Page 36 of Cryptic Curse

I glance across the table at Daniela.

She swallows a bite of food, and her cheeks redden.“I’m glad you’re enjoying everything,” she says.

“It’s all great,” Falcon says.

“Absolutely,” Raven agrees.

Once we all finish our plates, Mom rises.

Daniela follows.“Let me help you clear the table.”

“My dear, please, sit down,” Mom says.“This meal is your triumph.”

“That’s kind of you say, but?—”

She wags a finger at her.“No buts.Sit down.I appreciate you helping in the kitchen, but you’re a guest here tonight.”

“I’ll help.”I rise.

Mom lets out a laugh.“Since when have you ever offered to help in the kitchen?”

“I do want to help,” I say, “but first, since this is a celebration of Vinnie and Raven, I thought I’d offer a toast.”

Mom returns to her seat.“That’s a great idea, Hawk.Does anyone need a refill?”She holds up a bottle of Rioja.

Once everyone has a glass of wine—a goblet of Orange Crush for Raven and Belinda—I begin.

“Raven, we’ve all seen you go through the worst thing in the world with your illness, but you kicked and fought and made it through, and then you found the love your life.Vinnie, thank you for making our sister so happy.”

We clink glasses.

“And also, to Falcon and Savannah.They’re engaged too, and I’ve never seen my big brother happier.”I tip my goblet in my big brother’s direction.“Falcon, you’ve been through your own kind of hell, but like Raven, you kicked and fought and made it back.We’re happy to have you here, and like Raven, I’ve never seen you happier.So Savannah, thank you for that.To Falcon and Savannah.”

More glasses clink, and more agreement.

“And one more thing,” I say.“I hope I’m lucky enough to one day find a woman as special as my sister and as you, Savannah.Falcon and Vinnie, never forget how lucky you are.”

As I raise my glass once more, I glance toward Daniela.

She’s looking at me, and she shyly diverts her gaze when my eyes meet hers.

Tingles shoot through me.

She’s off limits, but a man can dream.

Mom rises again.“That was lovely, Hawk.Thank you.”Then she raises her glass.“We should also toast your father.To Austin and his continued recovery.Let’s hope his aphasia will improve soon.”

I raise my glass again at my mother’s toast.

Is it my imagination, or does she shoot me an irritated look?

Maybe I should’ve mentioned my father in my toasts.

But aren’t we here to celebrate Vinnie and Raven?

I can’t do anything right in her eyes.

Whatever.I take a sip of wine and then set my glass down.