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20
Cece
If you would’ve told me six weeks ago that I’d be running Luxe and beginning to check off design pallets for our next location in Miami, I might’ve believed you. I always believed in Luxe and knew there was a market for a place that those with tons of disposable cash could go and have fun without cameras or fans. But if you would’ve told me all of that would be happening, and I’d be in a relationship with the bad boy drummer of the Kings of Karmichael, I would’ve never believed you.
If you would’ve told me that said bad boy is actually a kind-hearted guy that may love to party but goes out of his way for those he considers family, I would’ve laughed in your face.
But here we are. Halfway through our second month of business at Luxe, receipts have been outstanding, and I’ve not only gone out with Maddox, but I’ve met his family. I couldn’t be happier. Which is equally surprising as anything else, given how I metaphorically threw drink after drink in his face the first few times he tried talking to me. Tonight’s the seventh weekend since we opened, but this afternoon we’re in the middle of a gigantic pool party at the Hollywood Roosevelt. It’s my brother’s birthday party, and my mom went all out, organizing a huge event. Well, in addition to using it as a mixer of sorts with other business people, who brought their kids. My brother doesn’t care since he invited his entire class to come to the pool party.
I told Maddox about it and didn’t think he’d be interested in a kids’ party-slash-business-mixer. Then he asked if he could come, and I was actually touched. There’s no reason for him to be here, other than to be around my family and me since he doesn’t know anyone. Just that fact alone has kept a smile on my face all afternoon.
Everyone is dressed down from their usual business suits and ties. Most are in khaki shorts with some kind of Hawaiian shirt on. The women have colorful cover-ups or lacy beach scarves. Enough that shows they’re enjoying the sun and the pool, but definitely not bikini territory. I decided on the same since it’s my brother’s party and my parents are here, wearing a longer ombré skirt, the colors mixing of yellow and cyan.
Maddox, on the other hand? He’s received more than a couple of looks from other guests, in his Vans shoes, ripped black jeans, and a loose-fitting gray tank top, showing off his tattoos. And, of course, his backward cap. My mother was one who wasn’t sure what to make of him when he showed up. Thankfully, she got past the initial look, and there’s been a pleasant round of discourse between them, with her asking about his band. I was especially nervous about him coming to this since she still hadn’t met him yet.
“Thank you again for the tickets, Maddox,” my mom says. “He’s going to be so excited.”
“No problem,” Maddox responds. “He mentioned Fortnite the first time I met him, so I figured he’d love it.”
Maddox got Sebastian tickets to a Fortnite tournament being held in Anaheim. It’s supposed to be a huge deal for everyone who plays the game, so I’m sure he’s going to flip out when he learns that’s what he got.
“I’m surprised some of these other kids haven’t mobbed you yet,” she says, scanning the crowd of kids in and around the pool.
Maddox chuckles. “I told them I just look like Maddox.” I shake my head. Sebastian will probably get upset once we finally tell him the truth. “I think some of the kids are suspecting it,” Maddox continues, “but I said I’m a fill-in artist. I show up for him when he’s sick.” She laughs. “I wish I could do that when adults approach me sometimes.”
A lady comes over, tapping my mother on the shoulder, and the two begin chatting about whatever business she’s in. I’ve lost count which corporate heads are attending today. Maddox leans closer to me, wrapping a hand around my waist.
“What would you do if I threw you in the pool right now?” he whispers against my ear.
“I’d pull you in with me. Then I’d probably scream at you.”
“I think I can live with that.”
Starting to pull me with him, I begin giggling, trying to break out of his grasp. As we inch closer to the pool, both of our laughs are broken up by my father, clearing his throat behind us.
“Oh, Daddy.”
Maddox loosens his hold on me but keeps his arm around me still. “Mr. Mavin,” he says, which earns another giggle out of me. I still think it’s hilarious how formal he stays with him.
Unfortunately, my dad remains the same as before. He lifts his brows as the only form of acknowledgment, then looks at me. “Cecelia, I took the liberty of inviting Winston.”
“What?”
He points behind us, and I turn to see Winston arriving. Like everyone else, he’s in khaki shorts and a light blue and red Hawaiian shirt. His eyes find mine, and he gives me an uncomfortable wave.
My head snaps back toward my father with a scowl over my face. “Daddy, why would you do that?”
“Cece, Winston is—”
“I know who and what Winston is. I told you at the gala, and I’ve told you since then, I’m dating Maddox.”
His eyes jump back at Maddox. When I glance over, I see Maddox cock his head to the side, giving my father a cocky smirk. Thanks, Maddox. That’s not going to help me at all.
“Honey, can we talk for a moment?” my father asks, and walks away without waiting for an answer.
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper to Maddox.
I walk by Winston, who cringes in apology, shaking his head. I roll my eyes in response. “Daddy, you have to stop this,” I tell him when we stop in a small cabana on the opposite end of the pool.
