Against all odds

Gabriel

“Seriously, Mom? A party?” I frowned at my mother after everyone present at my childhood home congratulated me.

When she called me earlier, threatening me with everything I held dear if I didn’t show up at the said time, I didn’t expect to see half of my extended family gathered around the barbecue in the backyard.

Gemma rolled her eyes at me but failed to conceal a smile that hinted her always-perfect whites.

“I’m not…”

“You’re not twelve anymore, I know.” She giggled, not missing pinching my cheek, paying tribute to the tradition established when I was a teenager.

I turned towards the loud bunch standing around the garden in groups, eating, drinking, and catching up. Smokey air filled my lungs, and as the musky smell of grilled meat enveloped my senses, I scanned the crowd and realized it was not such a bad thing to relax and spend time with the family.

Even Vanessa was back from Paris. Hm.

That only meant the ‘danger’ was over. ‘Spoiled brat,’ I snorted before joining my f