Page 55 of 4-Ever

I reached for my sister’s hand, which was ice cold, and she startled. I gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be right back.”

She nodded but didn’t say anything, pulling at her jacket sleeves.

When I got up to leave, Faise leaned in close to Ciara and started talking to her in that calm tone of his. Some of my tension eased. Maybe she’d at least tell him what was going on.

I made my way through the room and found Evert standing near the entrance, on a platform with a podium and a mic. Like with any of these official events, we always had photographs taken for the press and our PR team to use. Averell was nearby, schmoozing with a journalist, eagerly courting the media attention.

Jesse was deep in conversation with Evert, until the photographer suddenly raised his camera and took an impromptu snap. Jesse laughed it off, pretending to cover his face.

“Where do you want me?” I asked Evert as I stepped up to meet them.

“Hold on, where’s Av?” Evert looked around and then motioned for the marketing VP to join us. “Okay, Ro, lean against the backdrop wall. I want Jesse and Averell on either side.”

“Do I really have to be part of—” Jesse started.

Evert shook his head and stepped forward. “Yes, you really have to be in the picture. Stop procrastinating and get your ass up there.”

Jesse’s face reddened and it was the first time all day I’d seen him lost for words.

“I thought I was the bossy one,” Jesse replied.

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Evert quipped.

When Averell joined us, it was all I could do not to say, fuck it, and just walk away. I did not want to stand beside the guy standing between me and Faise. But I bit back my desire to leave and did as I was told. Sort of.

I turned my head towards Averell, muttering under my breath. “Hurt him and I don’t care about our fucking contract, I will not hesitate to end you.”

Averell bit out a laugh. “So dramatic. Why don’t you just relax and mind your own business?”

Evert lowered his camera and motioned for us to lean in closer. “Shake hands and stop talking, please.”

I gripped Averell’s hand so hard I was in danger of hurting my own fingers. Not smart for a bass player.

“I mean it,” I hissed. “Leave him alone.”

“Uh, guys—” Jesse interrupted.

I forced myself to smile. Another flash.

Evert stopped and sighed. “Once again, please look in my direction and no talking, thanks. Just a few more shots and we’re done.”

“You’re done, all right,” I whispered.

Then I shut up, smiled, and let Evert get his shot.

One last flash, and then Averell turned to me. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” I spat out. “The last thing Faise needs is to get mixed up with someone he works with.”

Averell stared at me with a knowing grin.

“What?” I snapped.

“Are you and Faise involved?”

I coughed into my fist, nearly choking on my spit. “No. Of course not. We’re just?—”

“Best friends who share everything? Everything but?—”

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