He winked. “This is a desperate woman, trying to get someone’s attention.”
I pulled off my leather jacket, throwing it onto the coat hook as I walked through to his kitchen, kissing Nee on the cheek as I passed, my attention focused on Fern’s high pitched voice.
“I had a rock star. He loved me near and far. I let my mouth run wild. And now he won’t s-miiilllleee. Charlie is a hunk, he’s built like a tree trunk. When he holds me in his arms, I know I won’t come to any h-aaaaarrrrrmmmmmm.”
“What the fuck?”
Nee winked, and I continued to listen, despite how painful it was.
“If I had a wish, it would be to date him and prove how deep my love goes. But if he keeps saying no, my heart will break and I don’t think he knows how much my tears will flow.”
There was then a guitar riff that I knew Archer or Fox must have recorded for her and then she sang some more, but by now, I was laughing so much I didn’t hear the words. I’d not laughed in so long that my ribs ached almost instantly.
“Nice to see you smile, Charlie. We’ve been worried about you,” Nee said as she stood from the high stool she’d been sitting on.
“Fine, I’ll talk to her face to face. But will you all stop with this stuff… it’s weird that you’re doing this behind my back with her. Haven’t we always said no secrets?”
Nee leaned her head against my shoulder. “Not secrets, C. We’re just helping.”
“I’ll text her, I promise.”
“Good, because we hate seeing you this sad.”
Fern
I looked in the mirror. “Is it too much?” I asked Lea and Nee as I took in my reflection. My ballgown had been custom made as a gift from Addi. The bodice had a plunging neckline and was made of hundreds of black silk flowers that covered my breasts and climbed over my shoulders while the skirt was long and full, sweeping the floor. I slipped my hands into the pockets as the hairdresser smoothed my hair, so it fell in over my shoulder.
“You look stunning, Fern.” Nee squeezed my hand.
“And so do you two.” I looked at my friends, who both looked like supermodels.
Lea pointed to the door. “Right, come on. I’m the one organizing this charity event. I can’t be late.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” I laughed. “Planning this with a baby. You’re like Superwoman.”
“No, I just have the best men to help make my dreams a reality.” She dusted her fingers over the tattoo that ran thelength of her forearm, smiling to herself. “Now, come on. Let’s go.”
As we stepped into the enormous room, the sight took my breath away. White round tables filled the space, with huge black feather centerpieces and vases filled with candles that looked like they were floating.
Spotlights shone from fake windows that had been hung up high, making it appear like the moonlight was shining through them, creating a low lit magical feel that was added to by the soft hum of the string quartet playing in the corner of the stage.
“Ladies, you all look beautiful. Can we escort you to your table?” Marshall appeared along with Dawson and Fox, each of them holding out their arms for us to take. I wrapped mine through Marshall’s as he guided me through the room, where he pulled out my chair and I took a seat.
Each year, the label threw a ball to support a new charity. This year Lea had organized it in aid of victims of sexual assault after everything that had happened to Archer and me… and of course, Charlie, but no one knew about that but me, Fox, and Archer.
Marshall leaned down, whispering in my ear, “Everything is set up. The room to the left. Thirty minutes. I’ll be outside, so no one will disturb you.”
I smiled, nodding before turning my attention to the other people around my table and waving to the other members of the Gods and their partners.
There were two seats spare. I frowned at Addi, trying to work out who else would be seated with us, but then I saw him and I couldn’t hide my excitement as I stood up, my hands flying to my mouth.
There, walking confidently across the room, was Neo. Dressed head to toe in black, his silver cane glinting in the low light. He ran his hand through his teal hair before he entwined his fingers with Aaron’s, who was smiling like he’d won the lottery. There was no pain in Neo’s face. His footsteps were quicker, his limp was much less pronounced.
I stood as he approached, flinging my arms around him. “Look at you. How are you feeling?”
“Good, Sweets. I feel good.”
“I didn’t know you were allowed to be up and about like this.”
