Nina
For a little person,Scarlet sure can hold her drink. I wasn’t expecting to drink as much as we have, but as I watch her dance across the sofas kicking the cushions to the floor while she points to Lucy across the room, singing in unison to “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, I know she is worth the hangover.
The girls hit it off just like I knew they would. Lucy did an amazing job with planning the day. We had massages, manicures, and pedicures, followed by deliveries of gourmet food. The penthouse was transformed into a purple wonderland, balloon arches and streamers taking up every spare expanse. I hate to think how much it would have cost, and I didn’t ask. I paid for my treatments and tried not to dwell on the rest.
Scarlet bounds over to me with her lavender hair in a pile on her head. Just as she steps up in front of me, the elevator pings.
“Oh, is that the stripper?” she says excitedly, running in the direction of the foyer.
Elliot stops her in her tracks, sauntering around the corner as he pulls his shirt from his slacks.
“Did someone say stripper?” Elliot teases, and Charlie and Lance stroll in a few steps behind him.
“Me! I did!” Lucy shouts, dropping herself onto the sofa. I look at her, laughing. It’s very unlike her to be so forward.
Elliot beams as Scarlet slaps his arm and scolds him, “Put your damn clothes on, I do not want to see that.”
He pulls her into him, tucking her under his arm. “Happy birthday, Scar.”
I stand watching as the boys all greet Scarlet and wish her a happy birthday. Checking my phone, I notice it’s nearly six o’clock. I expected Mason to be back hours ago.
I go to the kitchen and dial his number.
“Hey,” he answers, a calm settling over me as his voice drifts through the phone.
“Sorry, I was just worried. Where are you? Is your dad okay?”
“I’m nearly home. Are the boys there?” he asks, not answering my other question.
“Yeah, I think your sister has had a great day. Although we are all slightly tipsy.” I giggle into the phone.
“Good, she deserves it.”
I frown at his tone. “Are you okay?”
“I’m just pulling in, angel, I’m on my way up.” And then he hangs up.
* * *
We sitaround the fire pit on Mason’s balcony. The evening air has a slight chill to it, but Scarlet wanted to be outside so we found as many blankets as we could to wrap up in.
I lie between Mason’s legs on the lounger, watching as our friend’s drink and chat together.
“How did the appointment go?” I whisper into his neck.
His grip on my waist tightens and I lift my head so I can see his face. “Not great.” His eyes find Scarlet across the fire. “But I’m glad I went with him.”
I smooth my hand up his chest, a tight smile pulling at my lips. “Whatever happens, we are here for you, all of us,” I say, looking around at our friends.
He kisses my head, then shifts his hips, digging around under him. “Your phone.” He holds it in front of us as we both stare at the screen.
Mum.
17
Nina
My mumonly ever calls when she wants money. I know this. So why do I have such a hard time ignoring her name as it flashes on my screen?
