The balls and chains theyactuallywant.
Heh that’s sweet.
“Can you make that your cake topper too, please?” Dash begs.
“We’re thinking about it,” Luthor chuckles.
“And make mini versions to give out to all the guests.” Felix beams. “That would be amazing.”
“So has he said anything about when he’s supposedly coming out here?” Byron asks Velle, shifting back to Ivory-talk.
Velle gets this seriousness about him he only gets when talking about The Ivory. My theory is that he does it because he feels guilty about keeping in contact with the evil bloke. Although he doesn’t need to. We’re the last people in the world to judge.
But hey… I’m no shrink.
He’s right over there. And I’m sure he has thoughts.
“He’d mentioned it a while back, but I thought he was just talking,” Velle replies. “He’s trying to steer clear since the new governor took office. Apparently, much of what Russo was up to is under investigation…”
“Good,” Byron and Dash both say at the same time.
“Knowing him, he’ll pop up on the anniversary of when we thought we got rid of him, like Michael fuckin Meyers,” Velle snorts.
“Would you be okay… seeing him?” I ask. “All of you?”
They’re quiet for a moment.
“Why do you ask?” Joy murmurs.
I’m hesitating, so Byron jumps in for me. “He wants to see Angel.”
“I like him.” I pout. “He’s sweet. We really bonded when I almost killed us driving from the mansion to the armory.”
Some chuckles resound.
“I mean,I’mfine,” Ren says, and Luthor nods. “But then we didn’t suffer his wrath as badly as some of you.”
“We’ve moved on,” Lemuel says, taking Felix’s hand.
“I mean, I feel better after kicking his ass,” Joy says. “And after the way he acted with my dad. He totally stood down, it was nuts.”
“Gotta respect the way he’s stayed away,” Byron sighs. “Even though he’s probably listening to us right now.”
Wealllook for the cameras this time. It really is a reflex.
Velle chuckles, but it fades. “I took some time… in between sorting everything with the island. But I found that it was better to stay in touch. It helped me feel like all of it wasreal. Everything that’s happened…A.A.After Alabaster.”
Dash huffs. “That’s funny… A.A. Angel Alvarez.”
“I know,” Velle sighs. “It’s crazy, but… I don’t know, I’m glad it’s not over, ya know?That bad stuff, yes. But what came out of it is pretty amazing.” Everyone nods. “Say what you will… but he did that.”
“He did,” Dash murmurs. “I wasn’t sure for a while… If I’d be able to speak to him without remembering it all. Especially with my dad being involved the way he was. But I agree with you. It turned out… pretty awesome.”
“Reallyfucking awesome.” Byron grins. He peeks at me. “Welp… no better time than right fucking now, huh?”
My brows furrow.
He sighs and slides onto the floor before me.
