Even though the churning in my gut tells me I already did.
“How’re things with you?” I ask Vincent, aware that I’m being a rude, self-pitying asshole.
“Good. Great, actually. Life in the shadows has it’s advantages. You know there’s a porn site where groups of guys are dressing up in balaclavas and banging people in organized orgies while playing live recordings of The Maestro’s music?”
“Really?” I smirk.
“There are those who need to hear the music. And those who need tofeelthe music, I guess.” Vincent chuckles. “Whatever man, I’m just happy it’s spreading joy.”
“And potentially STIs,” I clip, earning myself a chuckle from him.
The band slide seamlessly into another song and Molly continues dancing with Jenson, surrounded by other guests,all dancing, including Uncle Mal and Aunt Trudy. Everyone around us is having a great time. My father’s sitting beneath a fairy lit veranda talking softly to Halliday with one hand stroking her bump tenderly as she gazes at him with nothing but love in her eyes. Sinclair’s melded to Denver’s side, one hand on his chest, batting her eyelashes at him as he looks like he’s grumbling to her about something. But his hand is still low down on her back, caressing her with tenderness.
Even Killian is sitting at the bar, flirting with one of the wait staff.
Everyone is together. And happy.
I clear my throat, then drain my whiskey.
“Another?” I invite Vincent, gesturing to the bar.
His attention moves from something behind me and settles on my face.
“Nah, Buddy. I think you’re about to be needed.” He slaps me on the back and wanders away.
My eyes snap to Molly, expecting her to be looking for me. But she’s still happily dancing with Jenson without a care in the world.
“She makes a very cute flower girl.”
I spin at her voice.
“Tate?”
My eyes probably look like they’re in danger of falling out of my head.
She’s not in LA. She’s here.
She’s here.
I stare at her for a few long seconds, drinking her in like a lone man in the desert who’s just seen a mirage. A lush, tropical oasis that’ll save his life.
She gives me a shy smile, her eyes glittering. “Hi, Sullivan.”
“You’re supposed to be in LA.”
“I was. Now I’m here.”
“Now you’re here,” I echo roughly, staring at her like this will all make sense.
None of it should matter to me.She’s here.But it does matter. It matters more than anything.
I pushed her away once, thinking she was chasing her dream. But it was the wrong one. This time it’s right. And as much as it pains me, Ineedto know she’s not giving it up.
“Much quicker than I planned. My flight wasn’t supposed to get in until tomorrow,” she says.
“You had a flight booked? To Cape Town?”
Her eyes flick around at the wedding guests before coming back to meet mine and seeming unsure, like she’s wondering if she made a mistake. I’m still unable to believe that she’s here, right in front of me. Flesh and blood.
