“I . . .” She glances around the room, clearly uncomfortable. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” Ky presses. Obviously gung-ho about getting hitched.
“Because my mom’s not here. I don’t have a dress or flowers, a maid of honor,” Kira rattles off completely understandable excuses.
“Liv can stand in as your maid of honor.”
I can?All the eyes in the room land on me. No pressure or anything. I mean, I only met the girl a few days ago. Not that I wouldn’t if she asked me.
“Come on, it’ll be fun.”
“It’s not a good idea, Ky.” Kira is trying to keep it together and be as calm as she can while she does so.
“Why?” He isn't ready to let this go.
“Because,” she replies quietly, visibly dying of mortification.
“Ky.” Gerard steps in and places a hand on his son’s arm, but Ky shrugs him off.
“Don’t you want to marry me, Kira?” Ky is being pushy. “You’re wearing my engagement ring, so what’s the issue?”
I am suddenly extremely uncomfortable. This is a conversation that should be had in private.
“Of course, I want to marry you. I just want my mom to be there. And I want flowers, and a beautiful dress, and all our friends. I want the wedding of my dreams,” she appeals to him.
It is definitely time to go. “I think you two need some privacy,” I voice, and the whole room disbands in a matter of seconds. Things were getting really awkward really fast.
Damon grabs the duffle and gives Ky a knock on the shoulder before we leave. He barely registers the gesture. He’s completely consumed with Kira and what seems to be her heartbreaking rejection. Oh, dear.
Once we’re all safely in the elevator, Damon says what we’re all thinking. “Damn, that sucks.”
Poor Ky isn’t leaving Vegas with the bang he hoped for.
Damon clears his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you all upstairs. I really appreciate you coming through for me.” He clutches the duffle bag to his chest like a child. “I didn’t want to get any of you involved in my shit.”
“Yeah, well, that’s what part of being in a club is all about. Your problems are my problems, and vice versa. I’m sure you’ll return the favor someday.” Hawk punches him in the arm way harder than he needed to. Damon shows his teeth like a dog. “Thanks, brother.”
“Anytime.” Hawk is undoubtedly skilled at getting under Damon’s skin. “By the way, Liv.” He sets his sights on me next, pushing his black-rimmed glasses up his nose. “Is your sister single?”
“Which one?” I respond, surprised.
“Either.” He isn't picky.
Damon nearly doubles over.
“What’s so funny?” Hawk demands.
“Those girls will eat you for breakfast. Stay in your lane, bro, for real.”
The elevator dings open, and it’s a godsend. I seem to be finding myself in one uncomfortable situation after the next this evening.
Damon, Knuckles, and I all step off on our floor.
“Hey, Breaker,” Hawk calls.
We all turn just in time to see him flash the middle finger at Damon. Then, he’s gone.
“Your biggest fan, huh?” Knuckles comments.
