Chapter 44 ALEX
THE LIGHTS CONNECTING THE BANDSTAND to the garden borders came to life as the night drew in. I stood by the stone balustrade of the terrace, puffing a fat, woody cigar, and watched Nancy and Winston dance some sweeping moves.
She’d brought my usually silent and lonely house to life with her bright smile and bubbly attitude. Seeing her happy among the people we trusted was a well-needed tonic after the turmoil Mimi had put us through.
This last week had shown another side to Nancy after our heart-to-heart. She was open and trusting, letting every part of her personality spill free, and I’d felt exactly the same with her.
She’d found the courage and perseverance to push past what that monster had put her through, to pursue her desires even when they frightened her. In truth, I’d completely underestimated her. Nancy wasn’t a fragile girl. She was a brilliant woman.
This had been everything I’d always secretly hoped for, but was told it was foolish to want.
I’d found a partner, not through the control and indifference modelled by my parents, but through vulnerability and devotion.
What we had together showed me exactly who the fools were in this world, and there was no way I’d return to that cynical view, no matter how much pressure I was put under.
Pushing those unwelcome thoughts aside, I focused on the happy scene. Couples danced, spinning and laughing to the DJ’s bassy beats. I took a sip of brandy and watched William stroll towards me, looking pristine despite the energetic dance he’d just left.
“Enjoying the view?” he signed.
“I’d like it better if you weren’t in the way,” I served back with a rueful smile and handed him a glass.
“Great idea with the party. I wasn’t sure it would work, but everyone’s got into the spirit—and spirits. That rum punch is lethal.” William grinned and took a Havana from the humidor.
“They’re an open-minded bunch when it comes down to it. A little libation helps, too.” I clipped the end and lit it for him, then my gaze travelled back to Nancy.
William followed my eyes. “That lady of yours is quite something.”
“Yah, she is.”
“I’m glad you two met. You look happy.”
“I really am.”
He took a seat facing me, and tapped his cigar on the edge of the ashtray. “Ma and Pa will come around in the end. Nancy’s got class. They’ll see past the rest.”
“No, they won’t,” I sighed at his wishful thinking. “Especially Father, but I’m beyond caring about the opinion of a coward who abused us as children and almost ruined our family, and so should you when it comes to Kim.”
William paused and sipped his drink. “Kim and I aren’t exclusive.” My eyes drifted to his. “What I mean is we’re having fun… Kim’s great,” he quickly added.
“Just make sure you treat her with respect.”
“Of course.” William rose and turned to watch the dancing.
After a quiet minute, I drew a deep breath and faced him eye to eye. “There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“We sorted out the other week. There’s nothing more to say.”
“It’s not about that.” I placed a hand on his shoulder.
His brow knitted. “Not bad news, I hope?”
“No, no, not at all. Look, I’ve avoided saying it before, but everything’s gained more perspective recently.”
William gave me a withering look as I fumbled. “Are you going to propose to me?”
I laughed, relaxing a little, then I pointed at myself, crossed my hands over my chest, and pointed at him. “You’re my brother, and I love you, and I should have said it before, but I suppose that isn’t one of our family traditions.”
William’s expression sobered. Tenderness was rarely part of our relationship, even if it was the foundation of our brotherhood. “I love you, too,” he said simply. I brought him in for a tight hug. Then we stepped back, each taking a gulp of brandy, and continued to watch the dancing.
As the beats led into a hip-hop track with major attitude, Nancy moved into Kim, their inhibitions apparently departed. Nancy shook her assets to the heavy bass, her curls bouncing in rhythm, while Kim twerked, almost sweeping the floor with her long hair.
William’s eyebrow rose, and he glanced over at me. “Do you think those two would ever consider—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence. You’re a beast governed by your privates.”
“It was a joke, brother dearest.” William smiled not so innocently.
“Hmm,” I growled. “Come on.”
We went to enjoy their remaining risqué moves—separately.