Risky Business

Chapter Twelve

The awkward silence at the dinner table was becoming overwhelming and everyone could feel it.

Everyone was seated and waiting for Chris to show up. The small talk had come and gone and there wasn't much else anyone could think of to strike up a conversation.

Mike and Clara sat at the two ends of the table; Taylor, Lauren, and Lucy on one side, and Camila alone across from them. Two empty chairs flanked her, one waiting for Chris (as they all were). She couldn't bring herself to look at Lauren so she settled for staring at her empty plate, then down to her lap.

The ring that she had placed in the pocket of her jeans was showing, pushing the fabric up in a near perfect outline. Camila ran her fingers over it.

She and Chris had decided to wait until they announce their engagement (which they plan on doing tonight) for Camila to wear the ring.

They had also decided to have the wedding within the next month or two. Chris wanted this so they'd be settled for when the baby arrives and Camila told him (and herself) that she agrees.

"So, Lucy—" Finally, Clara began to speak up but was cut off from the sound of the door opening.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm here," he apologized bouncing into the room. "Hey, everyone." He smiled before coming around to Camila. "Hi, Cam," he placed a kiss on the side of her head.

She loves when he does that—greets her separately from everyone else. It makes her feel special. Camila feels herself looking at Lauren for a split second before scolding herself.

"I'm gonna go wash up and change. Don't wait on me to start eating." He called out behind him as he ran upstairs.

Mike began plating his own food and soon everyone was passing bowls around and serving themselves.

Chris came down not long after and slid into his chair, patting Camila's thigh as he did. He looked up at Lucy before introducing himself. "You must be Lucy," he smiled. "I'm Chris."

She smiled back.

Pretty lame reply, Camila thought. Could have at least said something.

Everyone began chattering, Lucy finally speaking more than two words.

Just before dessert, Chris cleared his throat. "Camila and I have an announcement to make," he grabbed Camila's hand under the table.

"You bought a house?" Mike asked, somewhat hopefully.

"What? No," Chris dismissed.

"'Course not," Mike huffed in good-nature.

"So, as you all know—"

"We're getting married." Camila cut him off, not wanting to sit through a speech about how he's always known it would be her and how he can't wait to spend forever with her.

As the words fell from her lips, her eyes landed on Lauren, who had dropped her fork and her jaw.

As Mike patted Chris on the back, Clara began tearing up, Lucy smiled (of course), and Taylor looked around in bewilderment, Camila and Lauren just stared.

"Seriously?" Taylor asked.

"What? Yeah, why would we be joking?" Chris asked.

"I just didn't see it coming."

"Why not—"

"Can I see the ring?" Clara asked, cutting the conversation between Chris and Taylor short. "Camila?" Camila's head snapped away from Lauren as she gave Clara her hand. "Oh, it's just beautiful," she mused.