isn’t tonight the Grant Foundation Gala Nolan’s attending?”
“Yeah. He knew I had a game so he’s taking your mom since your dad can’t go either.”
Nolan had attended the game last night. His in-person support meant everything to me, especially when I understood how much pressure he’d been under since his dad’s heart attack.
After we’d won and shared congratulations and I’d dealt with excited teens and parents about what to expect playing in the consolation round, Nolan had been my calming sea. Treating me to a lingering hug, a chaste kiss on the cheek, a quick peck on the mouth and sweet praise murmured into my hair.
Suddenly we’d been on the receiving end of wolf whistles.
Parker, the nosiest kid I’d ever met, had gasped after seeing Nolan so openly affectionate with me. “Coach Welk! Is Stonewall Lund’s brother your boyfriend?”
“As I’m sure you wouldn’t like to be referred to as Abbie’s sister, he has his own name other than Stonewall Lund’s brother.”
“But that doesn’t answer my question.”
“Yes, Parker, I’m very, very lucky that Coach Welk calls me her boyfriend,” Nolan had inserted smoothly.
Even my heart sighed at his confession.
“Gabi?” Jax prompted.
I blinked, clearing the memory. “I’m sorry. What?”
“I’m not telling you what to do, but if you make an appearance at the pizza party and stay for a slice or two, there’s still time for you to get to the Grant Foundation Gala. Nolan will squire my mom around for a while; I’d be shocked if she stayed past ten. I know she doesn’t like leaving my dad, even if he isn’t alone. Nolan will feel compelled to stay at least until midnight.”
“If you’re here, and Nolan is at the gala, who’s with Archer?”
Jax smirked. “Lucy and Mimi. Meems brought every board game she owns and a tub of crafts.”
“If nothing else, she’ll tire him out,” I said dryly.
“True. So I am headed over there after the pizza party.”
“You’re coming?”
“Hell yeah. Someone’s gotta pay for the free food.”
Of course the man would pay for the party, rather than everyone chipping in as Anna and I had planned.
“That also leaves you no excuse not to show up at the gala fashionably late. Besides, if you’d planned on attending before everything happened this week, I know you’ve got something to wear, so that ain’t gonna be an excuse for you not to make my brother’s whole night.”
I studied him. “You really are happy that Nolan and I are together.”
“Very. From the moment we met it’s felt like you were part of the family. You make Nolan happy, Gabs. I see that he does the same for you.”
“Don’t you make me cry, asshole.”
He laughed. “Heaven forbid.” From inside his sport coat, he pulled out an envelope. “This is literally an engraved invitation that’ll get you into the gala. Doesn’t matter whose name is on it as long as you have it.”
I hugged him. “Thank you so much, Jax. I hope Nolan doesn’t mind me showing up late.”
“He will be thrilled. Mark my words.”
“But don’t tell him, okay? I’d like it to be a surprise.”
* * *
* * *
I returned to my apartment by nine fifteen.
In lieu of a shower, I rubbed on lotion since that’s the scent Nolan preferred on me anyway.
Once I’d reapplied my makeup, using a heavier hand on the eyeliner and lipstick than usual, I pinned my hair into a messy bun. For once, it looked great on my first attempt.
The dress fit beautifully. I scarcely recognized myself. I still had a few days before I had to return the accessories I’d borrowed and when I opened the case where I’d stored them, there was a jewelry box I hadn’t noticed before. A jewelry box with a big bow on it and a tag that read:
To wear with the blue dress, no peeking beforehand—Nolan
When I opened it, I nearly blinded myself from the jewels’ shininess.
This was no costume jewelry. Only real gems shone that brightly.
The earrings were chandelier-style. Platinum inlaid with diamonds until the last stone, which was a very round, very blue, very big sapphire.
My hands shook when I put them on. They were really heavy, but damn they were exquisite.
Next I donned the necklace. It was every bit as modern and abstract as the earrings were traditional. With the diagonal strip of fabric across my chest, I worried that anything would look off. But I needn’t have worried, the heaviness of the metal, coupled with the weight of the diamonds, sapphires and blue topaz added interest to the