Page 61 of Just Between Us

“You have just been given a really nice tux for an event that will have people wearing clothes that can pay our rent for the next year, and you want to give this back?” She gestures to the garment bag on my bed. “You’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you don’t wear it.”

She has a point.

I was probably going to wear the suit I keep for important occasions like weddings but it’s nothing compared to this. And the fact that Levi and Cole thought to get it for me is nice. I try to not let my mind convince me that it’s because they don’t want to be embarrassed by me. It’s a dumb thing to think.

“Maybe you should ask to be their sugar baby instead of this whole ‘friends with benefits’ thing you three have going on.”

“That’s not happening,” I say.

“Well, just a suggestion. We’re in a cost-of-living crisis and judging by that tux—they are most definitely not.”

I don’t tell Jenna that the arrangement will probably end soon because I’ve messed it up already. As soon as they realise this is no longer what we agreed, they will put a stop to it. It would be the right thing to do but selfishly I don’t want that. Without realising it, I’ve become addicted to both of them in different ways.

To Levi’s smiles.

To Cole’s attention.

To them.

I’m fucked.

***

Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and portraits of old men who colonised lands afar hang on the walls. String instruments play in the background like it’s some sort of ball in the movie.

Jenna was right, everyone is dressed like they could pay our rent a hundred times over. Sparkling jewels mined in said colonised lands hang off necks and ears. Even the laughs that ring around the domed hall sound expensive.

Cole hands me a glass of champagne before handing one to Levi. I’ve been a ball of nerves all day and being here now around all these people does nothing to dissipate them. I take a quick sip of the champagne, hoping it helps but it’s so dry I almost choke.

“You alright?” Levi asks, his hand resting on the small of my back.

I let out a wet cough, “Yeah, fine but I can’t believe people drink this for fun. It’s disgusting.”

Levi chokes on his laugh, “Don’t let my mother hear you say that. Each bottle retails for at least a thousand.”

Just then a woman appears next to Cole and places a hand adorned with sapphires on his shoulder. She has long black hair and bronze skin. Holding her free hand is a man with a shock of full white hair on his head. He’s incredibly handsome like one of those older male movie stars. They are both stunning and when I look at the woman again, I recognise her from mine and Jenna’s research a few months ago. She’s Levi’s mother.

“Cole, Levi,” she begins with a bright smile, kissing Cole on the cheek, “My gorgeous baby boys. We were half-expecting you not to show up.”

Levi kisses her too. “Hi Mum,” he says. “C’mon, we wouldn’t miss your big event for the world.”

His mother beams before her eyes land on me. “Oh, you must be Kai,” she says, and my heart rate increases, wondering how much she knows exactly. She leans in, kissing me on my cheek as well. “I’m Raina and this is my husband, Oliver. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I put on my best accent and stand a little straighter. “Pleasure to meet you both,” I say. “This is an amazing event. Everything is beautiful.” I gaze at her and smile, “And you look even more stunning.”

My mother always taught me to compliment women. Good advice because Raina giggles. “Oh, we have a charmer! Are you single, Kai?”

“Mum,” Levi says pointedly.

“What? He’s gorgeous and charming. I know plenty of mothers who are dying to auction off their daughters tonight.”

“It’s the twenty-first century, my love. Who says Kai likes women? Just look at your son,” Oliver says, noticeably pleased by his joke.

Next to me, Cole chuckles, but Levi looks unamused, embarrassed by his parents.

“Oh well, in that case, many of my friends have very single and very handsome sons too.” Raina’s eyes focus on me again.

“Oh, I’m not—”

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