More than friends

Chapter 7

KADE

We left the cafe shortly after Brie and returned to our home, where our mothers were. Dominic pulled into the drive and groaned.

I couldn't help but take in the scene.

Our mothers had decorated the house for this evening, even though both Larissa and Dominic told them not to.

"I wish they listened," Dominic muttered.

I looked over my shoulder and stared at Larissa.

I looked back as Dominic pulled into his space outside the house, and we all climbed out of the car. "I need to ring Brie," Larissa whispered, which I barely caught.

Larissa walked over to the side to use her phone. I looked at Dominic, who shrugged.

I know they were supposed to meet before the rehearsal dinner, as Brie had to try on her bridesmaid dress.

I heard footsteps approaching us and saw Brie's mum looking at me.

"Kade," she said with a smile. "It is so nice to see you again. How are you doing? Are you settled in now?"

I smiled.

"Hey," I said. "I'm good, thanks."

"I have settled back in," I said, glancing over to Dominic, who was hugging our mum. I smiled. "I start work in a few weeks, so I will have something else to do soon, even though I love working with Dad."

Brie's mum nodded and looked between us as Larissa approached us.

"So, how was breakfast?" she said.

"Oh, was Brie surprised to see you?" Mum blurts out.

The corners of my mouth itched up as Larissa smiled.

"Yes, she was," she said, looking at her mum. "You forgot to mention to her about the rehearsal dinner this morning. Kade reminded me of when we were at the cafe. I thought you told her when you spoke to her this morning."

I looked at her mum. Her face read a thousand words, and not one I knew could describe what I was witnessing.

Her mother cleared her throat when she realized we were all looking at her.

"I thought I did," she said, lying. "It must have slipped my mind. You know what it was like when we were getting everything together."

"Well, at least she knows now," my mum said, frowning.

I couldn't help but stare at Larissa's mum. I could tell she was lying. I have dealt with liars in the army and even learned to know what to look for.

Mum turns around and tells Brie's mum that they need to finish up with the chef in the kitchen on tonight's menu. I watched as they left.

I felt an arm go to mine, which made me look to see Larissa. Her eyes were on our mum's. "I don't know what my mum's deal with Brie is," she said. "Lately, she has been acting weird. I don't know why."

I stared at her, trying to work out what she was getting at. I always remembered Brie and her mum getting into arguments or having a go at her for no reason. It was hard to watch and, sometimes, would end up with Brie staying at our house for a few days till everything settled.

"It's okay, babe," Dominic said. "Brie will be here tonight. We can all make sure she has a good time."

I looked at my brother, who gave me a knowing look.

I knew that look.

I invented that look many years ago.

I grinned.

Larissa looked at me and frowned.

"Okay, lover boy," she said, amused. "You can make amends with her, but do me a favor, make sure my mum doesn't go near her."

I stared at her.

"What aren't you telling us?" I asked.

Larissa looked toward where our mothers were last seen and sighed.

"Last night," she said, looking back at me. "I told Mum that it would be nice if you too, should hook up or even get together."

I felt my heart thud in my chest harder at her words.

I knew Larissa was on my side in getting Brie.

"Dad was okay, only mentioned that she may need some time. But mum was being mum again and mentioned that she thought nothing would happen. You both had changed or something."

My mouth fell open.

Her mum said what?

I growl, making Larissa look at me oddly.

"We both have changed," I muttered. "But we are both grown-ass adults. We can do what we want." Larissa nodded but said nothing. She looked at her phone and sighed.

"I'm heading to pick up Brie," she said. "I need to talk to her about something and get her ready." I nodded but couldn't help but notice the mischievous smirk that appeared on the corners of her lips. What the hell was up to?

I was about to say something, but Larissa beat me to it.

"Now," she said, looking between Dominic and me. "You both finish here and make sure you are ready by seven. I will be here with Brie about half past."

Dominic frowned.

"Why do we have to be here early?" he asked, frowning.

I couldn't help but chuckle as Larissa turned to him and placed her hands on her hips.

"Dominic Connors," she said a little too loudly, making people around us stare. "You will be here when I get here, as I want to make an entrance. I also want to walk in with my sister, too."

Dominic's face softened.

"Okay, babe," he said, kissing her cheek. "We will be ready by seven."

Larissa smiled. She turned around and walked over to her car, which she had left here this morning, as there was no point in taking two cars to the cafe. We stood by and watched her drive away after a few minutes.

"You are whipped," I said, smiling.

Dominic looked at me and smirked.

"You will be too when you get the girl," he said. "We better help somewhere, but I am not helping the mothers."

I groaned.

"Don't look at me," I muttered. "After what Larissa said about her mum, I want to keep away. I might end up saying something to offend her mother. Unlike what she was like with Brie when she was younger, I wouldn't let her talk about Brie like that, and I better not hear her either."

The corners of Dominic's mouth twitched, but I shut him down.

"Come on," I said. "Let's see what Dad is doing. Maybe we can help him."

Dominic nodded.

We both walked inside the house and found Dad out in the garden. He looked up at us and smiled. "Ah boys," he said. "Do you mind helping with the decorations on the staircase?" "Yeah," I said. "Is there much else to do?"

My father shook his head.

"No," he said. "Most of it is done. Lucy and your mum have been at it for the last few hours. I suggest doing the decorations on the staircase and in the hall; then you can both get ready."

We nodded and headed inside.

Tonight was all about Dominic and Larissa, but my mind was on Brie.

Oh god! This is going to be torture till then.

I could hear both mothers bark out orders to people, but I kept my head down as I grabbed the lights to place around the hall, ignoring them.

I knew what I wanted to do, and that was to talk to Brie again.