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Lottie read the text on her phone again. It was from an unknown number letting her know that The Jovial expected her to be present at their gala this evening. Not only was she expected to attend but she would be required to participate as part of The Jovial. Sighing, she walked back to Crimson Moon Hideaway. She would need to catch an Uber into town so she could go shopping. It had been years since she’d attended such a formal event. McNamara did throw some of the best parties she’d ever attended. With her stomach in knots, Lottie waited out front until her car showed up. Retail therapy was never something she tried but maybe it would help now. She had faith in her uncles, she knew whatever decision they made would be the right one, for better or worse.
Chapter Thirteen
Willa, Alex, Mae, and Janie entered The Cave bar together later that evening. Each one dressed to the nines. Willa wore a tuxedo with black sequined lapels, Alex was in a skintight, deep red dress with sparkling red, two-inch heels, Mae wore a short emerald dress with silver strappy heels, and Janie was in a long, flowing white dress that shimmered in certain light.
There were already several other party goers mingling in the bar but none of The Jovial had arrived yet. The Cave bar had been completely redecorated for the gala. The walls had red fabric draped down them, twinkling white lights covered the ceiling, the tables had black tablecloths each with a different centerpiece and place settings at each chair. White candles sat along the bar, the stage, and the entrance giving off a warm glow. The Cave felt more welcoming than other times Willa had been there. As the group waited their turn at the bar, Willa watched as the stage was set up for The Jonas Brothers. She would never admit it to anyone, but she’d been to three of their concerts. They put on an awe-inspiring show.
“Ladies,” Ryker, the bartender greeted them. He winked at Willa as she rolled her eyes.
“Hello, Ryker.” Mae batted her eyelashes. “The usual, please and have it delivered to our table?”
Mae smiled and winked at her friends, nodding for them to follow her to their table. They were seated next to The Jovial table but further back from the stage than Willa wanted. Just as they sat down and a server delivered their drinks, the doors from the pool area opened. Wilder, Sein, and Atlas walked in followed by Hela, Lottie, and several other members of The Jovial. The women around the table stood, nodding to each of them as they passed.
As more and more people entered the gala the room grew, more tables appeared, more servers appeared, and the stage got larger. Low music began to play from the speakers as servers circled with trays of Hors-d'œuvres, bloody Mary’s, and French wines. Willa watched as Wilder, Sein, and Atlas took the stage. No one else seemed to notice; continuing their conversations, laughing, and drinking.
“Friends and family, we request your attention.” Wilder spoke into a microphone, his voice calming the crowd, bringing them to silence. He leaned back, speaking to one of the people backstage.
“The Jovial has convened and we are ready to announce our decree.” Wilder continued. He reached out a hand, motioning for Lottie and Hela to join them on-stage. Hela was dressed in a way Willa could only describe as “Peacockian.” Large blue, purple, and green feathers danced around her as she walked. Her makeup matched the loud outfit. Lottie didn’t follow in her mother’s theatrical footsteps. She was dressed in a floor length black gown with a deep V in the front. A simple diamond necklace shimmered at her throat, with matching diamond teardrop earrings glimmering in her ears. Her dark hair was swept into a pile on top of her head. Willa smiled at her friend. She knew this was rare for her. To be on stage, dressed up, about to address the entire room would be annoying to Lottie. While she enjoyed her friends, family, and bedmates, she certainly had never enjoyed being the center of attention. It was why she hadn’t occupied her seat with The Jovial yet, Willa assumed.
“Bring in the accused.” Wilder demanded. Two cloaked figures marched Beau and Cain into the Cave Bar. Willa watched Lottie as her eyes widened. She knew Lottie had no idea what was going to happen.
“The accusations against you both are many, mainly however is your blatant disregard for Liselotte as a person. Using your power to humiliate and degrade a member of The Jovial will not be tolerated. For these reasons, we’ve decided to banish you both. Svalbard awaits your arrival.”
Willa watched Beau and Cain. If looks could kill, Beau would have burned down the entire room. Cain looked horrified. Mrs. Bryant and Nova hadn’t been mentioned and were nowhere in sight.
“You will be taken by our private jet; you will be given all the accommodations you need to live. You are never to leave the island again.” Wilder flipped his hand as the cloaked people took Beau and Cain away. Willa stared at Lottie, willing her to look over but she stayed stoic, staring ahead of her into the crowd.
“This evening’s trial has ended, please join us in celebrating!” Lights lit up the stage and music boomed from the speakers as The Jonas Brothers ran onto the stage. Willa walked back to the bar, excusing herself from the mayhem the band had caused. She watched McNamara on the stage dancing and clapping along. Hela was grinding against the guitar player, but Willa couldn’t spot Lottie.
“Drink, Ryker. I beg of you, your bloodiest Mary.” Lottie sidled up to Willa, their sides touching.
“What the hell was that?” Willa asked, her accent deep with concern.
“I wasn’t given any more information than you were, Wil. I walked in here knowing nothing and I still know almost nothing.”
Ryker handed Lottie her drink and swiftly walked away.
“Where’s Nova? Mrs. Bryant?”
“Dunno,” Lottie shrugged.
Willa’s eyebrows went high. “You don’t know? And you’re sitting here at the bar with me?”
Lottie finished her drink, slamming her glass back on the bar. “McNamara asked me to trust their process. And I do.” She finished with gritted teeth. Willa stared at her friend, then nodded once.
The guests of the gala along with The Jovial had gone wild in the last few minutes. The band slipped into their second song as Wilder, Sein, and Atlas left the stage, shaking hands and hugging people around them.
“Let’s ask them,” Willa said, in a low voice. “Let’s just ask them what’s going to happen with Nova.”
“I can’t,” Lottie swallowed hard.
“Come on, here they come. I’ll ask.” Before she could take a step, Lottie grabbed Willa’s arm. “Stop. I know you’re trying to help but I can take care of this myself.”
Willa snorted jerking her arm from Lottie’s grip. “Aye, like you’ve handled this whole situation, I guess.” She gestured around her. “Like you’ve handled getting closer to Nova? Like you’ve handled Cain and Beau Bryant? You haven’t handled a thing.” Willa sneered, leaving her friend alone at the bar just as her uncles arrived.
“Little Lottie. Here you are. Didn’t we tell you we’d make everything right?” Wilder asked.
Lottie nodded, with a small frown.
