Page 110 of My Destiny

“You should come to Mum’s with us.”

“It might be better if just the two of you go. You know how dad gets when there’s too many people around.”

“Right,” I say, chuckling. God, I hope he doesn’t embarrass me tonight. I’m still mortified by the way my aunt treated Brooke.

“Hey, babe,” I say crossing the room.

“Hot Stuff.” I love how her face lights up when she sees me. Leaning down, my lips brush hers.

“Ooh, kissy, kissy,” Lara says, making me laugh.

“Sounds like someone’s jealous,” I retort, scooping her up and dipping her in my arms. She squirms when I blow raspberries on her neck.

“Stop, Uncle Logan!” she squeals.

“We’re going to head off,” Michelle says to Lara when I place her back on her feet. “Say thank you to Brooke.”

“I had the best time playing piano with you, Aunty Brooke.”

Brooke’s smile brightens up when Lara throws her arms around her neck. “I had the best time too. We should do it again sometime.”

“I’d like that,” Lara says. “Can I come back again, Mum?”

“Yes.”

“Tomorrow?”

“We’ll see.”

Tomorrow night I’m taking Brooke to the ballet, but I don’t say anything. I want to surprise her. I can’t wait to see the look on her face.

“Your house is lovely,” Brooke says, when Mum greets us in the hallway.

“Thank you. I’m so happy you’re finally here.” She gives Brooke a big squeeze before hugging me. “Come. Your dad’s in the kitchen. He’s looking forward to meeting Brooke.”

I roll my eyes because my father never looks forward to meeting anyone, but I hope at the very least this means he’s in a good mood.

I’m the first to enter the room. “Son,” he says, rising from the table and extending his hand to me.

“Dad.” I wait for Brooke to join me before introducing her. “Brooke, this is my father.”

“Call me Robert,” he says, also extending his hand to her.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she replies, stepping forward. But instead of grasping his hand, she opens her arms and hugs him. I instinctively hold my breath as I await his reaction. My father isnota hugger.

At first, he looks a little shocked, but then he slowly—and very awkwardly, I might add—raises his arms and pats her on the back. My eyes dart to my mother, and she looks just as shocked as I do. “It’s nice to meet you also.”

When a hint of a smile appears on his face, I look over at my mother once more. She’s now smiling as she watches them. I, on the other hand, am still waiting for the storm to hit, but surprisingly, it never comes.

Brooke eventually lets him go and takes a step backwards. My father clears his throat before releasing a soft chuckle as he shakes his head. Maybe he’s just as shocked at his own pleasantries as I am.

I stand there in disbelief as I watch him retake his seat at the table. That introduction couldn’t have gone better if I had scripted it myself. However, the night is still young, so my scepticism remains.

“Sit,” my mother says, turning her attention back to us.

I take a step towards the table and pull out a chair for Brooke. “Thank you.”

“Can I get either of you a drink?” my mum asks.