I missed you too.
***
“Holy purple.”
Alec smiled as he guided me into the ballroom. “It’s my sister’s favorite color.”
“Really?” I teased, glancing around at the party. “My guess would’ve been yellow.”
Vanessa’s wedding planner had turned the expansive room into a magical garden of varying shades of violet. Overflowing bouquets of lilac filled the centerpieces; mauve drapery surrounded each crystal chandelier like petals of a flower, dipping down from the ceiling in half-circle loops before uniting with the rafters; plush periwinkle sofas were arranged in groups around the hall so guests could relax and chat if they grew tired from dancing, and the up lighting cast the walls in a lavender glow.
Everything about the decor was extravagant. As horrible a person as King Williams was, he didn’t spare any expense on his daughter’s big day.
Stella must have been watching for us, because we’d only made it ten feet inside before she materialized at my side.
“Hey, you two!” Her greeting was overly cheerful.
“Everything’s fine, Stella,” Alec said, even though she hadn’t askeda question. He lifted up our hands, which were locked together. “See? We’ve made up. No need to worry.”
“Okay, first,” she replied, holding up a finger, “I never said I was worried. I had the utmost faith you guys would work things out, and Felicity can attest to that. Second, I didn’t come over here to check up on you guys.”
Alec and I exchanged looks, and then he made a face at Stella as if to say,bullshit.
“What? I’m serious.” Stella propped a hand on her hip. “I’m here to keep Felicity company while you guys perform.”
“Already?” Alec asked, craning his neck around.
I followed his gaze to a stage where a live band was playing, and to the side of the platform stood the remaining three Heartbreakers—Xander was tuning his guitar while JJ repeatedly poked Oliver with his drumsticks.
Turning back to Stella, Alec said, “Isn’t it too early?”
She shook her head. “Vanessa’s been asking.”
“But—”
“No buts.” She gave him a gentle shove in the direction of the stage. “You’re the one who promised your sister a show, remember? It’s only a few songs. We’ll be right here when you’re done.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I told Alec when he looked to me for confirmation. “I promise.”
“All right,” he said with a nod. “See you in a bit.”
I watched as Alec skirted around the party to join his friends. As soon as he had the strap of his bass over his head, the Heartbreakerstook the stage. I expected Oliver to greet the crowd, but he hung back and let Alec step up to the microphone.
“Hello?” He tapped the mic. “Can I have everyone’s attention please?”
A hush swept through the ballroom, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling when Alec brushed a hand over his bangs.
“Um, hi,” he said once it was quiet. “I didn’t make a toast during dinner, so here we go. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Alec and I’m the very proud little brother of the beautiful bride. I want to start off by congratulating the newlyweds and thanking you all for making the trip here today. Many of you flew in from different parts of the world. I believe that’s a testament to how amazing the couple standing before me is, that we all want to be here to celebrate this special day with Vanessa and Chris. On behalf of the entire Williams clan, I would like to welcome my new brother in-law into our family and…”
Stella leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say so much in one go before. Color me impressed.”
“I’m not,” I answered, my eyes still locked on Alec. He must have shared a funny memory or cracked a joke, because the crowd laughed. “One of the first things he told me about himself is how close he is with Vanessa. He would do anything for his sister, even give a speech.” Alec and I had that in common, and it was one of the main reasons why we understood each other so well.
Stella tipped her head. “Makes sense. I can relate to that on a personal level—Ooh, look! Oliver’s up.”
Back onstage, Alec had passed the microphone to Oliver, who adjusted the stand before charming the audience with his trademark smile.
“Good evening, party people! I hope everybody is having a fantastic time so far tonight. As per the bride’s request, we are going to play a few songs. So without further ado, we’re the Heartbreakers and we hope you all enjoy the show!”
