28. Río #2
Bennett speaks for all of us. “Feeling’s more than mutual.”
While Quinn and Bennett talk for the cameras, I saunter over to Callum. “Can you believe this?”
“Nah. This is beyond my ken.” His brogue comes out more pronounced when he’s nervous or excited. I bet he’s both right now. I certainly am.
“It’s going to be a wonderful night, I can feel it.” I offer him my fist to bump. “I’m thinking we both come out of the evening holding statues.”
“Ach, I’m hoping so.”
I’m called back to the band for some photos of us with Quinn and some only with UC. The only thing missing is a beautiful woman at my side. Who’s waiting for me beyond those doors. Before I bolt, I need to put in one last plug.
“We’re so excited to be here. I’m sure our appearance will raise money for the Darren Hilliard Scholarship fund, as the movie is dedicated to him. It’s been a long road, but it finally feels right.” I pull our new keyboardist in for a side hug.
We leave Eddie and continue the path toward the doors. I can’t wait to get inside—but the guys razz me for my plug. “Hey, I have to win the bet somehow!”
“We’re going to have to watch the replay. I know I got in several mentions of the scholarship,” Bennett grouses.
Tris pulls us away from the crowd. “Guys, before we go in there, I want to say thank you for taking me on this ride with you.”
“You’re an integral part of UC now.” 007’s pronouncement conveys our feelings exactly. Coming from Darren’s best friend, they carry immense weight.
I can’t let this moment pass. “No matter what happens tonight, I think we’ve already won! Group hug!” The guys huddle around me and testosterone flows in excited energy.
Luke interrupts. “Alright, let’s get you inside. We have an awards ceremony to light.” We follow him into a cavernous room.
As my eyes adjust to the dim lighting, I scan the room. I’m drawn to a corner, where three ladies stand—one with strawberry blonde hair that I’m sure smells like oranges. A spark rips through my body.
“Sorry, guys, but my date is here.” I don’t offer another word—I leave my brothers to connect with the woman who owns my heart. Approaching the threesome from behind Hayden, I nibble on her ear. “Hello to the most intriguing creature in the room.”
She swats at me. “Río, with all these actresses in here, I hardly qualify as a gnat!”
From behind, I wrap my arm around Hayden’s shoulders. “You’re all I see.”
“Well, in that case, let me introduce you to UC’s head of PR, Nina.” She pauses a beat. “And Marni, Darren’s sister.”
Flares go off inside my body. I know both of them, of course. “Nina, lovely to see you as always.”
“Especially when you’re behaving,” she replies.
I shrug. “What can I say? This woman finally got through to me.” I tug Hayden closer to me. Turning to the third woman, I force a smile. It’s been a windy road between her and the band. “Hi, Marni, I’m happy to see you here.”
Her head bobs. “The movie’s dedicated to my brother, so I’m here for my family.”
“I.” Singular, not plural. Guess Darren’s mother still isn’t on board with the idea of a movie. Nevertheless, it’s been a very long while since she was our original keyboardist’s tagalong little sister. “I’m happy you came. You belong here.”
She places her hand over her heart.
“I’ve been talking with Marni,” Nina says. “She might join Luke in an admin capacity on the tour.”
“Wow. That would be great.” Not really. Specifically, 007 would hate this idea. He’s finally forgiven Jenna and is reintegrated into the band, but I’m afraid if Marni’s around, he could backslide. Or worse.
“I’m in the preliminary stages of talking with your manager about it,” Marni clarifies. “I need a change of atmosphere.”
Enough of this heavy shit. “If you all don’t mind, I’d like to steal this gorgeous woman away for a moment.” My hand slides down Hayden’s arm until our fingers entwine. I drag her to a different spot. “Finally, alone.”
She giggles. “If by alone you mean in a room with many thousand other people, sure.”
“I wish you could sit next to me, but Luke specifically told us to sit together as a band. Not even Jenna is allowed to sit next to Bennett.”
Hayden nods. “I got the memo. I’ll be alright. I’m seated between Jenna and Nese.”
“Somehow, I think your seating arrangement might be more dangerous than if you sat with the band.” My hands go around her waist. “If I didn’t tell you, you look damn sexy in this dress.” She’s wearing a pink, one-shoulder, floor-length number with a slit that I’d like to explore.
“Thanks! Renata got it for me. I’d never pick something like this out.”
“Remind me to give her a tip.”
The lights dim for a minute. “Guess that’s our cue to find our seats.”
“I’ll walk you to yours.” I offer her my arm, which she takes like we’re at a wedding. We make our way to her seat, and I verify she has an excellent view of the stage. Especially where I’ll be performing. It’s a big night.
“Thanks, Río. You better join UC at the end of the row.” She looks. “And a few rows up.”
“My heart will be back here, I promise.”
She sits, and I give her another kiss before joining my brothers at our seats. My hands bang against my legs, which can’t settle. The guys think it’s because we’re nominated. If only that were the sole reason.