CHAPTER 6
Today was the day of the event. The launch party for Matty’s record label, a.k.a. his baby project. About a year ago, the guys decided they no longer wanted to be a part of the LA scene and cut ties with their previous label, Pacific White. A label that almost ruined my brother’s love, but I was glad he was back together with Evy. They both were the epitome of soulmates. I didn’t believe in things like that until I saw their love for each other. It was apparent they both were connected on a different level. I was truly happy that my brother found his happily ever after. Even though he was an ass most of the time, he deserved the world.
“Lily, darling. OMG, look at my gorgeous girl.” My mother smiled from the tiny screen of my phone that I set up by the kitchen counter while I made some lunch.
“Mom, it’s so good to see you too. How’s Dad? And which country are you guys currently in?” I asked while I added salt to the pasta bake, praying that it turned out good. I was the worst cook I knew. The only thing I was good at making was my matcha latte, but since I needed to cut down on the amount of takeout I usually had, I had to resort to extreme measures .
“We’re in Barbados, darling. Look at this beautiful view.” My eyes dragged over the miles and miles of turquoise blue ocean glittering from the early morning rays. My mom and dad were globe-trotters traveling on a fancy yacht my brother set up for them.
“I’m glad you’re having fun, Mom.” I smiled back at her, looking into her soft eyes as a heavy weight sank into my chest. I was going to miss her so damn much.
“How’s my little Lily doing?” Dad joined in from over Mom’s shoulder.
“I’m not little, Dad.” I shook my head. “But I’m doing great,” I lied straight through my teeth.
“You’ll always be my little girl.” The corners of Dad’s eyes wrinkled as he beamed.
“So, tell me everything, how’s the internship going? Have you found a boyfriend yet?” Mom questioned, a gleam coating her eyes.
“Mom,” I groaned at the same time Dad announced that no man was deserving of his little Lily.
“Shut up, Richard. Look at my beautiful baby. She’s successful, kind, and smart, and she’s twenty-three. It’s high time she brings home a boyfriend and has some fun instead of always burying herself in her art.”
Dad huffed out a breath. “Still, I don’t know if any man is good enough for my little princess.”
“Dad. Mom, stop. I’m right here, and I’m doing fine on my own.” I gave them both a pointed look.
Mom sighed. “Fine, honey. I can’t help but be worried about my only daughter. I wish you had come along with us too. I miss my baby. ”
A thick lump blocked my throat. “I miss you too. I miss you both so much.”
Dad gave Mom a narrowed look while she already had unshed tears coating her eyes. “Look, now you made my little princess sad, Emily.”
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.” She laughed, wiping the corners of her eyes. “Only happy talk for now, and Richard, don’t go always taking your daughter’s side. Remember that you’re stuck in the middle of the ocean with me. Who knows what could happen?” She tsked, to which Dad and I burst into laughter. Mom was always ridiculous with her threats, but she couldn’t hurt a fly. She was a total softie.
God, my family was crazy, but I loved them to bits.
After promising Mom that I would call her later, I shot a reply to Jack’s message waiting on my phone.
Jack- Hey, we’re still on for tonight, right? I’ll pick you up in two hours. Is that okay?
Lily- Yes, that would be perfect. See you then.
I sighed, pushing away my phone. I was so tired already. All I wanted to do was go to sleep. But I had to be there for Matty and the boys.
My mind landed on the thought of seeing him tonight. I hadn’t seen him since that night.
The night when Michael kissed me like I was the flame of his deepest desire.
My lips still felt the burn from that head-spinning kiss.
A smoky, bitter smell wafted through the air, drifting me away from my thoughts.
I frowned. What was that ?
My eyes dragged over the room till they landed on the light spilling from the oven.
Fuck, I totally forgot about it. I rushed to the counter and turned it off, then opened the door, only to be greeted by a cloud of smoke. Shit, I took out the steaming tray holding the pasta that was now burnt to a crisp. There goes my lunch and my attempt at making it.
I gave up and ordered a light snack, which probably wasn’t good for me, but I was hungry, and I had to have something in my stomach with the number of pills I was taking.
Jack picked me up at seven sharp that night, looking dapper in his fitted suit.
“Hey, Lily. You good?” Jack asked as he opened his car door for me.
“Yes,” I mumbled, smiling as I slid into his car. I sighed as the heat of his car swaddled my cold skin.
I watched him close the door and jog to the driver’s side.
“Ready?” he asked, lifting a brow as he started the engine.
“Yes,” I whispered. “And thank you for picking me up.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said, eyes ahead as he drove us to the venue.
A small sigh left my lips as I sank into the seat. Bringing Jack to the event was going to be interesting. When Emmie asked, I told him I was coming in with a friend, but I didn’t mention that the friend was a guy.
But I was glad I was going with Jack today. I could use his company, which I really liked to the point that I considered him one of my closest friends now.
My thoughts came to a stop when we reached our destination .
The clatter from the outside was so loud that it leaked inside the car.
“Damn,” he muttered. Our car skipped the waiting lane for the main entrance as he drove us around to the private entrance. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” His eyes dragged over the lines and lines of crowds and photographers outside, hiding our view of the red carpet.
“Yep, welcome to the world of rock stars.”
“I don’t know much about the celebrity world, but man, this is something else. It’s crazy. I guess it comes with the whole package, huh?”
I lifted a shoulder. “The boys are used to it. Emmie has always kept my security tight, and they’ve never bothered me. Most people don’t even know what their rock god’s sister looks like, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“I would do the same thing too.” He cast me a smile, and my mouth curved to return it.
The host ushered us inside, and somehow, Jack and I ended up holding hands when he helped me out of the car. And he didn’t let go, squeezing his grasp as we headed into the party.
The place was already packed, and since I didn’t know any of them, we sidestepped to the private table in the far front, which Katy had mentioned would be ours.
No one spared us a second glance as we walked.
“Are the centerpieces perfect? The seating arrangement? The lights? The decor? Is everything working out fine because I’m losing my fucking mind.” Gabe had a panicked expression on his face while he spoke to Evy, who had her back turned to us as we approached them. Gabriel a.k.a. Gabe was Evy’s best friend, the one who was by her side when we weren’t there. Ever since Evy came back into our life, Gabe had wormed his way into our hearts and our little girl group. Honestly, I loved him to bits.
He and Katy did an exceptional job planning this event because this place looked incredible. Everything was cast in a golden glow, from the crystal chandeliers to the drapes on the table to the elaborate centerpieces. Moreover, the place was buzzing with some of the big names from the industry, garnering the kind of attention a launch party needed.
“Gabe,” she said, softly fixing the bow on his neck. “You’re fine, and everything is perfect. Stop worrying.”
Gabe gave out an audible sigh. “I know, but it’s my first time planning something like this for someone so big. I’m a nervous wreck at the moment.”
“It’s understandable.” She patted his shoulder. “But you’ve done an exceptional job, so all you have to do now is relax and feel proud. Let the team handle the rest.”
A smile spread across his lips, replacing the anxious look he sported just a few seconds ago.
Only Evy could do something like that.
She was a soft, caring soul who loved us blindly. Especially her Jay—she was the only one who called my stupid brother that. No woman could’ve done the things that she did for him, but I’m happy that she was back by his side where she belonged.
“Fuck, thank God, Evy. That’s the first smile I’ve seen on his face ever since he started complaining last night. I didn’t catch an ounce of sleep.” Rory, Gabe’s long-term boyfriend, blew out a breath .
“Oh, shut the fuck up.” Gabe rolled his eyes but planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Hey, guys,” I called out, smiling.
“Lily.” Evy’s warm brown eyes met mine, and her face immediately transformed into the biggest smile as she pulled me into a hug.
“You look gorgeous,” she whispered over my shoulders. She was stunning, dressed in a shimmering pale pink dress that floated over her body like a second skin.
“You’re more pretty,” I mumbled, pulling back. I watched her questioning gaze fix on Jack.
“This is Jack, my date. Jack, this is my brother’s girlfriend, Evy.”
A tiny crinkle formed between her brows, but she quickly wiped it away, plastering on her previous smile. “It’s so nice to meet you, Jack.”
He shook the hand that she held, smiling warmly. “Likewise, Evy. I didn’t know J.J. had a girlfriend.”
Her eyes widened, and she stilled.
“It’s kind of a secret,” I added. “Or not. I saw you two out there getting photographed.”
She shrugged, flushing.
“Lily, when did you get yourself this handsome hunk of a man? And how did I not know about any of this?” Gabe admonished while his eyes did a once-over of Jack.
Jack laughed. “Hey, man. I’m Jack.”
A sharp jolt swept over the length of my spine, snapping my attention from the conversation.
I knew exactly who it was .
My head snapped and locked onto those dark green eyes staring straight at me.
A smoldering intent gaze.
Knowing that we kissed only nights ago made it all the more intense.
The kiss that he now probably considered an unspoken mistake.
I absentmindedly swiped my tongue over my lips, still feeling his taste linger. His eyes darted toward the motion, darkening even more before they slid over the tight black dress hugging every curve of my body.
Then they dragged to Jack, and his gaze narrowed.
Almost as if he was angry.
He had no fucking right, not when he had the slender model hanging on his arm.
Double fucking standards.
Though I couldn’t deny the tiny pierce in my heart.
It was the most devious and cruelest curse that the good old lord made my heart sing for only one man.
But any feelings I had for him were long gone now.
Especially after I learned my lesson the hard way.
I knew better now.