Chapitre 56: Chapter 56

XI

THE WEDDING CEREMONY was scheduled to start in a few minutes, and the Unitarian minister waited in the little gazebo on the Inn’s sprawling back lawn.

Folding chairs had been set up to accommodate an astounding number of guests, and Mark and I took our seats on Theo’s side of the aisle.

“I didn’t realize Theo had such a large family.”

“He’s Greek. They could populate a small city.” Mark leaned closer to me. “The thing is, most of these people are Matheson’s family. See that couple and the pretty girl sitting in the first row of chairs? That’s Theo’s mother, father, and sister.”

“Where are the rest of his family?”

“In Tarpon Springs, I guess.”

“Florida? Why aren’t they here?” I had no doubt Mark would know.

He shrugged. “Theo’s old man told the family he threw Theo out because he was dealing.”

“Drugs?” I stared at Mark openmouthed. He brought his fingertips to my chin and closed my mouth gently.

“Yeah. When Theo learned about that, it nearly broke his heart.”