Animar looks waydifferent than the last time I was here.
The place is so flashy it looks like a movie premiere. Bright lights, lots of people in designer clothes, and the press. This is Liv’s big night. The one she was so worried about. And I’m about to crash it. Yeah, this relationship rescue mission might already be doomed.
“So, you going in, or are you just going to stand outside like a creeper?” Hawk pesters me.
I really want to take a cheap jab at him, but my throat is a little preoccupied swelling up.
If this goes south, it’s really going to suck.
“Let’s go.” I backhand his stomach. No more b.s.
Inside, there are pictures hanging all over the walls. People critiquing them, and a man standing front and center giving interviews.
“Yo, there are naked dicks all over Liv’s studio.”
I mean, Hawk couldn’t put it more perfectly. The images, a majority of them, are of naked men dressed up like firemen, or cowboys, or race car drivers, showing off all the goods. It’s different, that’s for sure, but there’s something to be said about the male physique and the way this photographer captures them.
“Hey, there she is.” Hawk points Liv out in the crowd.
My stomach freefalls when I see her. She looks every bit the part of a proud gallery owner. She’s dressed in a chic black dress with her hair pulled up in a high, pink bun. And her shoes, goddamn. Black, shiny stilettos that instantly get my blood pumping.
“Go on, Popeye, go get your girl.”
That little term of endearment makes all my insecurities rise to the top. Half the reason I freaked out on Liv is because of the way I look. I was in shock. All I ever had was my looks. My god-like good looks. Who am I without those? Why would anyone want me now? I think I rejected Liv before she could reject me. It was stupid, I know. I never claimed to be smart. But she was right; it was the trauma talking. I just wish I realized it before she walked out the door.
“Okay, hang out.” I summon all my bravado.
I don’t take two steps away from Hawk when I’m intercepted by two tall, dark-haired beauties with malevolence in their eyes. I’m fucked.
“Oh, hell no.” Sable points her finger in my face. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing here?”
“I’m here to talk to Liv,” I state the obvious.
“Fuck no, you are not ruining our sister’s big night. Turn your ass right around and leave.”
I’m actually shocked. Not that Sable is ordering me around. That’s nothing new. She’s been bossy since birth. But to hear her call Liv her sister. To see her stand up for her. It’s bizarre. Last time I saw her, she wouldn’t even acknowledge she and Liv were related. Man, how things can change.
“Look, I know I’m probably not your favorite person, but I have to talk to her. Now.”
“Fuck you, no. She cried for two damn days over you. It’s a miracle she even has a smile on her face tonight. We’re not going to let you take that away.”
Shyla nods her head threateningly, agreeing with her venomous sister.
“Listen, just let the man talk to her,” Hawk interjects, and Sable shoots him a deadly look.
“I don’t recall asking for your opinion.”
“Nobody needs to ask my opinion. I’ll give it when I want,” he fires back.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Ky suddenly hisses from behind me. This run-in was inevitable. I knew he would be here with Kira. I was just hoping we’d meet under better circumstances. Like, after Liv and I made up.
“Breaker wants his girl back. And nice digs, Slash,” Hawk snickers, alluding to Ky’s crisp, white button-up and black dress pants. He barely looks like himself. “You clean up nice. I should take a pic and send it to everyone else.”
“You should shut the fuck up before I rearrange your face.” Different on the outside, still the same Ky on the inside.
“I vote yes to that,” Sable chimes in, and Hawk slides her a devious look. She doesn't back down one bit. She isn’t intimidated by him. Not at all.Be careful, Hawkeye. I meant it when I said she would eat you for breakfast.
Sable and Hawk start to squabble, and I use the opportunity to my advantage to slip away. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s silent slip-aways.
