* * *
An incoming call woke me from a night of fitful sleep. Recently, I’d been having weird dreams where I was trapped in a maze, unable to find an exit. In the dream, I’d hear footsteps behind me, but when I turned around, no one was there. They freaked me out.
I pawed at my nightstand, grabbed my phone, and saw Trinity’s name on the screen. It was ten am on a Saturday.
She greeted me quickly, making no mention of the fact that it was the weekend. I’d gotten used to that by now. Trinity rarely took days off. “Philo is hosting a party at his mansion tonight, and I can’t make it. My father’s sixtieth birthday party is in San Francisco, so I’m flying out in a few hours. I want you to take Last Rites to Philo’s, get a few photos, and keep an eye on them.”
My shocked silence sounded loud to my own ears, but Trinity paid it no mind.
“They’re fresh meat, so people are going to want to talk to them. Just make sure they don’t make any commitments that are counterproductive to our interests. You know how creatives get excited about everything. I can’t have them coming out of this with the wrong collabs promised left, right, and center.”
“Isn’t there someone else more experienced that could go?” I finally choked out.
“You’re the only one who knows the guys. I can’t send them with someone they’ve never met. It would be uncomfortable.”
And sending me, a junior assistant, to attend a celebrity-studded party wouldn’t be?
“Umm…”
“Look, I trust you to handle yourself and them. The photos you sent me last night are exactly what I’m looking for. Great job. Keep at it, and the promotion is yours.”
Her words had the intended effect. I perked up. “Okay. What time is it?”
“Don’t get there before eleven pm. I’ve already texted Mason and Kaz, and they’re excited to go.”
Of course, they were. Unlike me, they’d be in their element.
“I’ll email you the address and some notes while I’m in the cab. Okay, I have to go—”
“Wait!” I sat up on the bed, pressing the phone closer to my ear. I had so many questions, I didn’t know which one to ask first. “So, um, what do I wear?”
“Something on brand.”
I gulped. “Like, rocker stuff? I don’t have anything like that.” My style was squarely laidback West Coast vibe, and most of my clothes were lovingly thrifted. I guess I could raid Ade’s closet if I really needed to.
“I’ll send you something. I really have to go, Molly. Have fun.” She hung up.
I stared at the phone for a few seconds before burrowing deep under my covers and letting out a groan. Good thing I still had more than twelve hours to mentally prepare for this thing.
* * *
Loud rock music was blaring from inside Kaz and Mason’s house when I arrived in an Uber around ten pm. I’d decided it was best to meet here first and head to the party together.
Were they throwing a pre-drink? The last thing I needed was for them to be wasted before we even arrived at Philo’s.
My fears were somewhat calmed when I realized there weren’t any other cars parked around the house besides Kaz’s Nissan.
I quickly learned they kept their front door unlocked most days. Must be nice to not have to worry about a creepy neighbor. I looked back over my shoulder and gave the quiet neighborhood a wistful once-over before walking right in.
The music was coming from the living room. I found Kaz sitting on the sofa, one ankle hanging over his jean-clad knee, and a beer in his hand. His attention was fixated on his phone. Mason was directly across from him, sitting in an armchair with a dark-haired woman in his lap.
My blood froze inside my veins.
This had to be her. His girlfriend.
Mason glanced over his shoulder as if sensing I was there. Our eyes clashed. His girlfriend leaned into him, kissed him on the cheek, and trailed her fingers down his arm.
Someone turned down the music, but there was a whooshing sound inside my ears. I felt like I was falling, everything around me blurring except for the blue of Mason’s eyes.
