 

"Oh hi," he said, awkwardly and she giggled. The nasal sound caused my eyes to widen.

Luca put his arm around me and Abigail glared at me while she flashed a bright smile. Her teeth were white and straight. It was the perfect smile yet there was something still creepy about it.

Luca pulled me away immediately "I'm fucked it's here," he mumbled to himself.

He led me to his mother who was standing at a table that had drinks displayed on it. There were two other elderly women with her and they looked to be deep in conversation.

"Elizabeth finally," Charlotte smiled as we approached her. "I thought Stephanie would never let you go," she chuckled. "This is my mother Scarlett and this is my mother-in-law Ruth," she introduced.

Both ladies smiled kindly at me. "What a lovely girl," Scarlett said taking my hand and looking me over. She was wearing a lime green skirt with a matching top and jacket and Ruth was wearing a black and white patterned skirt and a brown jacket. 

From the time I arrived, I felt like I was under a microscope as everyone I met examined me with their eyes.
"Indeed she is lovely. Much better than that tattooed..." Ruth trailed. 

Luca ran a hand down his face. "Grandmother please," he said in nervous laughter.

"Yes we dare not speak its name in this household," Scarlett held onto her heart. "She is the reason why my grandson is away from me."

Charlotte sighed heavily. "Mother let's not talk about this now," she interjected before the conversation progressed.

"I need a drink," Ruth said, reaching for a bottle of whiskey on the table.

"You've had three. You cut off mother," Harry said walking up to us and taking the bottle out of his mother's hands.  He was with Luca's grandfather, the elderly man that pulled Luca away earlier.

"Exactly. You know how you get Ruthie," the elderly man said, downing the last of the remains in his glass.

"Don't tell me what to do Henry," Ruth glowered him and he laughed.

I was enjoying Luca's grandparents and parents company more than Stephanie's bridesmaid's company. "Mum what did you want to speak to Liz and me about?" Luca asked her softly when the others were preoccupied and Charlotte pulled us away.

She walked through the room and went out the doors. Leading us back to the entrance of the house. She closed the doors behind her and looked around to ensure no one would overhear our conversation.

"We seem to be short on rooms," Charlotte said, biting the tip of her thumb. "And I'm under no illusion that you two haven't shared a bed before."

"Mother!" Luca exclaimed with wide eyes.

"Come on son. We all adults here," she nonchalantly waved her hand. "Anyway now you two don't have to sneak around at night. "

This couldn't be happening.

The sound of the door behind us opening got Charlotte to stop talking and look behind her. Stephanie popped her head out. "Mum, grammy Ruth is dancing again," she chuckled and Charlotte looked horrified.

"Oh goodness gracious. I'm coming dear," Charlotte said and turned on her heal, running back into the room filled with people.

Luca's jaw was still open as he watched his mother disappear behind the set of double doors. His eyes landed on me and we both just stared at each other in shock. "What are we going to do?" We spoke at the same time. I needed privacy. I couldn't share a room with him. I didn't want to share a room with him.

"I can't share a room with you," we both said at the same time again and I grunted as he placed one hand on his hip and ran his free hand through his hair.

"Fuck," he grunted and I glared at him. He made it seem like I was the hard one to live with.

"I'm easy to live with Hendricks don't act like you the one being punished."

"Oh no princess you're a delight," he said and I didn't miss the sarcasm in his voice.

"Come on," he grunted and began walking up the staircase.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked.

"Here's something I never thought I'd say to you princess. My bedroom," he laughed and I glared at his back as we walked up the stairs.

The walls in the hallways were painted cream and had black borders.  All the doors in the hallway were black, tables with blue and white patterned vases on top of them, filled with fresh flowers were at the side of each doorway.

There were four rooms on the floor. A room with double doors and the other three rooms had singular doors. "This floor was just for Steph and me," he said as he walked down the hall. "That's the library," he said as we walked past the room that had double doors.

He pushed opened the last door in the hallway and gestured for me to walk in first. He switched on the light and I jumped. A woman was sitting on his bed.

"Lu-," before I could finish my sentence she sprung up from the bed and jumped on Luca hugging him.

"Allison?" Luca said in surprise as he eased his hands around her body.

Why did awkward things always happen to me and most importantly why did I put myself in awkward situations. "I missed you," she cooed and he nodded, hugging her back longingly.

"I missed you too," he said and his eyes fell on me before his face ducked into the crook of her neck.

***************************************************

A/N

Chapter 30.

Y'all still here? 👀

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit crazy no lie. And Allison being in Luca's bedroom at the same time as Liz... Awkward...

I'm sure they'll figure it out though.

Anyway till next chapter my precious humans.

💜P. A