and discreetly posted a text to the gossiping group chat. ‘Did you guys know Ender had a sister?’
My phone pinged right away. However, the broody caveman took it from me. “Eat your food, Beauty. You were starved not even ten minutes ago.” His voice was firm and almost scolding. He handed me my plate and I grabbed my fork, taking a bite of pasta. He leaned in, his lips touching my ear. “We’ll talk later,” he added and I nodded. Oh, we sure would, I grumbled under my breath.
Chewing my food in silence, I listened as they caught up with Giselle. I looked for Woody, wondering what got him sidetracked from this big reunion. He stood with a hand in his pocket, holding a beer, and staring at the bar. I followed his line of vision to where Chance and Cindy chatted. Cindy wore a tight white pair of capris with a salmon off the shoulder top and nude pumps. Her curves on full display, and Woody couldn’t help himself but stare. I couldn’t blame him. I elbowed Abel, pointing toward the two. Woody in a drunkin’ daze swayed, but his eyes never left Cindy. When Cindy finally acknowledged him, she gave him the finger. He returned her insult with a grab of his junk and a hearty laugh.
“They’re making progress, I see.” The sarcasm dripped from Abel’s voice. He laughed out loud, obviously amused by Woody’s response. That earned him another elbow to his stomach.
Woody, made his way over to our group, and I noticed his fly was opened. Good god, he was a mess and it was still early. Talk about walking contradictions. He wore plaid shorts and a shirt that read multiple orgasm donor. But hey, they were rock and roll. They weren’t judged by their style or trends. They were judged by their level of hotness, tattoos, wicked skill, and sculpted bodies. I’m sure his T-shirt would end up being sold on some online groupie site. Their fans followed blindly.
“Fecking brilliant…there’s my molly.” Woody slurred, hugging Giselle roughly. She giggled and returned his embrace with gusto.
“Love the do you’re rocking, Wood,” she replied, running her fingers through his colored Mohawk.
“Aye, all the betties love it,” he answered and polished off the rest of his beer.
Cindy and Chance now skirted near our group, but didn’t come any closer. I handed my plate to the waiter, figuring now would be a good time to freshen up and fill in my crew. Abel helped me up and I excused myself. However, I could feel Giselle’s gaze turn as I walked by.
After freshening up, I filled Cindy in on Giselle. Chance hadn’t uttered a word and chose to talk about the fireworks that were coming up. I needed information, but I didn’t know what. Cindy put on a good act that Woody’s presence didn’t bother her, but I knew her better than that. Unfortunately, she wasn’t budging on the topic, though. Even after mentioning Giselle, knowing that would at least evoke something from her, yet she remained stoned and straight-faced. I wanted Chance to elaborate on Jake and Ender, and what he knew about the Jessie girl…or any girl for that matter, but even he seemed preoccupied by everything going on around us. No—preoccupied wasn’t the right word. Neither he nor Cindy gave a shit about the festivities…they were keeping their lips sealed for a reason. And no matter how much poking or prodding, or asking any question I could come up with, they both remained silent and evasive.
Whatever. Fuck them then.
A few minutes before ten, Abel made an announcement to move to the edge of the property for an unobstructed view of the firework show. Some guests moved their chair to watch comfortably while others chose to stand, and some didn’t give a fuck at all, continuing their conversations where they were.
With excitement, we all watched the numerous sets of fireworks as they whizzed, sputtered, and burst into cascades of light and lit up the skyline of Los Angeles. I sat on Abel’s lap with Cindy and Chance to my left. On my right was Ender, Jake, and Jessie. The staff handed out flutes of champagne, and I took in the gorgeous view before me. With every burst, the fireworks exploded into arrays of colorful streams. The stars sparkled against an almost dark sky, and I thought about where I was this time last year. That thought brought me to thinking about where we would be in another year…the