Moonlight and Memories
"It was quite rude of you to slip away before dinner was over." Jessica's voice is chiding, but gentle, and he's grateful she realizes why he's out here watching clouds chase across the moon, rather than inside the Golding mansion celebrating.
"Yes, well," Angelo swallows, because he'll be damned before he lets his voice shake, even if she would understand the reasons, "the atmosphere was getting a bit thick."
"Cash and Carrie are making up for lost time."
"I know." He doesn't begrudge them that, not really. But he can't stand the thought of listening to them reminisce, either.
Silence for a breath, two. He feels her beside him, but he doesn't drop his gaze until she deliberately bumps his arm. "I brought you these."
Three pastries, nestled in a gold and white napkin. "Going to jolly me out of my mood with sweets?"
"Well, it's worked with every other child I've known."
He smiles at that, pulls her against him and kisses her. She tastes like plums and wine. "I can think of better ways for you to cheer me up."
Her lips brush his throat, and the pastries drop to the ground, forgotten. "That was my backup plan."