Page 56 of Counting the Stars

“Hope the mayor washes his hands and elbows after that meeting,” I say under my breath, earning a swoon-worthy grin from my date.

“I’ll be as fast as I can.” He looks over my shoulder once more. “I don’t know where Victoria went, but that’s probably for the best anyway. Just concentrate on finding Lilli and hang out with her until I get back.”

“You got it.” I give him a wink with a confidence I don’t feel.

“Alex,” Roberto whines.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

28

Alex

Something doesn’t feel right. A knot grows in the pit of my stomach as I get closer to the door of the family suite. Roberto abandoned me once he saw me headed in the right direction. I’ve been to several events at Manzanita Manor and the family suite is usually my favorite spot in the place. With a quiet sitting area, some tables, and a private bathroom, it’s like a little sanctuary. My mom and sisters use it to touch up their makeup. I use it to get a break from the chaos. But this time? Something feels off. I shouldn’t have left Gabby.

The door to the suite opens as I approach. Sunlight from a hall window paints the distinct outline of my father standing in the doorway.

“He’s right here,” my father says over his shoulder, then looks back at me. “I was beginning to think Roberto couldn’t find you.”

“Well, it’s pretty packed down there,” I offer, then realize I don’t need to defend my brother. For all I know, he’s thrown me to the wolves.

“It’s been a while.” My father gives me a hard glare and extends his hand to shake mine. He’s never been a hugger even when life was simpler.

“I’ve been busy saving lives.” My career choice bothers him to no end, but I hope one day he’ll realize that even though I don’t have a fancy title to my name, I still make a difference. I reach out to return the handshake. Over his shoulder, I spot a woman I don’t recognize sitting in a chair across from my mother.

“Alejandro, come on in,” my mother says a little too warmly. She should be welcoming her guests and making her usual rounds at the cocktail hour, not hanging out in here.

“Hey, Mom.” I give her a hug. “Happy anniversary.” I turn to my dad. “And to you too.”

My dad mutters a thanks and takes a seat at a table nearby.

“What’s going on?” I look between my parents, trying to ignore the elephant in the room.

“I wanted to introduce you to a new family friend.” My mother smiles.

As if on cue, the mystery woman stands and saunters over to me. Her heels click on the hardwood floor with every flirtatious step. She’s surprisingly tall but still shorter than me. With perfectly styled curls framing her face and makeup that accentuates her high cheekbones and piercing dark eyes, she radiates confidence. Her ruby-colored dress clings to her stick-figure body. The small train attached to it shifts back and forth like a giant red flag waving in the wind.

“Hi. I’m Octavia.” The woman shakes my hand with a rapacious look.

“Nice to meet you,” I reply kindly, though it’s a lie.

“Octavia started working at the station a few months ago,” my mother interjects. “She’s a field reporter now, but let metell you, I wouldn’t be surprised if she took over my position one day.”

“Oh, Elena, you’re too kind.” Octavia splays a hand to her flat chest, then turns to me. “I just adore your parents. They’ve taken me under their wing and have taught me so much. You must be very proud.”

“Umm…sure.” Am I proud of my parents? Yes, they do help out the community, but sometimes I wonder if it’s out of altruism or opportunism. Also, what am I doing here? “Well, nice to meet you, but I better get going and find my date.” I purposely drop the hint that I’m not available in case that’s what this is all about, and I take a step back.

“But you just got here.” My mother places a hand on my arm. “I thought you and Octavia could stay a while in here and get to know each other.” And that answers my unspoken question.Yes, that is what this is all about.

“I already did.” I keep my voice stern. “Now I need to get back to Gabby, my date.”

“Son.” My father stands. “Listen to your mother. Octavia had to cancel an important interview to come here and meet you.”

“Look.” I hold up a hand, ready to nip this in the bud. “I don’t know what’s going on but—”

“Octavia, dear.” My mother’s tone of voice makes me feel like I’m ten and about to be grounded for knocking over and breaking one of her garden statues during a water gun fight with Angel. “Would you mind waiting in the hall for a moment? Bob and I would like to have a little chat with our son.”

“Of course.” The woman who my parents are undoubtably trying to sic on me obediently leaves.

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