Page 96 of Stars and Scars

“Is your friend going to be okay?” I ask.

“I hope so. She has issues with her ex. Like criminal issues.”

“Well, Jax can help.”

“He definitely helped me when he assigned you as my bodyguard.” Charlotte gives me a wink and peck on the cheek. “I’m going to chat with Lexi. She wants to hear about my parent’s anniversary trip to Hawaii, and I want to talk about my podcast.”

I watch as Jax, Emory, and Easton return. Easton and Emory go inside the main house, while Jax joins me at the cooler to get himself a brew.

“Trouble?” I ask.

“Maybe. Not something you need to worry about, tonight, though. Relax. You’re so tense I'm afraid you’ll explode.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah, you’re not doing a good job of hiding your feelings, you old spook. Chill out, listen to some tunes, and maybe get yourself another beer. It’s going to work out fine.”

“Easy for you to say. But I think I will take you up on a cold beer.”

I bump into pretty boy Griff when I go to grab another brew. His gaze darts up to me, and to the empty bottle in my hand.

“Only one beer so far? You on the wagon, or something?”

“Nah, just trying not to get sloppy drunk.”

Griff nods.

“Yeah, because of the, the thing, right?”

I pop the top off my brew and try to mask my frustration.

“Of course you know. Does everyone know what’s going on tonight?”

Griff shrugs.

“Except the one person who really matters. Why don’t you put on some suede pants and vape a little bit to relax?”

I can’t keep a scowl off my face.

“You guys are never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Nope.”

He juts his chin across the backyard. I follow the gesture and see Charlotte speaking with Lexi.

“What are they talking about?” Griff asks.

“Charlotte wants to have your baby mama on her podcast. Something about expanding into books and literature.”

He shrugs.

“I like the idea.”

“Pardon me, boys, hate to interrupt this meeting of the minds, but I’m on drink duty for my girl Lexi.”

We turn as one to see Avery sidling between us to reach a table laden with foo foo drinks. I cock an eyebrow as she selects a Mai Tai.

“Don’t worry, it’s virgin,” she says, moving the little umbrella out of the way with her pinkie finger like a pro.

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