“We had so much fun last weekend,” Zoey declares, holding up the glass of wine she has in her hand, “for your birthday, we should do that again.” I roll my eyes at her.
“Let’s not and pretend we did,” I counter, kissing her cheek and Gabriella’s. “But after last night, I think I need a drink.”
I look around and walk over to the couch in the corner and toss my bag on it, and then I hear the gasps. “What are you wearing?” Lexi asks me and I look over my shoulder at her. “You did not!”
“I did not what?” I ask her as I pour myself a glass of white wine from one of the ice buckets on top of the bar.
“That sweater you are wearing,” she starts and I look down at my black sweater, “it’s not Kirby’s number.”
“It is not.” I smile. “Isn’t it cute?” I say of the crop sweater I had custom made. It looks like a regular black sweater, but on the back is Knox’s number and last name. “I found the girl online, I’m sure she can make you one too.”
“I can’t wear Knox’s number,” Lexi gasps and I shake my head.
“She custom makes them,” I take a sip of my wine, “so you can add anything to it.”
“It’s super cute,” Gabriella compliments.
“So what happened last night?” Zoey asks as the door to the suite opens and Lexi claps her hands.
“My handsome boy is here!” she cheers, leaving us and walking over to Ariella, who is walking in with Jagger on her hip.
“I swear, he’s tripled in size since the last time we saw him,” Zoey says, laughing.
“My arm muscles on my right side are impressive,” Ariella deadpans, putting him down so he can run to Lexi. “The left side looks like an overcooked noodle.”
I look over her head at another woman who is coming in the door. Her black hair is piled high on her head in a high, but loose and messy, ponytail. She looks around and then smiles at us. “Is that Victoria?” I hear Lexi ask and I just smile, not sure who this is.
“It is I.” She points to herself and comes over to give Lexi a hug but is pushed away by Jagger. “Dude, you literally slept with me last night, have you no loyalty?”
“It’s Lexi or no one,” Ariella huffs out, “which means I can relax and enjoy myself tonight.” She smiles. “Guys, this is Jaxon’s sister, Victoria. She is visiting us for a week.”
“Oh, hi,” I say, extending my hand, “it’s so nice to meet you.”
“Thank you.” She shakes my hand. “It was a graduation present to myself.”
“Fun, I backpacked in Europe for mine and Kirby paid for it.” I smile big.
“I wish,” she says, “I freaking wish.” She looks at Ariella. “Think Jaxon will pay for me to go backpacking in Europe?”
“Yeah, sure.” She nods her head. “And he’ll hire five guys to go with you.”
“Yeah, I’m afraid of that.” She looks up to the ceiling. “He’s such a buzzkill ever since he became a father.” She folds her arms under her chest. “Thanks for that.” She side-eyes Ariella.
“You’re welcome, I think.” She sounds confused.
“Look at her shirt,” Lexi urges Ariella, and I proudly turn around to show her the back of my shirt.
Her gasp out loud is very similar to Lexi’s. “That’s bold.”
“It is not bold,” I defend. “There are literally other girls out there,” I point to the seats, “who are wearing his name too.”
“Yes, but you wearing it means”—Ariella holds up her hands—“like you’re taken by him.”
“Well, I am,” I admit, and everyone but Victoria’s eyes go big.
“We’re dating.”
“Oh fuck,” Lexi swears. “Admitting it out loud is?—”
