Written in the Stars(49)

Darcy dropped to a crouch and grinned. “My name’s Darcy. I’m almost thirty.”

Ryland’s eyes rounded comically.

Chuckles came from the couch. “Come on, Rye. Give your aunt some space.”

Elle’s nephew scampered off toward where a mess of Legos lay scattered by the dining room table.

“I’m Jane, and this is my husband, Gabe.” Elle’s oldest sister waved, her other hand resting atop a noticeable baby bump stretching the limits of her garish red-and-green sweater that matched her husband’s.

“Daniel.” Elle’s brother stood and offered his hand and a warm smile. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder to the guy holding a chubby dachshund. “That’s the love of my life. And then there’s my husband, Mike.”

Mike rolled his eyes. “Always good to know where I stand. The dog’s Penny, by the way.”

Darcy shook his hand and nodded. “Nice to meet you both. And Penny.”

From the far end of the sofa, dressed in a blue-and-cream snowflake-embroidered sweater that was festive but not ugly, waved a girl who had the same chin but darker hair than Elle. “I’m Lydia. And this is my—” She glanced up adoringly at the guy with a blond high fade wearing a basic gray crewneck sweater whose side she was tucked against. He returned her smile, tapping her on the tip of the nose. “Marcus.”

He tipped his chin in a greeting before addressing Elle. “Lyds has told me a lot about you.”

Elle stiffened, her grip on Darcy’s forearm tightening minutely. She gave an awkward chuckle. “All good things, I hope.”

The corner of Marcus’s mouth lifted in a not-quite smile.

Jane cleared her throat and patted the couch. “Come sit. Tell us how you’ve been.”

Darcy took a seat beside Elle on the one open cushion. Elle tapped her fingers against her thighs, prompting Darcy to grab a hand to keep her from openly fidgeting. The gesture earned her a quick squeeze.

“I’ve been good. Actually, I’ve been—”

“I’ve got your wine, Darcy.” Linda returned to the living room, a glass in each hand.

“What about me?” Elle frowned.

Linda took a sip from her glass and sat in the armchair closest to the fire. “Did you want some? You should’ve asked.”

Elle’s frown deepened, expression clearing when a tall man with gray hair and smile lines stepped into the room. “Dad.”

When she stood, Darcy quickly followed suit.

“Elle-belle.” He leaned over the coffee table, planting a kiss on her forehead. “And this must be Darcy who we’ve all been dying to meet.”

Darcy wasn’t so sure about the dying to meet her bit, but she smiled anyway. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

He batted at the air, chuckling softly. “Sir, bah! Call me Simon.” His hazel eyes darted back to Elle as he held out a bottle of hard cider. “Got you covered, kid.”

Elle smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

Simon perched on the arm of the chair beside his wife. “So. Darcy. Tell us a little about yourself.”

Inside, Darcy groaned. She loathed the spotlight, but she’d been to enough corporate retreats over the last eight years that she had a neat elevator speech at the ready. “Sure. I recently moved to town from Philadelphia, though I’m originally from San Francisco. And I work at Deveraux and Horton Mutual Life as an associate actuary, although I’m currently preparing for my final exam to become an FSA.”

Simon whistled. “Impressive.”

This wasn’t supposed to be about impressing Elle’s family. Tangentially, perhaps, if it reflected good on Elle. “Not as impressive as Elle’s work.”

Across the room, Linda smiled politely. “How about your family? I believe I met your brother. Any other siblings?”

Elle sank into the couch, fingers sliding against Darcy’s palm as she attempted to withdraw her hand. Darcy squeezed her fingers, holding firm. “Other than my father who lives in Toronto and my mother who still lives in California, it’s just me and Brendon. He’s extremely excited to be working with Elle.”

“Right.” Linda’s smile tightened. “The dating app.”

Darcy bit the side of her tongue to keep from pulling a face at the way Elle’s mother made dating app sound like a dirty word.

“What dating app?” Daniel asked, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.

“One True Pairing,” she said.

His brows rose. “You’re working for OTP?”

Elle cleared her throat, sitting up straight. “With. Um.” She scratched the side of her neck, eyes darting around the room. A soft flush spread up her throat, deepening at her cheeks. “Margot and I, we’re consulting with OTP to add synastry, or astrological compatibility, to the app’s matching algorithm. It’s, um, it’s pretty cool, I guess.”

Pretty cool. I guess. Darcy would have to be oblivious not to notice how Elle shrank in on herself, couching her words and understating her success. She was no expert, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Elle subconsciously downplayed her achievements to soften the blow when her family did the same.

Despite the furrow of his brow, Daniel smiled. “Well, congrats, sis.”

Linda nodded absently. “That sounds like a neat opportunity for you, Elle. I’m sure it’ll be a . . . fun job. Right up your alley.”