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The Callaways always throw a Halloween party every year. This year has been a mess, and this party is going to be a little bit different. The kids are throwing it instead of their parents.
I texted Niko earlier to let him know that he might want to dress up. Jade planned most of the party, and the boys came home just for the weekend. Knowing her, it means we’re not going to a party, we’re going to a ball.
I chose a long red dress with lace sleeves. It’s too cold outside for anything less. I even tried to tame my curls into soft waves.
When I heard the knock on the door, I grabbed my matte black clutch and locked up. I turned around and found a strong and steady Niko staring at me in his all-black tux. It fit him perfectly, like it was tailored to him. Knowing him, it was. I pause at the top of the steps, so struck by how handsome he looked I was unable to breathe.
Niko clears his throat and holds out a hand for me. It’s just enough to pull me out of my male pheromone-induced haze.
He opens the driver’s side door like a gentleman for me before making his way to the passenger seat, his ever-present smirk on his face.
We arrive to valet parking at the Callaway’s house. They have a two-story, farmhouse-style home with a wrap-around porch. I’m surprised Jade chose the house; last year’s party was at the Callaway office building.
As always, Jade has outdone herself. The path from the driveway to the porch is lit up with lights that continue up to wrap around the rails. There are cream-colored pumpkins, cornstalks, and even more lights nestled in among hay bales placed along the front porch. Leave it to Jade to make Halloween seem magical.
Niko escorts me up the path into the fall wonderland. Somebody needs to tell this girl that Halloween is spooky.
“Wow,” Niko says, “This is a Halloween party?”
I laugh. “Yeah, the youngest Callaway can be a bit much sometimes. That girl has a heart of gold, but she’s got fangs and will bite, so be careful.”
“Okay, I’ll just take your word it,” he says, grabbing two drinks off a tray as a waiter walks by. He hands one to me.
“Good choice,” I tell him as we move further into the room. Before we get too far, the adopted Callaway, Cason, finds us.
“Shady,” he loudly yells over the music, “You came! How fucking extra is Jade?”
An obviously drunk, red-faced Cason comes in for a hug and Niko stiffens at my side. “Boy, you might want to slow down. You don’t want to piss your momma off.”
“Nah, we get free passes tonight. Actually, we’ve gotten a free pass every night since . . .” Cason fizzles out, a frown appearing on his face. I reach out and grab his forearm to show support. This last year has been hard on all the Callaway kids, but I don’t know what to do with a sad and hurting Cason. He doesn’t usually come my way with his issues.
“Anyways, grab some drinks and have some fun. I’ve gotta go find me a pretty woman.” He stumbles away with a cackle.
“Uh, he good?” Niko asks.
“He’s never good, but that’s Cason for you. He’s the Callaways’ adopted son,” I tell him.
“Nah, I’m good. I don’t need to know this family’s shit. I’ve got enough of that on my own,” Niko says.
I begin to ask him what he means but before I can, Jade finds me. “Hey, Shady, I’m glad you could make it.” She comes in for a small hug, cheek to cheek. “Do you have a minute? I need to talk with you about the track.”
“Sure girl, what’s up?” I ask.
“Come on, let’s go in Dad’s office. It’s quieter.” She begins to walk away, expecting me to follow. That is Jade for you—her question was more of a request. A Callaway doesn’t ask; it just took Jade a little longer than the boys to figure it out.
I turn to Niko and say, “I’ll be back right back. Just enjoy the party,” right before I walk off to follow her.
