Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(126)
“Oh, Emma,” Jimmy begins. “Mom wanted to know how long you’re staying.”
“I’m not sure,” I reply. “I haven’t booked a return ticket and wasn’t sure how long I would need to be here.”
“Well, she said for me to mention that you’re invited to Thanksgiving dinner and hopes that you’ll stay,” Jimmy explains.
I nod, but don’t confirm or deny my intentions since I feel the pull of California and my family.
“What are your plans for today?” Allen queries.
“Nothing really. Why?” I rely.
“If you want, Jimmy and I can show you our gallery,” Allen suggests.
“That would be lovely,” I accept eagerly.
“Why are you guys up so early?” I ask.
For all of the times I’ve hung out with Jimmy and Allen, they aren’t ones to be up early.
“We’re usually up about this time for business, but today is our usual Sunday brunch with mom and dad,” Jimmy answers. “You’re coming, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t know about it,” I comment.
“I didn’t want to make you feel obligated, especially if you had plans,” Joe declares.
“Are you supposed to go too?” I ask.
“No one is required,” Joe replies.
“No,” Jimmy agrees. “But, Joe’s usually there when he’s home.”
“How much time do we have to get ready?” I question, hoping to be polite.
“Brunch doesn’t usually start until about nine-thirty,” Allen shares.
“Do you want to go?” Joe asks.
“Why not?” I reply.
“Do you mind waiting for us?” I ask Jimmy and Allen.
“We’ve got an errand to run on the way,” Allen mentions with an odd tone.
“Yeah,” Jimmy confirms sounding just as strange. “I’ll let mom know you two are on the way.”
“Thanks,” I return, not interested in finding out why they’re acting funny.
Once they leave, Joe and I make our way up to his bathroom to shower together.
We make it to his parents’ home just after nine-thirty. All of his brothers are there, including Emily and the kids, Charlotte and Isabella. Everyone seems a bit more relaxed around Sadie this time. Lily tries to feed her, but she’s unsuccessful. John Jr. is placed on the floor, finally being allowed to crawl. I think Emily and John both have forgotten about Sadie being present. Ten minutes later, John Jr. cracks up and everyone at the table turn toward his delightful squeals.
We find John Jr. sitting on the floor next to Sadie with a huge smile on his face. Sadie is upside down on her back and each time John Jr. reaches one of his hands forward, Sadie sniffs and licks it. Lily gets down to join her brother, enjoying that Sadie happily includes her. I scan the room of all of the adults and smile when I see the joy and amazement on their faces. At some point, Lily climbs over Sadie, literally laying over her. Emily gets nervous when the kids poke Sadie in the face, but calms quickly when she watches how Sadie doesn’t mind. If the kids get too close to an eye, Sadie just moves her head.
When the ladies find out that I don’t have any plans other than to visit Jimmy’s and Allen’s gallery, they insist on me joining them at the spa for the late afternoon. I gladly accept, eager to get rid of some of the tension that still lingers in my muscles and bones.
By six, Mrs. Covelli and the ladies drop me off at Joe’s place. They happily remind me to consider staying for Thanksgiving and I smile, confirming that I’ll definitely think about it.
When I get up to the loft, Joe and Sadie are quick to greet me, with Joe planting his lips to mine. I pull back in objection, but immediately accept the affection when he confirms that Jimmy and Allen are not home. He mentions that Anna just fed and walked Sadie and that our dinner is almost ready.
I call Jared and Maggie back, filling them in on the days’ worth of events and explain what happened in New Jersey now that I’m more emotionally settled. I purposefully don’t mention that Joe’ knows about my birthday. They mention how the media is in a frenzy over me, making various claims since I have yet to emerge from the hotel. Maggie does bring up her concern about them learning where I am now, but I explain the level of security at all the Covelli properties. The spa was even pretty easy to get in and out of considering it is in one of the buildings that the Covelli family owns.
Mrs. Covelli calls me later that night, inviting me to go shopping with her, Emily, Charlotte and Isabella tomorrow. She explains that they need to find a dress for their upcoming company winter gala as well as their New Year’s party and mentions that she thought it would be a great opportunity for me to give the press what they want by appearing in public. Though I’m a little apprehensive about the idea, I heed her advice. She’s a woman who’s been in the spotlight since birth and could probably help more than I can fathom.
Ninety Seven
By eleven in the morning, I’m in the limo with Mrs. Covelli and the ladies, heading off for our day of shopping. We stop at a very posh and prestigious restaurant for lunch. Mrs. Covelli picked it because she loves the food, but also because it’s a location where celebrities are known to appear and where the paparazzi quite literal stalk people from the curb. She purposefully stands next to me once we’re out of the vehicle and strikes up a business conversation as we walk in. Once we’re seated, our business talk ends and we freely discuss lighter topics with our companions.