her hand and say the only thing I can think to say. “It’s too late to make up for lost time.” Standing from my seat, I make my way to the back of the plane. I open the bathroom door, and slam it shut, locking him out. I dig into my pocket and pull out the pill bottle that I got from Luca yesterday when Cross and I went up to Glass. I pop the lid and wash two pills down with my new drink.
I can’t handle this flight with my brother sober. Especially if he’s going to bring up our past.
APRIL
I stand in the middle of a grand foyer in a black cocktail dress with a glass of champagne in one hand and my clutch in the other. “How long are we going to be here?” I ask Alexa.
“I just wanted to make an appearance. I promised her we would come,” she whispers.
“Who?” I ask before taking another sip of my drink.
“Alexa,” a woman calls out, coming toward us. She wears a white one-shoulder dress that comes midthigh. It has to be designer and cost a small fortune. Her red hair is cut short and parted to the side, tucked behind her ear. She raises her arms, opening them to welcome Alexa in for a hug. “I’m so glad you made it.”
Alexa hugs her and then pulls away. “Of course.” She steps to the side and gestures to me. “April, this is Jasmine. Jasmine, this is my best friend, April.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” She surprises me by pulling me in for a hug.
“You too,” I say when we separate. “How do you two know each other?” I ask.
“Oh, Jasmine knows everyone,” a woman says, joining the conversation. She wears a turquoise minidress, showing off a set of long legs. It dips down low in the front, and she wears a black choker around her neck. Her dark hair is down in big waves. “Hi.” She reaches out her right hand, and I don’t miss the huge rock that covers her ring finger on her left hand that holds her champagne flute. “I’m Emilee.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m April.”
“It’s true.” Jasmine nods once. “I do know everyone. It’s because I’m so relatable.”
Emilee snorts, making Alexa laugh.
“So what’s the occasion?” I wonder.
“I just bought the place.” Jasmine smiles, holding her hands out wide. “Thought I’d have a party to break it in.”
I nod. “Well, it’s a gorgeous place.” It’s an understatement. The house is a fucking mansion with all the amenities that make places like this worth millions. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and expensive artifacts. Once you entered the gated property, they had valet out front to park the cars. Men in suits stood outside at the front doors, and two stood inside to greet the guests. Butlers walk around with trays of champagne and finger foods. The only thing the party is missing is puppies as party favors.
“Thanks.” She smiles at me. “But let’s be honest, it’s boring, right?”
“Oh, no,” I say.
“Not at all,” Alexa adds.
“It sucks balls,” Emilee tells her before taking a sip of her champagne.
Jasmine sighs. “I know, right? Let’s say fuck it and go out.”
Emilee smiles brightly. “Yes. I could use a girls night. It’s been too long.”
“What about your guests?” I ask, taking a quick look around. There aren’t really that many people present that I see. But then again, this house is massive, they could all be in a ballroom somewhere. We’ve only made it to the grand foyer.
Jasmine shrugs. “I don’t care if they stay. I have enough security here to make sure nothing gets stolen. And Lord knows a riot isn’t going to break out with this laid-back crowd. Most of them are my father’s friends anyway. Any chance he gets to show off to them, he takes advantage of.” She snaps her fingers. “Let me get my purse and cell really quick.”
Alexa turns to face me after they walk away. “We won’t stay out late.”
I shrug. “It’s no big deal. I won’t be drinking much tonight.”
The girls return, and we walk out the front double doors, down the steps, and to the right. I almost trip over my heels when I see the black Mercedes Maybach G650. I’ve always wanted one. When Alexa opens the back door for me, I slide in and sink into the leather, biting my lip so I don’t groan at the softness.
I wonder what this chick does for a living. The size of her house