I choke on my cranberry salad. “We’re going to Vegas? In a private jet?” Where did Levi get that kind of money?
Kiki’s mouth drops open, and she turns to Tobias, who’s been sitting quietly at the head of the table, his jaw set in a stubborn line. “You knew about this, didn’t you? That’s why you wouldn’t let me make that appointment for next weekend.”
Tobias frowns, running a hand through his dark hair. “Levi told all of us to clear our schedules. Hedidn’ttell me he was spending an insane amount of money to fly us all to Vegas.”
Noah, who’s been leaning back in his chair with his armscrossed, straightens up. His shoulders tense under his button-down shirt as he exchanges a meaningful look with Tobias. “Levi…” he says in a warning voice.
Savannah, sitting beside Noah, reaches over and places a gentle hand on his arm. She has that nurturing quality that always seems to calm whatever room she’s in. “It’s okay,” she murmurs to Noah.
Levi waves a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. This will be our last big splurge. Claire has helped me invest the bulk of the money.”
“What money?” I ask. Everyone hushes, and the room becomes deathly silent. I look around. Noah won’t meet my gaze. He’s suddenly very interested in his mashed potatoes. Tobias looks like his head’s about to explode, that vein in his forehead starting to show. Levi’s still standing and grinning like he won the lottery. Even Violet has her hands in her lap and is watching the exchange with wide eyes.
“What is no one telling me?” I sit forward.
Tobias clears his throat and sets down his fork with deliberate control. “I guess it’s time to tell you, sincesomeonecan’t keep it quiet.” He shoots a death stare at Levi, who doesn’t seem to notice.
“We all inherited some money from Mom and Dad.” Levi sobers and picks up his water glass as if to toast.
I look around the room again. Mom and Dad left us money? Things start to make some sense. “So that Lamborghini. You bought it with your inheritance?”
Levi grins. “You only live once.”
Tobias clears his throat. “We can talk about this later. Levi, congratulations. We’re all happy you’re marrying Claire. She’ll fit in great here.”
Everyone joins in the congratulations, and Cricket nudges my elbow once again. I nudge her back then wait forthe room to quiet down before speaking. “I have my own news.”
Tobias raises one eyebrow, probably because he thinks my news has to do with me quitting college. I forge ahead. “I got an offer from a record label. They want to sign me with a one-hundred-thousand-dollar advance.”
Cricket puts her hand on my arm as the room explodes in noise. Levi and Noah both start congratulating me at once, their voices overlapping. Tobias’s eyes look like they’ll bug out of his head. Even Kiera looks impressed.
“Are you kidding me, Micah?” Kiki clasps her hands together. “That’s so great. I’m so happy for you!”
Questions start to come from around the table. “Who did you sign with? Does this have to do with your identity being leaked? What’s next for you?”
The noise of everyone’s excitement is overwhelming, and my head starts to buzz. My chest tightens, and I have a hard time hearing people over the cacophony of voices. Cricket grabs my hand. “It’s okay,” she says quietly in my ear. “Take a deep breath.”
The room quiets down, but my anxiety doesn’t calm. Cricket squeezes my hand and looks around the table with quiet authority. “Micah and I met with three record labels over Zoom yesterday. He’s going to sign with Atlantic Coast Records. They actually weren’t the largest offer Micah got, but we liked their presentation and the way they approach working with their artists. They offer the most flexibility, giving Micah the most control over his music.”
Claire points her fork at Cricket. “So are you acting as his manager, then?”
“Yes,” Cricket answers.
The table explodes again, and Cricket holds up a hand. “It’s actually hard for Micah to be in large crowds, and thenoise doesn’t help. I know you all are family, but he’s happy to answer questions if you can ask them one at a time.”
Everyone quiets down. Tobias gives Cricket an approving nod. It’s the kind of respect he shows when someone handles a situation well. Noah leans forward with interest, while Savannah’s expression turns to one of understanding and concern. Even Levi settles back into his chair, seemingly now aware of the effect the chaos was having on me.
“Thanks,” I say, the buzzing noise getting quieter.
River leans over and whispers, “Nice job,” to Cricket, and I can see he’s impressed with how she handled the situation as well.
As we eat, Cricket and I take turns answering questions. We tell them about how my latest video went viral at the same time my fans figured out my identity, creating the perfect storm.
The conversation finally turns to other things, and the tightness in my chest eases. I start to breathe easier. Cricket quietly leans toward me and pats my shoulder. She doesn’t say anything or call attention to it. It’s a silent reassurance that everything is okay.
She really did save the day again.
As the dinner progresses, River reaches over and takes Cricket’s hand under the table. I tell myself to be happy for her. I even try to force a smile. But deep inside, I’m panicking, like I’m watching my whole world shift without my permission.
