I swallow the lump in my throat and avert my eyes.
“I know what you think,” he says, filling the awkward silence. “You think Mom’s death didn’t affect me, but it did.”
When I glance back at him, he’s staring out the window.
“I did what I had to do for you. You needed me more than ever after she passed. And I’m sorry if I did a shitty job.”
Just then, Nicki returns and hands me another drink.
As I take it from her hand, I say the only thing that comes to mind. “It’s too late to make up for lost time.”
He says nothing as I stand and make my way to the back of the plane. I open the bathroom door and slam it shut. After locking him out, I dig into my pocket and pull out the pill bottle I got from Luca yesterday when Cross and I went to Glass. I pop the lid and wash two pills down with my new drink.
I can’t handle this flight with my brother sober. Especially if he’s going to bring up our past.
APRIL
I stand inthe middle of a grand foyer in a black cocktail dress with a glass of champagne in one hand and my clutch in the other.
“How long are we going to be here?” I ask Alexa.
“I just wanted to make an appearance. I promised her we would come,” she whispers.
“Who?” I ask before taking another sip of my drink.
“Alexa,” a woman calls out, striding toward us in a white one-shoulder dress that hits mid-thigh—definitely designer and probably cost a small fortune. Her red hair is cut short andparted to the side, tucked behind her ear. She opens her arms, welcoming Alexa in for a hug. “I’m so glad you made it.”
Alexa hugs her and pulls away. “Of course.” She steps to the side and gestures to me. “April, this is Jasmine. Jasmine, this is my best friend, April.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” She surprises me by pulling me in for a hug.
“You too,” I say when we separate. “How do you two know each other?”
“Oh, Jasmine knows everyone,” a woman says, joining the conversation. Her turquoise minidress shows off a set of long legs. It dips low in the front, and she wears a black choker around her neck. Her dark hair falls in loose waves. “Hi.” She extends her right hand, and I don’t miss the huge rock on the ring finger of her left hand that holds her champagne flute. “I’m Emilee.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m April.”
“It’s true.” Jasmine nods once. “I do know everyone. It’s because I’m so relatable.”
Emilee snorts, making Alexa laugh.
“So, what’s the occasion?” I wonder.
“I just bought the place.” Jasmine smiles, holding her hands out wide. “Thought I’d have a party to break it in.”
I nod. “Well, it’s a gorgeous place.” That’s an understatement. The house is a fucking mansion with all the amenities that make places like this worth millions. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and expensive artifacts. Once we entered the gated property, they had valets out front to park the cars. Men in suits stood outside the front doors, and two stood inside to greet the guests. Butlers walk around with trays of champagne and finger foods. The only thing the party is missing is puppies as party favors.
“Thanks.” She smiles at me. “But let’s be honest, it’s boring, right?”
“Oh, no,” I say.
“Not at all,” Alexa adds.
“It sucks balls,” Emilee tells her before taking a sip of her champagne.
Jasmine sighs. “I know, right? Let’s say fuck it and go out.”
Emilee smiles brightly. “Yes. I could use a girls’ night. It’s been too long.”
