Chapter 31 Late But Legendary
The halls of Kingsley Manor were finally settling down as Elias and Linda moved about the dining room, clearing the last remnants of a brunch that had officially ended over five minutes ago—though lingering laughter and echoes of inside jokes suggested otherwise.
In the living room, Beau was diligently Swiffering the hardwood floor, humming to himself when Jason strolled through the front door. The youngest Kingsley brother glanced around, noting the distinct lack of a bustling crowd, and sighed dramatically.
"Missed it, didn't I?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Beau didn't stop cleaning, but his eyes widened slightly as he locked eyes with Jason and immediately mouthed, Run. He then shook his head and grinned.
Jason chuckled, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "So, how much trouble am I in?"
Beau, ever the instigator, casually shrugged. "Ooooh, I don't know. Maybe drop a dad joke and hope for the best? Or fake an injury. Your call."
Jason opened his mouth to respond, but before he could formulate a comeback, Elias entered the room, arms crossed, gaze unimpressed. Jason, unfazed, strode over and clapped his father on the back with a wide grin.
"Pops! I missed you!"
Elias sighed. "Jason."
"Elias." Jason matched his tone perfectly, earning a subtle smirk from his father.
Before their banter could escalate, Linda emerged from the dining room, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She took one look at her youngest and sighed dramatically.
"Jason Alexander Kingsley, you missed the best family gathering we've ever had."
Jason arched a brow. "Better than my graduation?"
Linda nodded without hesitation. "Much better."
Jason gasped, clutching his chest in mock betrayal. "Ma! How dare you!"
Beau snorted from the couch. "To be fair, your graduation was more about whether or not you'd actually graduate. This was pure entertainment."
Jason huffed, plopping down onto the arm of a chair. "Well, I suppose I'll have to make it up to you all somehow. Private dinner. Just immediate family. I'll even be on time."
Linda narrowed her eyes. "You? On time?"
Elias patted Jason's shoulder, shaking his head. "Good luck, son."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad."
Linda raised an eyebrow. "So? Where were you?"
Jason's grin widened. "Ah, yes. That." He straightened a little, something earnest flickering beneath the playfulness. "I was finalizing details with my producers for auditions next week. For my latest project."
"Another action flick?" Beau asked.
Jason scoffed. "Please. This is a masterpiece. A film I actually wrote myself. I'm directing, acting, and producing. It's going to be legendary."
"Legendary?" Elias echoed, though his voice held the tiniest hint of pride beneath the skepticism.
Jason nodded. "Of course. You'll see. It's got heart, action, comedy—it's the full package." He glanced toward Linda, his eyes lighting up mischievously. "Actually... Mom, you should audition."
Linda blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah!" Jason leaned forward, his grin devilish. "There's this role for a no-nonsense, emotionally complex matriarch who delivers sharp one-liners and commands the room with her mere presence. Sound familiar?"
Beau nearly dropped the Swiffer from laughing so hard.
Linda's eyes narrowed, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Jason Kingsley. Are you saying I'm dramatic?"
Jason's eyes twinkled. "No, I'm saying you'd steal the show. Honestly, you'd probably make me look bad."
Linda hummed thoughtfully. "I don't know... It might be fun."
Jason gasped. "Ma. Please. Don't toy with my emotions like this."
"Careful what you wish for," Elias added dryly. "If your mother gets involved, you'll be answering to her on set."
"That's true," Linda said, her smile growing. "And you know I'm not shy about giving notes."
Jason raised his hands in mock surrender. "And this is why I love you."
Linda shook her head, laughing softly. "We'll see. Maybe I'll come to auditions... if I'm feeling inspired."
Jason's eyes lit up. "You wouldn't regret it."
"Or maybe you would," Beau chimed in.
Jason tossed a throw pillow at him. "Jealous?"
"Of what? Public humiliation?" Beau caught the pillow effortlessly. "Pass."
Jason stood, stretching his arms behind his head. "Alright, I'm off. Got a very important meeting at The Tipsy Tortoise. Gotta maintain my excellent reputation."
Linda crossed her arms. "Yes, because that's exactly what we worry about—your reputation at a pub."
Jason smirked. "A fine establishment, Mother. Also, I'll be back for breakfast. Try not to miss me too much."
"And if you're late?" Elias asked.
Jason's grin widened. "I'll let Mom yell at me during the audition."
With that, he strolled out, leaving behind a mix of fond exasperation and lingering laughter in his wake.
____________________________
The Tipsy Tortoise was alive with energy, the hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the air. Hallie Rogers and Sabrina Rae were perched in the VIP section, doing what they did best—people-watching with a side of whispered judgments.
Sabrina swirled her cocktail, glancing at a woman in a simple black dress and sneakers. "Oh, honey, what is that? Did she think this was casual Friday?"
Hallie scoffed. "She looks like she just clocked out of a shift at some greasy diner. This is a lounge, not a fast-food breakroom."
Roxanne, who had been listening from a few feet away, let out an exaggerated sigh and sauntered over. "Oh, Hallie. It's been too long, and yet, somehow, you're still exhausting."
Hallie's eyes narrowed. "Roxanne. Ah-ah. Don't embarrass yourself."
Roxanne smirked. "Embarrass myself? Sweetheart, I'm not the one with a personality as deep as a puddle in a drought."
Sabrina gasped. Hallie's face twisted with rage. "You little—"
"Ah-ah," Roxanne cut in smoothly, holding up a finger. "Before you embarrass yourself further, let's address the real issue here: that lady over there? She's effortlessly gorgeous. Meanwhile, you're sitting here burning calories on bitterness. Maybe redirect that energy into something useful. Like self-awareness."
Hallie's mouth opened and closed, no comeback in sight. Sabrina looked like she wanted to slide under the table.
Roxanne leaned in with a too-sweet smile. "Now, be a dear and apologize. Properly."
With the weight of onlookers pressing on her, Hallie forced out a stiff, "Sorry."
Roxanne beamed. "Good girl. Now run along before your ego collapses under its own weight."
As Hallie fumed and stomped off, Roxanne turned to the woman they had insulted—Lily.
"Love your dress," Roxanne said with a warm smile. "You look effortlessly stunning."
Lily's shoulders visibly loosened, the tension draining from her face. A shy smile spread across her lips. "Thanks. That was... extremely satisfying to watch."
Roxanne shrugged, her grin turning playful. "Oh, sweetie, it's practically a hobby at this point."
Lily laughed. After a brief pause, she extended her hand. "I'm Lily, by the way."
"Roxanne," she replied, shaking Lily's hand with an easy confidence. "It's nice to meet you. Officially, anyway."
"So," Roxanne said, tilting her head, "how'd you end up in the firing line of her?"
Lily rolled her eyes with a soft laugh. "Oh, you know... existing in the same room as her. I think that's enough."
"Relatable." Roxanne smirked.
They started chatting more comfortably, the conversation flowing from awkward run-ins with people like Hallie to their work ambitions and future plans. Lily leaned in after a few minutes, eyes bright.
"You should meet my best friend. He's coming tonight."Roxanne's brow lifted.
"Best friend, huh? Well, I'm honored. But just so you know, I have to approve of anyone who claims best friend status. It's a very exclusive club."Lily's laugh was soft but genuine.
"Oh, really?"
"Absolutely."
Roxanne grinned, pulling out her phone.
"And since you're introducing me to your bestie, it's only fair that you meet mine." She tapped out a quick text.
"Consider it a friendship initiation."
Lily's smile widened as their eyes met, both sensing that this was the beginning of something good.
___________________________________________
Emilia lay curled up in Henry's arms, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her thigh. She sighed contentedly, soaking in the warmth of him.
"You should go have fun with Roxanne," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of her head. "I have work anyway."
Emilia made an exaggerated groan and draped herself over his chest like a starfish. "But if you came with me... we could make a night of it. You, me, questionable karaoke choices—"
Henry chuckled, catching her hand as it wandered a little too far south. "Em, if we keep this up, you're never leaving this apartment."
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Emilia huffed but reached for it anyway.
Roxanne: "Em, if you don't show up, I'm replacing you with Lily. She's delightful, but she's not you. I will haunt your inbox forever."
Emilia snorted, her head flopping dramatically back onto Henry's chest. "Alright, fine. I surrender. I'll be there in an hour."
Henry pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Smart move. Roxanne as a ghost? Terrifying. She'd probably rearrange your apps out of spite."
"Ugh, you're so right," Emilia groaned, typing out a quick response.
Em: "Fine. I'm coming. But if you and Lily start wearing matching jackets without me, I'm OUT."
Henry chuckled. "Tragic. Betrayed by your own people."
Emilia rolled her eyes but then hesitated, turning in his arms to look up at him. "Speaking of people... I was thinking we should have everyone over for dinner soon. My friends, yours. A proper gathering."
Henry's eyes lit up, but his smirk stayed firmly in place. "You mean, officially introducing me to your inner circle so they can interrogate me? How thrilling."
Emilia poked his chest. "Exactly. If you survive, you get to keep dating me."
Henry caught her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Oh, I will survive. But only if I get to cook with you."
Emilia smiled, trailing a finger down his chest. "I'd love that."
His grip on her waist tightened slightly, his voice softening. "I want to meet the people you care about. And make sure they know how much you mean to me."
Emilia raised an eyebrow. "Protective already?"
Henry's expression grew serious, his eyes warm. "Always."
A beat of quiet passed between them, something weightier in the air. Emilia took a breath. "And you'll finally let me into your world too?"
Henry's fingers brushed against her cheek, his gaze darkening—not with hesitation, but something deeper. "Em... I want you in my world. Every part of it."
Her heart stuttered. She wanted to tease him, make a joke to ease the weight of his words, but instead, she found herself caught in the intensity of his stare.
"That's a bold statement, Mr. Kingsley."
His thumb brushed her knuckles. "I never make statements I don't mean."
Her throat went dry. She wanted to believe him—God, she already did. But stepping fully into his world? That was a different kind of risk.
She swallowed. "Guess we'll see how dinner with my friends goes, then."
He raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"
She smirked, finally breaking the tension. "Just don't say anything too charming. Roxanne might adopt you."
He laughed, squeezing her hand. "Noted."
_________________________________
Back at the bar, Lily was aggressively mashing her thumbs against her phone, her face a mix of triumph and mischief.
Lily: "Met an absolute legend tonight. She saved me from two insufferable actors. We're besties now. You've been demoted to #2. RIP."
Jason: "Wow. Betrayal. Just like that? After everything we've been through?"
Lily: "Look, she deflected a terrible pickup line with artistic precision, Jason. You don't have that skill set. I have to prioritize my safety."
Jason: "Oh, absolutely. I totally understand. Let me just go weep into my gold-plated tissues in my gigantic mansion while I come to terms with this devastating loss."
Lily: "Good. Be dramatic. I thrive on it."
Jason: "You know, I was going to invite you to an exclusive party next week, but I think I'll save the invite for your new bestie instead. Hope she likes caviar and rooftop pools."
Lily: "Jason. Buddy. Pal. My favorite human being."
Jason: "Uh-huh. That's what I thought."
Lily: "Fine, you're reinstated as #1, but only because you have a pool. And snacks. Mostly the snacks."
Jason: "I accept this victory."
Lily grinned at her phone, shaking her head. Jason was impossible—but, unfortunately, he was also her favorite person to annoy.
Roxanne grinned as she showed Lily the response from Emilia.
"Mission accomplished."
Lily raised her glass, eyes sparkling. "To emotionally blackmailing our friends with love."
"Cheers to that," Roxanne said, clinking her glass against Lily's. "And just so you know, if Em doesn't show up within the hour, we're switching to plan B."
Lily's brows lifted. "What's plan B?"
"Texting Henry." Roxanne's eyes glinted mischievously. "Emilia wouldn't risk her man showing up to drag her here."
Lily laughed. "You're diabolical."
"Thank you." Roxanne winked. "I try."
___________________________________________________________
Emilia took her time getting ready, stretching out the process as if daring herself to change her mind and stay in. But she knew Roxanne-her best friend was probably already scheming up ways to drag her there, so she might as well go willingly.
Sliding into her go-to night-out look, she pulled on sleek black faux leather leggings that hugged her curves just right, pairing them with a simple black tank that dipped just enough at the neckline. To top it off, she shrugged on her red moto bomber jacket-bold but effortless, just like Roxanne would expect.
Her fingers worked quickly, tying her brown locks up into a high ponytail, the loose curls cascading down in soft waves. A final glance in the mirror, a swipe of gloss over her lips, and she was ready to go.
But first-Henry.
Padding barefoot into his office, she leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed as she watched him work. He was already deep in concentration, one hand on the keyboard, the other flipping through a file. Even in a simple fitted black tee, he looked effortlessly powerful.
"You know," she drawled, stepping further into the room, "if you keep frowning at your laptop like that, it might combust."
Henry didn't look up immediately, but the smirk that played on his lips told her he wasn't ignoring her. "And here I thought you were already gone," he said, finally lifting his gaze.
She twirled once on the spot, striking a playful pose. "Had to say goodbye first. What do you think?"
His eyes dragged over her slowly, appreciatively, before he leaned back in his chair, arms folding behind his head. "I think you look beautiful," he said smoothly. "So simple like this. Effortlessly stunning."
Emilia felt heat rush to her cheeks, and she scoffed, rolling her eyes even as she smiled. "Flatterer."
"Always," he said with a lazy grin.
She took a step closer, resting her hands on the desk. "I won't be out too late," she promised.
Henry nodded, reaching for her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I know. I trust you," he murmured, then added, "but take Cayden with you. He'll drive you there and back, just in case you decide to drink."
Emilia sighed but nodded. She wasn't about to argue-not when she knew it wasn't about control, just about him wanting her safe. "Fine," she relented, "but only because I don't want you worrying about me all night."
"Too late for that," he murmured, pulling her forward until she was within reach. His lips brushed over hers-soft at first, teasing, until she deepened the kiss, savoring the way he tasted, the warmth of him.
Finally, she pulled away, a little breathless. "That was unfair."
"That was incentive to come home sooner," he countered, smirking.
She laughed, shaking her head as she stepped back toward the door. "Smooth, Henry. Very smooth."
With one last glance at him-his eyes still locked on her like she was the only thing in the world-Emilia turned on her heel and headed out the door, ready to meet her best friend.