Page 94 of These Summer Storms

“No. I hate it. I hate the way you talk about me as though I’m just an extension of Mom. I have my own life, you know.”

“Yes, we know,” Sam said, digging himself deeper. “You’re in a long-term relationship with a man you’re about to fire.”

Everyone followed the direction he indicated, to the far end of the lawn, where Tony stood alongside a collection of other broad-shouldered, barrel-chested men in suits and sunglasses—a half dozen body men who had ceded protection for the day to the Secret Service detail lining the perimeter of the island.

“How’s that going, by the way?”

“Shut up,” Greta said, suddenly fifteen again, at odds with her brother.

“I ask because I’m doing my thing.”

“If you mean keeping your mouth shut—” Alice began, censure in her tone.

“You can’t threaten to tattle, Alice. I’ve got a pass for the funeral. I can talk as much as I want to whomever I want. And it’s time for her to make some sacrifices for the rest of us.”

“I have made sacrifices my whole life for you, Sam,” Greta said. “Someone had to compensate for the disappointment Mom and Dad had in you.”

“Whoa…” Emily spoke for both her and Alice.

“I’mthe disappointment?” Sam said with a laugh more cruel than amused. “That’s rich. I’m the one who gave them grandchildren.”

It was a direct hit, and Alice jumped in as Greta turned red. “Okay, Sam. Why don’t you go spend some time with those grandchildren?” She tilted a head toward Sila in the distance, giggling with her companion. “Or maybe stop your wife from running away with her new movie-star friend.”

“Can’t blame her.” Greta finally found her voice. “When this is what she married.”

“Both of you, stop,” Alice said quietly, stepping between them and staring Sam down before he retaliated. “Look around. The whole world is watching.” With a glare, Sam turned away from them, and headed for the guests. And the bar.

Alice sighed, her gaze tracking over the crowd, a who’s who of the wide world, all vying for attention themselves, no time to watch the errant Storm kids doing what they were famous for doing. No one was looking. Except…

Of course.Jack had seen it all.

And, considering the way his jaw had set, he was about to come and handle it.Fix it.As though her family would allow that. She shook her head, barely. Warning him off, knowing that later she’d pay for revealing that she was watching him as much as he was watching her.

“Storm sisters!” came a familiar voice at Alice’s back, saving her from having to dwell onthat.

She spun around, joy and relief rising in her chest as she threw herself into her best friend’s embrace. “You’re here!” Pulling her close, Alice whispered into Gabi’s ear, “Thank god.”

“It looked like we might be interrupting,” Gabi said, turning to embrace the rest of the family.

“You were not,” Alice said. “We’re always a heartbeat from each other’s throats. It’s how we were raised.”

“Basically feral,” Emily said. “Very bad at feelings.”

“Today will be harder than most,” Gabi said, hugging Emily tightly. “It’s the finality of it.” She moved to Greta. “The last time you’ll be withall these people. The last time your father will feel so present with so many.”

While Gabi spoke, Alice turned to Roxanne, hugging the tall Black woman. “I’m so happy to see you. Thank you so much for coming.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it.”

In Roxanne’s ear, Alice whispered, “There are so many people here whose names I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be your wingwoman,” Roxanne whispered back. “I know them all.”

“I’m going to hold you to it.”

Roxanne pulled back and searched Alice’s face. “How are things?”

Alice raised her brows in a silent,How do you think?