Not exactly an invitation, but close enough.
The door swings open, pulling me from my thoughts. I tuck my phone away and rise. “Hey, girls.”
Flanked by bodyguards, they shuffle into my dressing room, and I rush forward, pulling them both into my arms.
“Mr. J—Dad—” they say in unison, voices overlapping, bright with excitement.
“The show was amazing!” Emilee beams, tossing her hair back into a ponytail.
“Oh, my god!” Ana claps her hands—overzealous personality on full display. “There were so many hot guys. No wonder you turned gay!”
I feel my cheeks heat. That’s a Gabriel line if I’ve ever heard one. Like father, like daughter. Sometimes I still can’t believe she’s mine.
“Clearly, you’re both batting for our team.” I laugh, glancing at their outfits. I’m almost certain this was Ana’s idea.
“Totally.” Emilee grins. “So which party are we going to?”
“My dad said we have to go wherever you’re going.” Ana cuts in. “We’re cool with that. We can hang with you.”
Emilee follows seamlessly. “And we have a change of clothes. Steven has them in the limo. Or we can just stay in this—it doesn’t matter, right Ana?”
“Girls.” I hold up my hands. “I hate to disappoint, but Steven’s taking you home. I have somewhere to swing by first, and then I’m heading straight home. I’m exhausted. No partying for me tonight.” Not to mention, most of these events are strictlyadults-only. “Icanhave Steven drop you at Bourbon Bar if you want to see Elijah for a bit?”
“I told you he was boring,” Emilee deadpans.
Ana crosses her arms like it’s the end of the world.
For fuck’s sake, these girls are dramatic.
“Okay, here’s what we’ll do,” I say, taking a deep breath, already dreading my own soft spot. “I’ll call Gabriel. There’s a party I know that’s more your speed—age-appropriate—but you still need an adult. If he’s on board, I’ll get you passes.”
“Yeeeeesss!” they shout, practically vibrating with excitement. Big surprise. It’s no secret that Gabriel is the favorite parent of the three of us.
Begrudgingly, I take out my phone and pull up his number. He’s the last person I want to talk to, but here we are. I brace myself.
“Ahh… Alex.” He answers on the first ring, dripping with that insufferable charm. “You must be looking for a date for tonight’s parties, sí? Well, it just so happens I’m available… as a friend, of course. But, as you well know, I offer certain benefits with that friendship?—”
“Enough, Gabriel,” I cut him off, already regretting the call. “I won’t be attending any after-parties. But I need a favor. Can you take the girls to an age-appropriate party? If not, fine—I’ll send them back to Elijah’s.”
“Age-appropriate for who? Any chance of me getting laid?”
“Not a chance,” I mutter, ignoring his sarcasm.
“Ah, well… probably for the best. My boyfriend wouldn’t exactly approve of me partying my pants off with other men, sí?”
I grind my teeth. “Yes or no, Gabriel? The girls are waiting.”
“Sí, sí. Okay Alex. Leave the address with Steven and have him swing by in thirty minutes. I’ll be waiting.”
“Thank you.” I exhale, tension finally leaving my shoulders. “I owe you one.”
“Oh, well then,” he purrs, and I immediately regret my own generosity. “Should I bring my Speedo to dinner next weekend? Or would you prefer?—”
“Goodbye, Gabriel.”
Gravity isjam-packed when I arrive shortly after midnight. I sent Elijah a quick text to let him know the girls were with Gabriel and had been slightly surprised by his instant reply. Short and to the point, he said the party at Bourbon Bar was in full swing and that he’d try to make it home by three a.m.I love you, baby, he added at the end, and suddenly I’m second-guessing this impromptu visit.
“Alex! How are you, my friend?” Fernando greets me enthusiastically as I reach the entrance, still dressed in my Marc Jacobs attire. He claps me on the shoulder with a grin. “Go right in,” he says, stepping aside to open the door.
