Avenging Us - Gina Whitney Page 0,24

had a short line of people for liquored drinks; cocktails and expensive wine were tray served. Abel and I spent most of the day so far making our rounds, stopping as people called out to him and wanted to talk.

Cindy and Chance stood at an appropriate distance, listening to the discussions and watching Jake, Ender, and Jessie. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. My feet were begging for some relief and my curiosity pleaded to be satisfied. Abel was very polite, introducing me to everyone I didn’t know and including me in his conversations. However, most of the people I didn’t know were the music executives and it was business. He was his charming and amicable self, with his dry sarcastic sense of humor, and they laughed along with him. After all, he was a rock star and lined their silk pockets. Women licked their lips and flipped their hair as they passed, and men looked at him like they wanted to physically trade places with him.

We were finally able to walk away and have some alone time. I sat on one of the many outdoor couches, and Abel went to get us some food to eat. I was starving and getting crankier by the minute. My dress seemed tighter…or did I gain another five pounds today? I didn’t know, but I was uncomfortable and my social drive came to a crawl. My main focus was what Abel was piling on my plate. He’d turn and point. I’d give him thumbs up or down. A pretty girl, slightly taller than average with a curvy figure, large brown eyes, and full red lips got in the line behind him. Her wavy black hair and dark skin revealed her Latin culture. I saw the other boys talking to her earlier. Whoever she was, I already decided I didn’t like her. She chatted Abel up, touching the bare skin of his forearm in between giggling. Fucking fan-girls…I swear to god I’ll cut a bitch.

They continued their conversation as he made his way over to me. I kept the mocking smile on my face, but my claws were ready. He handed me my plate and sat next to me. She had the nerve to pull up a chair. She sat across from us and made a show of crossing her legs. Abel reached over and squeezed my leg. I elbowed him—discreetly.

“So, you’re the famous Gia,” she said, popping a piece of grilled chicken in her mouth. I glanced at her plate, and then mine. My plate piled high with pasta, meat, and a chocolate frosted cupcake.

I wanted to growl and slap her. But didn’t…yet. “I am.”

Abel was already two bites into his cheeseburger.

“And you’re already pregnant.” Her tone fell flat as she glanced down at my stomach and bit into a raw carrot.

I placed my plate on the seat behind me before answering. “So the doctors tell me. And I’m also engaged. You know, since you’re taking inventory.” I held up my finger and gave my best fuck off, bitch face.

Her dark penciled brow raised and she smiled. She turned her attention back to Abel. “Ha! What a treat she is. I can see why you fell for her. She’s beautiful and has spirit.”

I looked to Abel, and he smiled, delighted by her comments. Confused as to what in the fuck was going on, I left my plate behind me until I had an explanation as to who she was.

Ender, Jake, and Jessie walked over, Woody stumbling behind them. “Sis, you made it.” Ender pulled her out of her seat, greeting her with a hug and kiss on both cheeks. Ender had a sister? I met his cousin, but no one ever said he had a sister. Well, this certainly put a different spin on things. However, there was something. Something I couldn’t put my finger on and it’s not my hormones or paranoia.

“Of course. You think I’d miss this party?” she replied quickly.

Jake released Jessie’s hand, taking the Latina into his arms. “Giselle, it’s been too long. Why didn’t you call? Where are you staying?” I listened to their exchange with piqued curiosity. Looks like there’s a possible story there. Ender took Jessie under his arm protectively, and that exchange wasn’t lost on Giselle. Jake extended his hand to Jessie, and she took it. “This is Jessie.”

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Jessie extended her hand and blushed lightly.

Giselle eyed Ender and then Jake, but accepted her hand happily. “Likewise.”

I grabbed my phone