Big talk from someone whose makeup took fifteen minutes to repair when she came back from her ‘vape break,’ with Davis in tow.
Jake kisses the top of my head. “I think you look perfect, baby.”
“Cheers,” I mumble as Cece paints my mouth. “But weren’t you just saying you’re half-blind from rugby concussions?”
“Blind and in love,” Davis says.
I catch his reflection in the rearview mirror. “Sure you wanna go there, Bacon? Because I’m pretty sure I heard you singing in the bathroom before we left.”
Davis goes scarlet. “It’s called being in a good mood.”
“Well, itsoundedlike Chris Stapleton.”
Jake makes a choking noise, and Davis turns to glare at him. “If none of your mates kick your head in tonight, I’m first in line.”
“Ah, give it ya best shot, bouncer. You earned it.”
“And you’re as sweet as Tennessee whiskey,” I say.
“Double fuckin’ demons,” Davis mutters as Jake and I laugh.
Cece strokes Davis’s shoulder. “Don’t listen to them, baby. They’re both hopped up on lust and collective insanity.”
“Um, it’s called ‘Autism,’” I say, mock-wounded.
“And CTE,” Jake adds in the same mournful tone. “It’s a serious issue around rugby, Cee. The parents are really worried about it.”
Cece tries to scowl, but neither she nor Davis can hold back their snorts. I laugh along with them. This is the way I used to imagine it would feel as a kid, heading to a party with your friends. Only, none of the people in this car are kids, and the party is more like an active minefield.
I squeeze Jake’s hand.
“Nervous?” he asks.
“Yeah.”
“Don’t be. I’ll deal with anyone who gets outta line.”
I roll my eyes. “Appreciated, but please remember we need to chill tonight? No drama, no panic. We don’t know when the cops are gonna get to Thrasher. Our only job is to show up at this reunion.”
“Ownthe reunion,” Jake corrects. “Thehot, hometown musician made good.”
“Sure, only replace your words with ‘unemployed band dork.’ And I’m not from Pukekohe, remember? I’m not even from New Zealand?”
“Ah, you’ll always be a Kiwi to me, babe.”
“And me.” Cece loops her arm through mine. “I know you’re nervous, but we’re not fifteen anymore. Jenny and her minions don’t get to run this show. We do.”
I nod, swallowing down the edge of panic. “Okay. Besides, Jake’s already threatening violence.”
“He’s not the only one.” Davis turns to give Cece a look I could only describe as ‘devout aggression.’ “If any of those pricks even come near you?—”
“We’ll go somewhere else,” Cece says sweetly. “A little supporting trust in your employer, please, Davis?”
A smile crooks his mouth. “Can do, boss.”
Jake leans into me, his mouth at my ear. “And then there’sourplan…”
My stomach clenches. “Are you sure?—”
