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As we near her Blake lets go of oes around the low table to kiss her on both her cheeks She lifts her chin and angles her head delicately to receive his kisses

‘Hello, dear,’ she says quietly

Blake straightens and regards her with an expression I cannot decipher It is a nation

‘Why are you here, o to thehis arm around my waist, says, ‘Lana, meet my htly aloof, but not unfriendly Her tone says ‘approach, but coton,’ I say, overawed by her considerable presence

‘Helena,’ she corrects with a nearly friendly sestures towards the sofa and I sink into it He lowers hi still lass is half full with clear liquid and a bottle of it is on the table

‘Will you have so to drink?’ she offers

‘Feel like so cold’ My throat feels dry and scratchy

A unifor waiter stands beside Blake with a menu Blake passes it to me and orders himself a short espresso

I take the menu and feel Helena’s eyes on me I don’t try to meet her eyes Instead, I open the menu and bury myself in it I look up at the waiter and order watermelon juice The waiter moves aith a bow

‘Well,’ Helena says

‘Whoever heard of a mother who interrupts her son’s honeymoon?’

‘Whoever heard of a son who doesn’t invite his own ?’

‘We saved some cake for you’ His voice is even, without provocation

‘I don’t eat cake’

Blake sighs ‘I’m sorry I didn’t invite you, but I didn’t want any trouble’

‘From what I heard, you had plenty anyway,’ she retorts

‘Don’t start,’ Blake warns her

‘Well, it’s the talk of the town My best friends can’t wait to call ossip’ She affects a hurt tone

I bite my lip Neither of them even seem aware of my presence Really, Blake should have met her without me

‘Is that what you can of i his voice

‘No, as a et him,’ I volunteer quickly

Blake looks like he is about to protest

But Helena turns to me with a s broadly I start edging away fro out froe of the table, and just about stop ht?’ Blake asks, concerned