Page 149 of Perfect Pitch

“You what?” I shout. Mitch’s and Kane’s heads whip around at my bellow.

Beckett smirks. “Yep. Rent is due no later than the fifteenth of the month.”

I roll my eyes in exasperation.

That’s when Beckett drops another bomb. “After you move in, remind me to have the boys give you access to the penthouse. That way you can come up whenever you want.”

I hold up a hand. “Wait. You live—‍”

“In the same building. Yes. And trust me, I’m ecstatic to know you’ll benefit from the security protocols in place.” He twists in his seat, and his eyes narrow in Kane’s direction. The other man appears completely unperturbed. “Though I will find out why I wasn’t informed you and your mother were in the building.”

I shrug because that’s his problem. Just then, a Cheshire Cat grin crosses my face. “Well, at least Mitch won’t have far to commute for work either.”

Beckett groans. “Christ, Austyn. Did you have to go there?”

“Of course.” I reach over to the napkin dispenser and grab a few. Balling them up, I toss them and nail Mitch in the back of the head.

He whirls around. “What was that for?”

I drawl, “I was just telling Beckett how short your commute is going to be on the nights you stay with me since the place I rented is in his building.”

Mitch’s eyes dart back and forth between us. His face morphs into one of sheer terror.

Kane laughs outright at his distress. Beckett’s face is blank, but his eyes are crinkled in the corner as he masks his glee. Fortunately, Mitch’s torment ends as our food is delivered.

At least for now.

* * *

CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

However you celebrate and whoever you celebrate with, may you find peace tonight.

—Beautiful Today

Clinking of crystal mingles with good tidings. Occasionally bursts of laughter punctuate the music of love that’s decorating my mother’s house.

Christmas Eve has rolled around and with it, one of my family’s favorite traditions—the Kensington annual Christmas bash. We debated whether to cancel the party, but it was too late. Besides, my family has always turned a night that can be considered traditionally somber into one about joy. And considering all the oppression weighing the mood of the house down, we need something to lift our spirits as we go into Christmas morning.

Besides, I think as I finger a violet braid, the last thing I am is traditional. Christmas Eve is my favorite part about celebrating the holiday. I was bummed I was going to miss it for the first time ever, but despite the reason I’m back in Kensington, I’m grateful to be standing amid those people who have supported me since I was a little girl.

My eyes mist when I realize tonight every Christmas wish I’ve ever made has come true. It’s not about the success I’ve created, but the fact love is surrounding me. I have my mother, uncles, other family, and friends. And for the first time, my father as well as Mitch.

Some people have so little in their life, and yet I’m blessed. After the events that unfolded in Carys’s law office, I’m not taking a single person in this room for granted.

“As much as it sucks why, I’m glad I’m home to be here for our party,” I say as an aside to my mother as I pass her when I catch my breath in between saying hello to our next-door neighbors and my old music teacher.

She rakes her eyes up and down my illusion dress with exceptionally placed silver sequined lace before glancing over my shoulder. “Yes. You’re going to give your father a heart attack before he’s known you a week in that outfit.”

I wink at my mother before leaning forward to murmur, “Mitch’s eyes almost fell out of his head. He’s on the verge of committing murder.”

“Darling, so did mine.”

“It’s beige satin,” I reassure her.

“Good to know.” She pauses. “I like him. I was concerned with him being... what? Eight years—‍”

“Ten,” I correct.

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