Page 104 of From Us, Forever

“So nice to meet you, Mr. Flemming.” I nodded, flicking my eyes to Louisa. “Mrs. Flemming.”

“Oh, please call me Louisa, darling. She’s a doll, isn’t she? Perfect for our boy.”

I flushed, tightening my hold on Jay’s arm while he chuckled. “I told you, Louisa, Evelyn was made for me.”

Fuck, he told her about me. That’s just mortifying for so many reasons.

Tom’s eyes met Jay’s. “J.J., is Matt around tonight? I would like to discuss a few things regarding the label. A lot of people have shown interest and are here tonight if you boys want to meet them.”

“Oh, come on, darling, this isn’t the time for business,” Louisa chided, giving Tom a sharp look. “Let the young couple enjoy their time.”

“No, it’s quite all right,” I added softly, lifting my chin toward Jay. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”

Jay reluctantly nodded, gesturing to Tom. “I’ll bring you to him.” He paused, turning to me as he gave me a soft smile. “You stay right here.”

“I will.” I smiled back.

“I’ll keep her company,” Louisa reassured, which seemed to satisfy Jay as they both walked away.

“Come on, darling, let’s have a drink. From the way I see it, the boys will be at it for a while.”

I mumbled a quick thanks when she handed me a flute of champagne from the passing server. “So have you known Ja… J.J. for long?”

Louisa nodded, setting her drink aside. The motion caused the huge diamond in her earrings to sparkle. “Yes, for a few years now. Tom took a liking to him and the rest of the boys and has been guiding them. But I’m happy you both found you’re way back to each other. I’ve never seen that boy smile like that.”

Blush painted my cheeks. “He makes me smile a lot too.”

“He was a whole different person when we first met him. He hardly spoke a word and had his head buried in work all the time,” she remarked. “But then love does that to you. I recall when Tom and I broke up once. It didn’t last for long. True love always finds its way back to each other.”

“I agree.”

“Also, I’ll give you some advice, darling. In this industry, people don’t like people who are happy and in love. I’ve seen all the ridiculous things they said about you a while ago, and now they are celebrating you. And let me remind you, sweetie, it’s a never-ending cycle. You just focus on the prize and let the rest go.”

“Yeah, I think I’m seeing that now. But thanks for reminding me, Louisa.”

Time slipped as I chatted with her, truly enchanted by her words of wisdom and her ability to give real advice rather than butchering the words.

“Louisa, I’m so sorry to cut this short, but I need to pee.” I gave her a sorry look, cringing at my lack of couth.

“Of course.” She laughed. “I’ll go with you.”

Just then a stunning older lady wearing a pleated suit dress and brioche interrupted us. “Louisa, how are you?”

I watched as they both hugged and dove into small talk. I gestured to Louisa that I’d be fine and went in search of the powder room. I kept my eyes peeled for Jay or the other boys, but I couldn’t find anyone.

After walking through several hallways, I found a sign for the restroom. Thankfully, there wasn’t a line or anyone in sight, so I stepped in and locked the door behind me.

A sigh left my lips after relieving myself, and I walked up to the counter.

God, I just had too much to drink tonight, but I was having fun—if the light in my eyes was any proof. My dark circles were nonexistent these days. There was almost a radiance to my skin, and I wasn’t complaining. Who knew being so happy could make your skin glow?

I washed my hands and patted my face with some cold water to calm the redness of my flushed cheeks.

Throwing the paper towel away, I absentmindedly opened the door and walked right instead of left, and I think that would be the first mistake I made tonight.

JAY

“Yes, Mr. Rogers, that would be amazing. I would love to welcome you aboard our team.” Matty added warmth to his usual quiet and reserved tone.

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