When Perfect Meets Crazy

47 - And now, we wait

They reactions we got were almost comical. I got the feeling they probablyplaced bets on how my hair would look when we returned.

“You put your hair up.” Rachel gaped.

I nodded, taking my seat. “I said I was going to.”

“I told you it was better down.” Mr Carrington’s tone was the farthest thing from friendly.

“I heard.” I smiled back politely. “I don’t agree and it’s too hot.”

Rachel choked back laughter, shooting me a look that implied respect along with a covert thumbs up.

Ian leaned over and whispered, “He does that for new people all the time. His way of asserting dominance. I bet one grand that you wouldn’t budge.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that spread across my lips.

“Time to unwrap my presents,” Ellie announced, picking up the nearest one.

It was from her mother. A beige pashmina and matching jewelry that I didn’t need to be told held actual precious stones. Her mom got a hug in return. Ian apparently did better, getting her a snow globe of what looked like an ancient ruin to me.

“Is it?” Ellie squealed, wide hopeful eyes trained on Ian.

“Yeah. You loved it there so I had it custom made.” He shrugged, smiling widely at her.

He was such a softie. I couldn’t not roll my eyes. Mr Carrington was the only one at the table who didn’t copy the action.

“I have to go, Princess. Enjoy the rest of your day.” He excused himself.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. He showed up for all of five minutes, tried to strong-arm me and then bailedbefore she could even open five presents. Father of the year.

No one seemed particularly sad to see him go.

“I guess worst gift goes to me this year.” Rachel pouted, barely flicking a glance at his retreating figure.

Mike smiled down adoringly at her, forcing me to look away.

Her present turned out to be a custom made perfume oil that she made herself. Mike got Ellie a new charm for a charm bracelet. Mike and Ian apparently coordinated because the charm was a tiny gladiator.

“I can’t believe you.” Rachel gasped theatrically, awarding her husband a punch. “You told me you didn’t have any bright ideas. That you were going to get her your latest product.”

“I lied.” Mike grinned unrepentantly.

“I helped,” Ian chipped in, sporting a smirk.

It was finally my turn and after seeing their gifts, I felt slightly less secure about mine.

“Here.” I handed it over.

Ellie mirrored my tentative smile as she unwrapped the gift. I barely noticed Ian’s hand slipping between my tightly clenched ones. I didn’t even realize I had clenched them until he was gently prying them apart so he could hold one in his lap.

“Sweet baby Jesus, is this...” Her voice came out breathy and excited.

“A vintage tea set,” I answered, smiling with ease now that I had seen her reaction. “It was gifted to me by a lady I met while volunteering at a home for the elderly. She loved having them. Apparently, she got them from her grandmother. It was a family heirloom but none of her kids had an appreciation for it so she gave it to me with express instructions to give it to someone who did.”