Princess of St. Vincent

Chapter 42

Everyone was laughing.

Even Vada- Vada couldn't stop laughing, he was much more charming than George had let on he would be.

Damian Casares was probably the most charming and elegant man that they'd met. He was worldly, sophisticated and quite the joker, or maybe more of a tease. Vada couldn't help it and she wished she could, she could tell by the look on Georgina's face that she wasn't please with how easily he'd integrated himself into the setting.

He'd arrived right after New Year's, just days before the wedding. In fact, her parents had been saying just the day before that the hotel they'd reserved for the guests was almost full.

"You know, I think it's such a funny coincidence how a few people on our guest lists even coincided." Nora was saying.

"I think it must be fate." Damian said in his delightful English, only the slightly hint of an accent perceivable. He turned to wink at George who'd been sitting at his side and she smiled, the most forced smile ever. Vada wondered how no one else sat this.

"I think so. When I saw the list and saw The Peroni family on there, I realized just how small the world really is." Nora said.

"I'm curious, how do you know Matteo Peroni?" Damian asked and George shot him a glance. She had not told him that her family was acquainted with them.

"We've worked together for years. He's an important client and family friend." Brian said, taking a sip of his whiskey.

"Daddy, would you like me to get you a refill?" George asked, suddenly standing.

"That's okay, sweetie. I can call Annie." Brian said, referring to the maid but Georgina shook her head.

"No, that's fine. They're busy and The kitchen is so close." George said with a smile. "Damian, why don't you come with me and we can bring the table out here to the patio?"

Nora smiled and looked at Brian who sighed.

"Of course, I'll be right back." Damian said, following Georgina out.

"That is so cute." Nora said, shaking her head. Vada couldn't help laughing- not because she thought her sister's situation was funny but because her parents were so clueless.

"What?" Brian asked, wrapping an arm around Nora's shoulders.

"It's obvious she just wants a moment alone with him- they haven't seen each other in weeks." Nora said turning to Vada with a grin.

"I'm sure they're making up for it now." Vada said, trying not to laugh. She certainly had an inappropriate way of reacting to other's problems.

"I'll go help them." Brian said, moving to get up but Nora pulled on him.

"You will not- you'll give them their privacy." Nora said, snuggling up closer to him.

"They'll have privacy after they're married." Brian said but Nora wouldn't let him go.

"Dad- come on, she's 26 and hasn't lived at home in years. What exactly do you think you're saving her from?" Nicky asked. Matt and Brian both glared at him.

"Okay, sorry, sorry." Nicky said, rolling his eyes. Nick had always been the more progressive of the bunch.

"Shhh... they're coming." Vada said, standing to help them. Damian was pushing the table while George held a few glasses in her hands while propping open the patio door.

"Here I'll get those. " Vada said, taking the glasses.

"Thanks." George said, looking a bit flushed. Damian smirked as he turned towards the family.