Heading back out to find the guys, I realize they’ve moved from the kitchen to the sofas in the living room. The three are chatting like they’ve been friends for years, their conversation pausing and all eyes on me when I approach.
“Come here.” Alex pats the couch next to him, and I collapse into the space. He wraps an arm around me and pulls me closer, placing a kiss against my temple. I can see Jace looking at us out of the corner of his eye, but I can’t bring myself to care. From what little time I’ve spent around him today, he’s given me none of the vibes that the Summers kids have. I think he’s someone I could trust. “Tell Uncle Alex all about it,” Alex coos at me ridiculously. I push him away with a laugh before reaching for my glass of wine. It has condensation built up on the outside, but it’s still nice and cold as I take a sip.
“Well, yesterday was a complete disaster…” Another few minutes and a half glass later, they’re up to date on my accidental trip into the abandoned estate’s pool and Kai’s rescue maneuvers. Though Imighthave left out the hot tub. Not sure if I want to unpack that yet. Seeing Alex just bursting to comment, I put a hand over his mouth, needing to get the rest out.
“As for today, where do I start? You know that I had a tour of the offices today.” Both Shane and Alex nod, but Jace looks confused. Deciding to go with my gut, I fill him in on the back story. “I only recently found out that Brad is my biological father, as did he. Neither of us knew each other existed, so I’m here to get to know him, and by extension, his adopted children. Today was my induction to all things Neighpalm.” Alex scoffs, and I amend my statement. “Most things Neighpalm.” I leave out the whole previous drama with Jacinta since I’m sure he’ll find out soon enough.
“I’m as new to this as you are,” I say at the end. “In fact, even newer. You at least have an idea of fashion. More than an idea if your drawings have anything to say.” I gesture to the portfolio that’s sitting on Shane’s lap, and both he and Alex nod with enthusiasm.
“Much more than an idea! These are spectacular,” Shane gushes, and Jace ducks his head, cheeks pink with embarrassment.
When they turn back to me with expectant eyes, I dive back into the details of the day. By the time I’m finished with the bit about Raquel, all three of them have open mouths.
Alex laughs as he takes a sip of his beer. “Shit, girl, things just happen around you, don’t they?”
In the silence following his question, Alex and Shane look at each other before glancing at Jace, and I wave my hand to halt where their concern is taking them. “He’s signed an NDA which says he’s not allowed to talk about anything but Neighpalm Couture to the press. Anything personal is off-limits, so you can talk in front of him.”
“Do we think it was Jacinta that did any of those things?” Alex asks, a frown on his face.
“Ms. Summers?” Jace sits up straight, eyes wide. “Why would she do that?”
With a deep breath, Alex, Shane, and I explain everything that’s happened since I first found out I’m a Summers, starting with my mom’s death.
“So basically you know everything now. And no, we talked about it at lunch. Jaxon, Declan, and Dad agree that she wouldn’t do anything like that, and she swore black and blue yesterday she hadn't done those things either. I think I believe all of them too.”
“You had lunch with your dad?” Alex asks, eyes bright with excitement. “On your own?”
“How was that?” Shane asks gently, interrupting Alex.
Smiling at his concern, I reply, “Really good. It was nice to sit down one on one and get to know each other. He asked me questions, and I got to learn more about him. But then Nana, Declan, and Jaxon arrived.” I tell them about the box that had been delivered, and their faces turn from amused to concerned in an instant.
“Yeah, that’s not good, Harlow. It sounds like someone is obsessing over you,” Shane says, eyes dulling with concern. Alex shivers where he’s sitting.
“I had one of those once; it’s not fun.”
“No, I know. Dad and the guys are taking it really seriously. They called the police, and a detective came and spoke to me before we came here.”
Alex shudders and puts his arm around me, hugging me tightly again before releasing me. “Well, don't go anywhere on your own until the police can find them.”
“I won’t,” I promise, giving his arm a squeeze. The easy affection from Alex and Shane is something I didn’t even know I needed. It’s nice to have more friends than just Max.Shit, Max!I’m going to have to call her and fill her in. Who knows if she’ll be on set by Thursday. God knows I’m already going to hear an earful for having so much I haven’t told her. It’s just been so easy,tooeasy, to get caught up in all of this Summers drama.
“Oh hey, Alex, can you or Shane please give Jace a ride to the airport? Nana is sending him home in style.” I smile at our new friend. “He needs to pack up and take some extended leave or something and then come back. Nana is going to put him up at the Neighpalm Hotel for the duration of his trial. I would, but I have that interview tomorrow.”
Jace is already shaking his head by the time I finish asking. “No, it’s okay. I’ll just call an Uber or something.”
Shane and Alex exchange a glance. You know, the one where couples basically do a mind meld thing and it’s almost like they're speaking telepathically.
“Nonsense,” Alex declares, breaking his stare down with Shane. “What kind of friends would we be if we let you do that? Both of us are off for the next few days. Not only will we take you to the airport, we can come with you and help pack up your things. It will be fun! I could do with a vacation. Where are we going?”
“New Orleans, Louisiana,” Jace stammers, stunned at the offer. I swear Alex’s eyes light up as he whoops.Well, Jace is definitely getting a quick introduction into what life will be like in LA.
“Laissez le bon temps rouler,” he says in a sexy French accent, and Shane rolls his eyes, an amused smile on his lips while Jace swallows nervously again.Should I rescue him or just leave him to take care of himself? Definitely more fun to just watch and see what happens.
“And not only will we do that, but you can have the other spare room here if you want it,” Shane offers. “Staying in a hotel for three months would wear on anyone, and you’re part of the Neighpalm family now.” And that, in a nutshell, is Shane and Alex.
Jace, wide-eyed, shakes his head in a totally futile attempt at refusal, but Alex won’t let him. “Come on, I’ll show you which room is yours.” He holds out his hand to Jace who looks at it and then at me. I smile at him encouragingly, and he takes Alex’s hand, letting the over-enthusiastic man pull him to his feet. When they’re chest to chest, I can see that they’re basically the same height. Alex stands there, his nostrils flaring slightly before turning and flouncing off in the direction of the bedrooms. His hand is still in Jace’s, dragging the poor man along behind him.
Well, that was interesting. Turning to look at Shane, he has an amused smile on his face. He doesn't look upset, so I don't say anything. If they're going to insist on giving him a home for a couple of months, who am I to argue?
