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Kate lets out a loud laugh. “Aren’t you a young lad! Perhaps a tour of Joe Jonas’ house is more up your alley.”
I interject, “Please don’t bring up the Jonas Brothers. The car ride over here was painful enough.”
She tilts her head to the side, raising her brow while gazing at me. There’s something in her stare, something warning me her beauty may only be on the outside and not on the inside. I need to remain guarded. Whatever her tie to Charlie it may quite possibly involve Lex.
Eric senses the shift in mood and grabs Tristan to introduce him to another friend at the bar, leaving me alone with Kate. There’s an awkward silence. I’m fairly certain Charlie has filled her in as to who I am or, no doubt, Eric will have gladly done so.
“So, Julian. Keeping yourself busy in LA?”
“Work always keeps me busy, Kate.”
She quiets, but something tells me the conversation is far from over. I start to put two and two together. Her British accent, she must be a friend of Lex’s.
“I’m going to cut to the chase here, got no time for pussy-footing. Lex and Charlie are my family. I know Lex came to see you, and I know why.” She takes a deep breath, then continues, “I get it, you were shafted, and revenge is usually the only way to redeem yourself, but think long and hard about what you’re doing. They are a family, they have children. Think about how you’re hurting Charlie.”
“I don’t know what Edwards told you, but I’ve done nothing wrong. I wish them nothing but the best.”
“Oh, codswallop,” she huffs with a confrontational stance. “Don’t think I’m another dumb blonde with no brains. Lex is like a brother to me, he’s my family, and if he thinks his family is in danger, I’ll stand by him one hundred percent to protect them.”
For once, I know I’m not doing anything wrong. Well, I’m no longer doing anything wrong. In fact, I never wanted to harm Charlie, I only wanted to love her and have her love me in return. So, don’t be afraid of this nosy bitch. What can she possibly do?
Eric’s loud voice is moving closer toward us. She leans in quickly. “Do us all a favor and stay away from Eric.”
Kate announces she’s leaving and kisses Eric goodbye.
What the hell was that? Another person pointing out just how pathetic you are. I don’t need this, and her mild threat leaves me in the foulest mood. So much for trying to let loose and have fun.
Eric senses my demeanor has changed. His voice softens as he speaks, “Was Kate being a bitch to you? Seriously, ignore her. She gets her British panties all in a twist. She and Lex just have ties that go way back.”
“Are they related?” I question.
“No. She was his assistant for years, but now she runs Lexed in New York. She and Charlie are BFFs. Plus, she’s Amelia’s godmother… well, one of them. Kate is like the British friend everyone wishes they had.”
“I see.”
What do I know about friends? I lost all mine in my coke-can-be-my-best-friend stage.
“Anyway, ignore her, Julian. I know you wouldn’t hurt Charlie. They’re just being overprotective. You know Lex… he’s obsessed with his wife.”
Yes, I know, we have a lot in common. We both want to protect Charlie, but who is the enemy here?
Eric changes subjects, which I’m extremely grateful for, and starts talking about his family. I learn his father is none other than Marco Greg Kennedy, a very wealthy political figure in the business world. He has many ties with the Chinese government, which apparently is how he met Eric’s mother. Before I know it, we are speaking for a while about Chinese laws, somet
hing I had no clue Eric is so educated in.
“Oh, dear God, they are playing ‘Tequila’! C’mon, let’s dance.”
I nod for him to go ahead, and I’ll catch up with him later. Tristan’s already dancing with a group of girls who appear more like his crowd. His dancing, though, that’s another cringe-worthy moment. Shit, did he just do the robot? My coconut needs refilling, and what a perfect opportunity to hit up the bar.
I get to chatting with a few girls who are hanging off me as I take a seat at the bar, numbers are shoved into my pocket, whispers in my ear, but I’m not in the mood. In fact, I can feel a familiar funk coming on. More alcohol is needed.
With everything becoming more relaxed as the liquor runs through my veins, I have no clue how I’ll be able to drive home. This coconut is livening up the party, or perhaps it’s the Pina Colada it was filled with. I find myself bopping to the tunes and somewhere around the song ‘Love Shack,’ I lose my shirt.
I’m this close to joining the conga line forming—Eric is the head of the pack.
Suddenly, heavy arms pat my shoulder. Oh crap, I know I shouldn’t have taken my shirt off.
“Julian, dude, what’s been happening?”
