Page 105 of Magnetic God

When he’s gone, she exhales. “I hate that man.”

Each word is full of heat.

“Greer, I have to ask. Is Grant an ex?”

“God, no! He’s just a pest that I have to deal with because of my cousin.”

Again, I’m not sure I believe her, but I don’t have time to question her any further because there’s static and then a soft tapping on a microphone that carries over the speaker throughout the room.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Brooks, but many of you know me as Ace’s best friend.”

There are chuckles throughout the room.

Brooks turns to face Alessandro. “Now, Ace, I know you didn’t know there was going to be a performance today, but your sweet wife has a little surprise for you. So, sit back and enjoy.”

Alessandro crosses the room, coming to Isa’s side. She looks up at him, smiling, as music comes over the speakers. The music is a piano version of an old Elvis song. Of course, the lyrics have been changed to fit this gender reveal.

Brooks’ smooth voice croons over the speakers, serenading everyone in the room. He sings a tale of love and sweet moments between Alessandro and Isa. But the shining moment of the song is when he announces that Alessandro and Isa are expecting a boy.

“A son?” Alessandro pulls Isa close. “Dolcezza.”

“Did I surprise you?”

“Surprise? Yes.” He shakes his head. “I love you so much.”

Brooks’ voice interrupts the moment as he says, “And now a song for my wife, who told me earlier that we, too, are expecting a bundle of joy.”

My eyes fill with tears as he sings to me. By the time he’s finished, there are several people wiping at their eyes.

Greer lets out a dreamy sigh. “Again, I’m so jealous.”

But I don’t reply because I’m crossing the room, going to Brooks’ side.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, Hannah.”

30

Brooks

Blanc

We need to talk.

Sorry. Can’t. I’m busy.

I wasn’t asking.

Call me.

Now.

Biting back a sigh, I dial Blanc.

“This better be important. I was about to go out to dinner with my wife.”

Not a lie. Hannah and I have had a busy, emotional day. I want to take her out for dinner to celebrate, but she needed a nap. I get the feeling there are going to be a lot of naps in our future. And I can’t fucking wait.

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