That look he gave me better not mean what I think it means and I hope my look was properly conveying my rejection!
He went to open his mouth to reply to Jasper and I was chanting in my head.. don't say it, don't say it, don't say it, don't say it-
"Of course she is, honey had you not told your family about us?"
Someone give the guy an Oscar - he turned to me with a fake wounded look like he was hurt and my mum rushed forward to reassure him and as she was flapping about telling him that of course I had told them he turned to me with a smug grin and a wink.. I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt.
"Well I would love to see where my Tasha lives so why don't we do dinner at your house instead? It'll be her first chance to play the hostess. Why don't you invite your family too dear then we can all get to know each other as one big happy family. I haven't seen your parents actually are they here tonight?"
During my mums little speech the smug look on Blades face died and although the idea of this dinner filled me with dread I couldn't contain my grin at his expense.
"My parents aren't up to a party yet but they love Tasha don't worry. Of course you can come to us let us check our calendars and we will be in touch with the dinner details"
With a polite inclination of his head Night dragged me away. Jasper and I had been silent during the exchange but I had noticed the way both he and Blade stiffened at the mention of Blades parents.
"Slow down" I hissed under my breath, "some of us are wearing heels you know"
Glancing at me Blade let out a deep sigh but apologised and slowed to a normal pace
"Let's get out of here" Blade suggested as he led me towards the exit
"You're leaving your own party? Are you ok?"
"Yeah, that was just a bit much acting nice to him, let's go home the party'll run itself."
I didn't argue. I couldn't imagine how hard that must have been for him. Just before we climbed into the car I stopped Blade by pulling on his hand then grabbing his face so he couldn't look away. He was in pain and I needed him to understand something.
"Your sister would be so proud of what you did in there for her, for your family. If you had confronted him or let him know your true feelings you would have been helping yourself with your anger but it would have been about you not her. Instead you buried it and played a part that most would have found impossible to do. That was your true, unconditional, unselfish love for your sister that allowed you to do that. Please don't be sad or angry about what just happened. He's evil but what you did in there was love. Please remember that"
Blades eyes filled with tears and my heart physically hurt seeing it. Wrapping his arms around my waist he buried his face in my neck taking shuddering breaths and I realised as I held him close that I was crying too. His pain was my pain. I was in too deep but, as I held him tighter, I realised I wasn't scared.