Buried Love Of The Riches

45: The Last Supper

Song: I Feel Like I'm Drowning

Artist: Two Feet

The Last Supper

Timothy Smith's restaurant had been closed once we arrived. I thought it was Julianna and I's chance to slip away but Jacob Smith, Timothy's father and Gabriella's uncle stood by the double doors and waved us inside. The restaurant was technically closed to the public because of tonight's celebration.

Cole Smith and his model as a date were behind us and kept us company as we walked into the restaurant. I expected single tables where a conversation could be more intimate, yet I wasn't surprised by the long tables that filled with family members alike.

"Timmy, what is this?" Cole gestured to the layout of the restaurant and laughed. "The last supper?"

Timothy Smith approached us in a camel-coloured suit and jacket. His shirt was dark blue and brought out the green in his eyes. He greeted Cole, and I then pecked the hands of our dates before he peered at his cousin. "Tell your pops that who stressed me the fuck out by requesting this last minute."

"Why?" I couldn't help but ask. Timothy turned to me and shrugged. Yet I had a few reasons David Smith could've requested that. When we looked over at him, he already took his place at the centre table. He wanted a view of the entire room. Of everyone.

Timothy told us to make ourselves comfortable and find a seat. Part of me was glad that we didn't have assigned seats. Yet like David Smith, my father followed and sat at the centre of the table on David's right.

My father and I made eye contact, and I barely had the chance to look away when his eyes darted to the seat next to him. I let out a sigh because he expected me to sit next to him. After all, this wasn't only to celebrate Gabriella but my success as well. My hand fell to Julianna's lower back and nudged her to where my family filled in close to my father.

"We're finally doing this?" Julianna looked at me, then at the other end of the table where my family waited.

"Don't worry." I kissed her temple and rubbed her lower back. "If you don't want to talk, you don't have to. I'll do all the talking."

Julianna said nothing but sent what I hoped was an assuring smile. I ushered her toward my crazy family where I wasn't sure was twin telepathy, but Alicia spun in her seat. Her black shiny sequin dress almost blinded us if Nikita—the person next to her—hadn't turned as well. She wore a simple red satin dress that complimented her ginger sleek hair. They barely took in my appearance because their eyes were on Julianna.

Alicia raised her eyebrows and I could tell she judged Julianna's clothing and style. Yet I couldn't help but grin when her eyes lingered on Julianna's breast. Her shoulders slouched and awareness took over her she wasn't the bustiest at the table anymore. Nikita's face was rather hard to decipher. Many emotions took over her face in one go. It was the longing look she gave Julianna and quick glances she barely gave me that made me feel guilty for ever leading her onto something that was only friendship.

Nikita's mother sat next to David Smith. Her engagement ring gleamed when she rested her hand over his. On his other side, Gabriella sat. The two most important woman in his life on either side of him. Mason joined Gabriella and nervously greeted her father again.

I helped Julianna into the seat beside me where she sat opposite Claudette and Henry. It might've not been the best choice since Henry kept smirking at her. Before I had the chance to say anything my mother cleared her throat.

"Adam dear, that's why you've been preoccupied since we've arrived in California." Mom's gaze shifted to Julianna and gave her a grin. "Welcome to the family, Julianna. It's so good to see you again. What had ever come of you?"