“Don’t let Patience fool you, she may’ve been reluctant but she wouldn’t have married Aaron if she didn’t love him.” My mother turned back to me and for a second I felt the nerves in my stomach grow.
“Good for her,” I quipped, rolling my eyes. Just after taking another sip of my champagne I caught my mother eyeing me. “Don’t even start,” I warned, in a softer tone than I would’ve used on anyone else.
My father had already started hinting about marriage, love, and importance of one’s own family legacy, earlier in the evening. I was more straightforward with him. Telling him that he could forget it. I’d tried that love shit once and after having my heart ripped out of my chest, I was over it.
I let my eyes drift downward to meet my mother’s when she’d gone eerily quiet for more than a few seconds.
Finally, she stated, “Tyler should be arriving soon.”
“He’s on his way over now. Plane landed an hour ago. He needed to get home to change,” I commented, on my youngest brother’s arrival, grateful for the change in topic.
My father made his way over to us, stealing my mother away so that he could introduce her to some people. I, too, made my rounds, talking with some of the fellow donors and attendees. Formal events weren’t really my thing. I got my adrenaline rush from breaking ground on a property, scouting out the next Townsend Real Estate locale, and from in the ring. But I was a seasoned professional at looking the part at these types of events. With a last name like Townsend, I had no choice.
“You almost look as good in a tuxedo as I do.”
“You fucking wish you looked this good in Henry Poole & Co.,” I cockily replied while brushing off my shoulder before turning to Damon.
His mocha-colored cheeks wrinkled as he smiled and held up his hand. I met his right palm with my own and we pulled each other in for a half-hug greeting.
“Thought you weren’t going to make it,” I stated as we pulled apart.
“You know better than that. Work held me up.”
“Yeah, plus you didn’t want to face me after that beating you got a week ago,” I jibed.
“Never that.” He stood up straighter, as if I’d bruised his ego. “That young kid had no idea what was in store for him. But I did want to tell you, your right hook was looking a little lackluster the other night. Hope you’re not getting soft in your old age.”
My eyebrow peaked. “Ask your woman howsoftI am.”
“Fuck you,” he retorted.
“No thanks, your woman’s got that taken care of. And by the way, my right hook has met your jaw enough times for you to know it’s not to be messed with.” I narrowed a challenging look at Damon. We were friends, but fierce opponents as well.
“Those were lucky blows you got in. Don’t let this tux fool you.”
“Yeah? Name the time and the place.”
Before Damon could respond, we were interrupted. “Well, look at these two pansies.”
My eyebrows lifted as I pivoted and saw Connor O’Brien staring down at the both of us. The guy was easily six-five and stuck out like a sore thumb, dressed in the suit pants, button-up top, and a fucking leather jacket on.
“Only Connor O’Brien shows up to black tie events wearing leather,” I commented.
“What’s the matter O’Brien, gym not making you enough money? Can’t afford formalwear?” Damon teased. “I bet Townsend here wouldn’t mind spotting you the bread.”
I shook my head. “This guy makes enough off of our joint ventures to have paid for this entire event by himself. He just has no sense of style.”
“Screw both of you,” Connor retorted.
“I’ll pass.”
Fighting had brought all three of us together. We each had our own reasons to fight. Mine had also led me to the very event we were in attendance at.
“Well, hello,” Damon spoke.
I followed his eyes to across the room to where a group of women were eyeing the three of us. Two wore appalled expressions when they cast their gazes on Connor’s choice of clothing. In true Connor O’Brien fashion, he noticed and blew the ladies a kiss before baring his teeth, causing them to quickly look away.
“Asshole.” I shook my head, grinning. “If you two will excuse me, I’m going to go introduce myself,” I stated, not taking my eyes off of the brunette who was ogling me.
