Chapter 21: The Duty Of The Heir (Book 3): Chapter 21

Spring City

I busy myself with arranging the dining table, a distraction from the unease of tonight’s gathering. As a mother, I yearn for simpler times, when family dinners didn’t come with such underlying tension.

Geneva enters, her gaze critically appraising the array of food laid out. ‘Looks like we’re celebrating, yet we’re not, are we? When is Aisling supposed to arrive?’ she asks, her tone laced with a mix of anticipation and skepticism.

I check the time. ‘She said she’d be here a little after six.’

Geneva’s next question is pointed. ‘Is she staying over tonight?’

I find myself getting defensive. ‘No, I didn’t push for that.’

Geneva responds with firmness. ‘Good. She should come and go as she pleases.’

My attention shifts to the window, where I see Kari stepping out of her car, looking effortlessly elegant in a blue skater dress. Geneva notes her timely arrival with a nod.

‘Right on schedule.’

I add quietly, ‘Hopefully, Aisling won’t be far behind.’

The doorbell rings, and Geneva moves to open it. Kari stands there, her smile bright, a bottle of wine in hand. ‘Good evening,’ she says warmly.

Geneva can’t help but compliment her. ‘Kari, you look absolutely dazzling!’

Kari appears slightly taken aback. ‘Do I?’ she asks, her modesty shining through.

Geneva ushers her inside. ‘You do, always.’

Kari confesses her wardrobe dilemma. ‘I didn’t want to overdo it.’

Geneva teases her gently. ‘You can’t help looking fabulous.’

Kari’s concern shifts to Aisling. ‘Is she on her way?’

Geneva reassures her. ‘She’ll be here soon.’

I walk over to Kari, offering a warm greeting. ‘Thanks for coming, Kari. Aisling is just behind you.’

Geneva scans the driveway. ‘Is she here yet?’

I nod, seeing Aisling’s car approach. ‘Yes, she’s just pulling up now.’

Kari’s reaction is one of surprise and relief. ‘Oh, good.’

‘There she is,’ I say, pointing out the window as Aisling arrives, her presence bringing a new wave of anticipation and a sense of the complicated family dynamics that await us this evening.

As Aisling strides into the living area, with a bowl of grilled chicken wings in her hands, I’m hit with a wave of apprehension. Her appearance, in a sleek black strapless dress, lends her an air of cool detachment.

“God, I can’t believe I’m here. Good evening, everyone.” She announces her presence with a tinge of irritation.

“I’m so sorry, Aisling. This was all so last-minute.” Geneva quickly apologizes.

Aisling’s eyes flicker to me, a silent accusation. “And someone just couldn’t accept a ‘no’.”

I feel a surge of defensiveness. “How could I, Aisling?”

Geneva, attempting to lighten the atmosphere, asks playfully, “Where’s your overnight bag for the slumber party?”

Aisling’s response is curt and cold. “I’m not staying here tonight.”

“Alright,” I say, looking over at Geneva, who remains quiet.

“What can I say?” I mutter, under my breath.

Aisling turns to Kari, who seems caught off guard by the tension. “Hi, Kari?”

“Need a hand with that bowl?” Kari offers.

Aisling declines but softens just a bit. “No, it’s fine. I brought some appetizers, though.”

I try to inject warmth into the conversation. “That’s really thoughtful of you, Aisling.”

As she moves towards the dining area, the room fills with an undercurrent of unspoken words and emotions, a delicate dance of family dynamics unfolding on this unexpected evening.