The two of them laugh, and I roll my eyes, turning to Alex, who I realize has a slightly hurt look.
“Hi.” I pull him away from the group, wrapping my arms around him and hugging him tight. “Don’t be upset. Let me explain when we get a quiet moment. Remember, we did go over what was going to happen.” I pull back and look him directly in the eyes, wanting him to see that I’m genuine.
“I’m trying, I promise. It’s just weird. I’m not jealous, just sad. Sad for Ash. I’m perfectly content with Shane and Jace and you. I wouldn’t change that for the world. I just wish Ash was free to have the same for himself. He deserves happiness, especially now that I know he’s protecting his sister.”
“Okay.” I kiss him before rejoining the others, giving Shane and Jace their own kisses and hugs.
“Isn’t this wonderful?” Nana beams at the group of us, and the guys all shuffle awkwardly while I roll my eyes again.
“How about you leave your meddling ways until we’re less occupied? Where are we staying? I had a rough night, and the three of us just really want to grab some dinner and call it a night.”
Nana’s grin drops, and her mouth dips down in concern, making the slight wrinkles on her face deeper. “Is everything okay? You are looking a little pale. Paler than normal.”
“Nothing you need to worry about. Just a little hungover.”
“Again?” I hear the surprise in her voice.
“Sometimes alcohol is needed to deal with the morons that attend those things.”
She shakes her head. “I have no idea why you’re suddenly Miss Life of the Party.” Her gaze slides to Ash. “I’d blame you, but this started before you. Just be sure to take care of one another. Your grandmother’s approval is not worth the effort the two of you are putting in.” Neither of us miss the disapproval in her voice, and I steel my nerves against the guilt that’s waiting for me to weaken. She doesn’t know it, but I’m doing this for her—for all of them. I can survive a little grandmotherly disappointment if it keeps my family and their legacy intact. “We’re all staying in town. Molly and Emma have already left, and we were just about to. Didn’t you check in when you got to town?”
“No, we came straight here, but you seem to have everything under control.”
“Yes, it’s like Jace has been doing this all his life.” Nana tucks her arm into his, giving him a squeeze.
“Aw, Grace, only because I had your amazing expertise, not to mention these two and Emma and Molly.” He nods to his two boyfriends. Alex puffs up at the praise, but Shane just smiles.
“That’s awesome. So we’ll head out and see you all back at the hotel, maybe?”
“We’re all having dinner together tonight. Brad booked a private room to celebrate Jace’s first show,” Shane shares as we leave the ballroom and head downstairs to the cars.
A feeling of utter dread fills my stomach, and I stumble on the stairs. Riku puts a hand out to steady me.
“All?” I ask, and Nana nods.
“Family and these guys, Cole, and of course Ash and Riku are welcome. Brad wants to talk about security arrangements for the coming months with you.”
I sigh with relief. That I can handle, mostly.
“Okay, well, great. We’ll check in and see you all at dinner.”
* * *
The private dining room is noisy, and it looks like we’re the last to arrive. I talked things over with Riku and Ash, and I’ve decided to tell my family what happened. It’s bound to hit the media eventually, and I want to be involved in seeing Matthew pay. If his money somehow greases palms and he escapes the justice system, like many seem to do in LA, my big brother Declan is the perfect solution to seeing him pay permanently.
By the time I’ve been kissed and hugged by all my family members, Ash has been reintroduced to everyone. I grab a fork and tap it against my glass—just water for me tonight. My body wouldn’t be able to cope with anything more.
The tinkling sound gets everyone’s attention, and the room quiets down, everyone looking at me.
“Could you all just take a seat for a moment? I have something to tell you.” My family and friends do as I ask.
“You’re not announcing your engagement, are you, Jazzy?” Oliver calls laughingly. “I read you were having Ash’s baby and were running away together to Romania to live in your house there.”
“Ah, no. Riku, could you just make sure that the staff gives us a few moments?” With a nod, he disappears to do that.
“What’s this about, Jazzy?” Dad asks, and I take a big breath. A warm hand sliding into mine has me looking down. Ash is now standing just behind me, a silent support and warmth at my back, giving me the courage to tell them.
“Please let me finish before any of you say anything. I just need you to remember I’m okay.”
