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When the girls are out of listening range, I pull a pillow off the couch and toss it at him. “What the fuck, man? Are you five?” I’m trying hard not to laugh as he quickly smooths his suit out and re-straightens his tie.
“I mean, I could be provoked. What’s going on in that phone that’s so important? The minute Hayley left the room, you were on it like crack.”
“I promised her I’d stay off as much as possible, but man it’s hard. I have Sully blowing me up asking for leads. Hannah’s been messaging me on and off. She has to do all the pre-registration stuff for the hospital and needs answers. I’d rather answer her quickly to get her what she needs instead of her possibly calling. How would I explain that?”
“Why does everything have to be a huge secret? I’m sure Hayley understands.”
“Dude, I’m telling you, she doesn’t. Hayles has been so much better here than she was at home. She’s actually smiling and besides that little incident after the Space Needle, it’s the best week we’ve had in a long time. I don’t want to jeopardize that. Although, I don’t know if once we get to that dinner if that will even be possible.”
“Why? What do you mean? She’s been looking forward to dancing. Look at her, she’s freaking out over every detail of her outfit.”
“Gabs sent me a message. Did you know she was invited tonight?”
“No. I didn’t. I would have assumed, but I’m just on the guest list like everyone else.”
“Yeah, well, I’m trying to figure out—without making it obvious—when she’ll be there, and for how long. I’m hoping I can get them to avoid each other.”
“What is it with you and all the avoidance tactics? What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
Dylan
I thought our two events nailed it. The gala was my first with Eli then the luncheon less than a year ago. We walk into the ballroom and holy shit. It’s the right amount of elegance and street, if that’s the right word. You can tell there’s possibly a lot of money behind the scenes, but you don’t feel it. If the goal was to make everyone comfortable yet appear regal, mission accomplished.
Our table is a couple away from where Sam, Lucy, and their families are sitting. I know most of Sam’s teammates are in attendance as well. It feels like a huge extended family coming together to make things better.
Eli bends to whisper in my ear. “You’re glowing, Viper.”
He extends his hand to me as an invitation. “Are you sure you’re willing to carry me around? I just had a steak dinner, you know.”
“I think I can handle you.”
“Oh, I know you can.”
Eli lifts me from my chair as Wes winks at us while guiding Hayley to get a drink at the bar, then for the bit of fresh air Hayley asked for. I’m carried to the dance floor where we’re getting all kinds of looks and smiles, even from our hosts. Eli sets me on his shoes so he can move for the both of us. I feel like I’m at a middle school dance for how graceful I am, but I know it’s more of a fairy tale the way my husband looks at me.
“Everyone’s watching us, Eli.”
“No, Viper, everyone is watching you. Everything about you draws them in. I’m a lucky man.”
“If it wasn’t for this brace and the fact we’re in a room full of friends and media, I’d be making very dirty proposals to you. Did you notice the garden and path outside?”
“I did. All we’re missing is a bunch of pillars and flowing curtains.”
“I’ll make a mental note of that for our next event.”
“Remember to wear this dress too because…damn, Viper.” Eli closes his eyes for a millisecond then when I get them back, he’s smiling so sweetly at me.
“What?”
“Nothing. Everything.”
“I know. Me too.”
Eli makes it easy for me to simply feel. What I feel right now, even in the midst of the unknown physically, I don’t think I’ve ever been more content.
Wes
I’ve been walking the tightrope between cool and losing it since we got here. I keep scanning the room, looking for a glimpse of Gabrielle. It’s best to keep them apart tonight for Hayley’s sake.
