The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4 (Cursed #3-4) - Rebecca Donovan Page 0,49

have you been? I told you to let me know when my dad was picking you up so I could catch a ride.”

“You did? When?” I ask, my eyes still trained on Mr. Garner as Niall shakes his hand and affectionately sets a palm on his shoulder. My hands continue to shake. Or maybe it’s my whole body now.

“In the tree. I left a note yesterday,” he explains impatiently. “I also warned you that my aunt and uncle were going to be here, so you’d be prepared.”

I scan the faces that are beginning to accumulate in the open living space now that my mother has descended the stairs. She walks over to hug Mr. Garner. I catch sight of Cassandra hovering by the bar with a fresh martini. But I don’t see Nick … or Kaden.

“Which uncle?” I ask slowly.

“Isaac,” Lance answers like it’s obvious. When he notices the dumbfounded look on my face, his mouth drops open. “You didn’t know? Isaac’s my uncle. He’s my dad’s brother. Technically half-brother. My grandmother remarried before I was born. But whatever.”

“I think I need to sit down.” My voice has no fluctuation. I may seriously be in shock.

That’s when the doorbell rings, and Grant appears on the other side.

“Thank fuck.” I rush over and pull him through the small crowd before he has a chance to introduce himself. “I’m losing my mind.” Without caring who’s watching, I throw my arms around his chest and hug him.

He wraps me in a hug without hesitating. When I look up at him, he’s smiling awkwardly, his attention directed behind me. I turn my head to find that all of the adults have stopped talking and are gawking at us.

“Oh, this is Grant,” I tell them and then assertively lead him outside, away from everyone.

He waves in apology as we exit. “Nice to meet you.”

I clunk down on one of the benches by the firepit on the lower deck.

“What’s going on?” Grant asks, tucking me under his arm. “You look like you’re hyperventilating.”

I shake my head, at a loss, not knowing where to start.

“I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

The snarky voice coming from the other side of the firepit snags our attention. Lily glowers at Grant with her hands on her hips. Before he can utter a single word, she stomps away.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.” Brendan sits down on a bench next to ours.

He’s dressed impeccably in a pair of pressed charcoal pants, shiny black shoes and a fitted V-neck T-shirt—looking a little too pleased by my distress. I close my eyes and pray for the control to keep from kicking that smug look off his face. I’m on the verge of having a full breakdown, and homicide isn’t out of the question.

Parker stands behind Brendan, holding a glass that looks like Coke but undoubtedly has something stronger added to it.

“Nice. Everyone’s reunited,” I announce with a slight note of hysteria. “So, Parker, I know you and Brendan go way back. But tell me … how well do you know Ashton?”

Brendan stiffens.

“I don’t really,” Parker answers casually. “I met her a couple years ago at a club in New York.”

“Right.” I nod dramatically, like I’m recollecting the details. “Brendan was with you the night you met her. Business aside, I didn’t realize you two were friends?”

Lance sits on the bench on the other side of us. Having only caught the last of my words, he begins laughing. “Them? Friends?”

Brendan and Parker exchange a look. Brendan’s hand curls around his pant leg while he wears a face of pompous amusement.

“We’re … sort of … friends. He asked me to go. Not a big deal. Why are you asking?”

I ignore Parker’s question. “And why did you want to attend a party where you knew no one?” I target Brendan. “A certain contact you wanted to connect with?”

He glares at me in warning. “I think we should finish this conversation in private.” He stands just as Joey and Lincoln approach.

“Hey, Lana,” Lincoln greets casually. Then he scans the group, picking up on the tension. “Not much has changed with you, huh?”

“Not really,” I sigh, ducking out from under Grant’s arm. “I’ll be right back.”

Grant wants to come with me. I can sense him beginning to rise.

I stop him before he does. “It’ll be better if I do this alone.”

He settles on the bench again. Joey and Lincoln occupy the seat Brendan vacated.

I follow Brendan down to the private beach. Before he can speak,