Dan nods toward the crowd. “This has been… something.”
I grin. “Tell me about it.”
Jody laughs. “I’ve never seen you look so relaxed. I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“I didn’t either,” I admit.
Dan’s expression shifts into something more thoughtful. “Your friends really did a nice job with this.”
“Yeah,” I say. “Rafe—” I catch myself automatically, then pivot smoothly. “—they’re good guys. Knowing each other before all the mayhem and fame makes a difference.”
Jody’s eyebrows lift. “You did?”
I blink. “Yeah.” I glance at Dan, and he shrugs, knowing full well the band and I know each other from way back. Apparently it’s not something he shared with his wife.
She looks delighted, like she’s just discovered a fun secret. “That’s insane. Steel Saints are everywhere. It must be something special seeing them rise to this level.” I nod as she continues, “I’ve had their songs stuck in my head for months. I can’t believe I’m partying with them.”
Dan smirks. “Jody’s been acting like she discovered them personally.”
“That’s because I did,” she shoots back. She turns to me with a grin. “How do you even know the band from before?”
It’s asked innocently. Curious, not suspicious. Still, my body goes tight for half a second out of habit.
“College,” I say easily. “Same campus. Different circles at first, but…” I shrug. “LA’s smaller than people think.”
Jody beams. “This is so cool.”
Dan nods slowly, then adds, “They seem like good dudes. It’s nice to finally meet them,” he says pointedly.
I swallow. “Yeah, I know,” I say quietly. “And they are good guys.”
A cheer rises from the kitchen, and we all glance over to see Miles being roped into what looks like a photo with someone who might genuinely be an actor I’ve seen on billboards. Drew is laughing. Eli is gesturing wildly like he’s telling a story with interpretive dance.
Then Rafe appears again, sliding into the space beside us like he belongs everywhere at once. “Hey,” he says, flashing that easy smile. “You having fun?”
I aim for dry. “Against my will.”
Rafe laughs. “It’s working.”
He turns to Dan and Jody with warm attention that makes it impossible not to like him. “Thanks for coming.”
Dan offers his hand. “Appreciate the invite. This place is ridiculous.”
Rafe shakes his hand, unfazed. “It’s… bigger than it needs to be. But it’s good for parties.”
Jody laughs. “You’ve got Ollie dancing.”
Rafe’s eyes flick to mine. “I know.” It’s said lightly, but his gaze holds something private. Pride. Pleasure. Maybe relief.
Dan looks between us, amused. “Didn’t think I’d ever see it.”
“Don’t get used to it,” I say.
Rafe tips his head, playful. “We’ll see.”
Jody’s smile softens. “This is really nice,” she says. “You’ve done something special.”
Rafe’s expression shifts just slightly, sincerity breaking through the charm. “He deserves it.”
