Chapter 6 Sasha
Chapter six
Jesus. I knew a Sinclair bachelor party would be tame since all of these men are completely gone for their women, but this is just sad.
Even though Jack and Margot have been legally married for years, I still expected a certain level of frivolity tonight.
Instead, after a delicious dinner and dessert catered at Henry’s house, where the bachelorette party is also taking place, we’ve been mostly sharing sappy stories about the girls.
Granted, I can’t say I’m much better than these guys now that Lucy and I are blissfully wed.
It’s natural to join in with Ledger, Jack, and Henry, reminiscing on family holidays and get-togethers.
My dad was also able to come, which I know the guys appreciate since he’s been around a lot more lately.
Even with his business responsibilities, he’s spent as much time as possible with Kat and me, so he’s practically a Sinclair himself at this point.
He watches us all talk about our great loves with a wan smile, slowly sipping the vodka cocktail he’s been nursing all evening.
I’ve tried to tell him that there are plenty of ways to find love these days and that the dating apps can be perfect even for older people thanks to the age settings, but he hasn’t been interested.
Lucy and I learned why a while ago, but I haven’t asked him if he’s still not able to let go of the memory of Kat’s mom.
We’re close, but I don’t want to scratch a wound that might not be completely healed.
If anything happened to Lucy, I’m not sure I’d ever love again, so I can’t say I don’t understand.
Ledger is regaling us with the tale of his and Sloane’s courtship for the third time this evening, and he’s censoring less and less of the story as he goes.
I’m on the verge of hearing much more about my sister-in-law than I ever wanted to know when I’m saved as the door to the study bursts open, and Blanche flounces in.
“I hope you all are doing somet…Oh! What on earth is this?”
Glancing around the room, I see we’re relaxing and drinking as we have been all evening. I’m not sure what she’s so surprised by.
“Mom? What do you mean? We’re just hanging out,” Ledger says, standing to give Blanche a hug and a kiss on the cheek as Henry follows suit. She waves me off when I try to stand to do the same, instead plopping down next to me on the couch and pouring herself a glass of straight tequila.
She sips it, then shrugs. “Well, I just expected something a little more lively going on, you know. Especially considering what the girls are up to on the other side of the house.”
Jack, Ledger, and Henry are up and out of the study in a flash, leaving Dad and me alone with Blanche.
“Sasha, are you not going to join the dramatic brigade as they go investigate what nefarious activities their women are getting up to?” Dad asks with a smile.
“Absolutely not. Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll hear about it later. Or, if it’s that nefarious, she can show me.” I laugh. “Let the girls have their fun. Although if I were a betting man, I would almost guarantee that things aren’t any wilder over there than they are here. Are they, Blanche?”
With a sigh, she knocks back the rest of her tequila and refills her glass.
“Spot on, my dear. Those girls are just as boring as you all. I came here hoping for some action, some excitement, even a poker game! But no, you’re all over here sitting around and missing them just like they’re over there missing you.
” She watches the low flames dance in the fireplace for a moment before continuing.
“I suppose it’s a blessing to consider that all my children are so happy that one evening apart inspires melancholy.
And that I’ve added more to my brood now that all the spouses have joined the family.
You too, Sasha dear, and my Lucy of course.
I consider you all full Sinclair children now, and I love you both very much, you know that. ”
“I know, Blanche. And I love you, too.”
I do. Between working with her at Rendezvous and her opening her home and family to me, she completely changed my life.
She gave me the love of my life and the hope of a family of my own.
She’s become the mother I’ve never had…except for the time she touched my dick.
And directed Lucy and me for months in her R-rated, then X-rated autobiographical film.
But besides that, she’ll be a grandmother to any children I have, for sure.
Blinking out of my reverie, I find Blanche and Dad engaged in a heated debate over whether martinis should be shaken or stirred.
“Shaken, obviously,” I interject. “Regardless of how it was originally prepared, James Bond should have the final say!”
Blanche rehashes her martini purist ideology for my benefit, making excellent points, while Dad watches her carefully.
To anyone else, I’m sure it seems that he’s just an engaged listener, paying attention and reacting to her physical cues and moving the debate forward like the well-trained conversationalist he is.
To me, though, I see further evidence of what I already knew. Dad is absolutely smitten with Blanche.
When we all found their trove of sex tapes almost two years ago, we weren’t sure if it was just physical or if they had a monogamous emotional relationship.
As time passed, it became increasingly evident that it wasn’t just physical.
There’s clearly a deep, meaningful connection shared between them.
But neither of them has made a damn move.
Blanche is just as flirty with other men she meets, Dad is just as steadfast in his happiness as a single man, and we’re all to the point now that we’re considering trapping them in a hotel room together and not letting them out until they declare their love.
Dad’s phone rings, and he reluctantly leaves the study to take the call. Blanche stares unashamedly at his ass as he goes, a little too drunk to forget I’m here to notice her gaze.
“See something you like?” I ask, immediately regretting it because, ew, that’s my dad.
I should have known that she wouldn’t mind being called out. This is Blanche Sinclair we’re talking about, after all.
“I knew you had good genes from the moment I saw you, Sasha Taranov. The blueprint itself is in fact magnificent.”
Double ew. Regret. I blame the alcohol. I also blame the alcohol for what comes out of my mouth next.
“Why don’t the two of you come out? We’d all support you.
We just want you to be happy. I think you’re great together.
If anyone can handle him, it’s you. And if anyone has a chance of coming close to handling you, it’s him.
” I lay my cards on the table, hoping our moment of alcohol-induced candor finally gives them the push they need.
Blanche sinks back into the couch and continues watching the flames, clinking her wedding rings against her empty glass.
“My dear, you know an old fox is not easily snared.”
“Wha—”
“And, Sasha, don’t forget. Curiosity killed the cat.”