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“I’m going to go make sure she’s okay,” Charlie informs us.
Charlie’s motherly worries overtake my chance to speak to her, so instead, I stand around with the rest of them, ordering another drink. As soon as the bartender slides it over, I drink in one go and am about to order another when Dad stops me.
“Save it, kid, let’s make it interesting.”
Dad orders tequila for everyone, surprising us all since it’s early into the night, and usually, his shot ordering is toward the end when all the essential people leave.
When the bartender finishes serving, Mom joins us with a disappointed look on her face. “Really, Haden, this early?”
“Yes, this early. You can thank me later.”
Mom bows her head, hiding her grin only for me to catch the hidden meaning behind that comment and her grin. Jesus fucking Christ. Why are my parents so twisted? It’s the perfect reason to excuse myself. I’m not staying around for Dad’s dirty talk.
I see Charlie walk back through the crowd, leaving Addison behind at the bar. I make my way over, stopping during the short walk to greet people, then slide up beside her.
“What’s with the outburst back there?”
“It was nothing,” she’s quick to respond. “I just didn’t know you’d be here.”
“And is me being here with Ariel a problem for you?”
Addison’s eyes dart to mine. “No, why would it be?”
My head flinches back, slightly confused as to her sudden mood swings.
“Well, you’re here with a date.”
“Yeah, your brother.”
“Right, it’s always about Cruz.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she argues back.
My name is called, prompting us both to turn around. Ariel appears with a smile on her face when she sees me, linking her arm back into mine. Addison’s gaze falls to where Ariel touches me softly, but then she quickly turns away.
“Your mom asked me to find you. There are a few speeches needed. Then apparently, the night is ours.”
I turn to say something but keep my mouth shut and walk away.
The speeches were organized to be held earlier in the night, so the old folk attending didn’t have to hang around. Dad says a few words, his public speaking A-game on as usual. I follow him and talk about our future projects, to which the crowd applauds us.
Instead of formal dining, servers walk around with hors d’oeuvres and appetizers on platters. I grab a few things, but tonight, my appetite is less than par. The liquor is more appetizing and calms whatever the hell is going on inside me.
People begin to fill the dance floor, and it’s not long before my brother drags a hesitant Addison to do the same. He grabs her hand, a simple move causing my chest to burn with annoyance, then when they’re amongst the others dancing, he wraps his hands around her waist and pulls her into him.
I throw back the bourbon in hand, losing count of how many I’ve had. Every time I see her laugh in his arms, the jealousy spreads through me like an ugly disease, willing my heart to stop beating at any moment.
Then, my instincts kick in. If Addison wants to have her fun, then I’ll have mine.
My hand drops to Ariel’s, pulling her to the dance floor. Ariel is pleased, wrapping her arms around my neck while I rest my hands on her hips. She smells nice butnotnice enough.
“How long do we have to stay here tonight?”
My eyes dart to Addison, the same time, she braves my gaze. She presses her lips flat, adopting a pinched expression.
“Masen?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, what did you ask?”
