Page 133 of Always Knew It Was You

But I love that for him because he’s earned it. It’s because of him that I’m alive and I let him know constantly how grateful I am. Micah gave him a handsome reward for it too, and Grandpa Crane now allows him to eat for free at the Tiki Bar for life. It’s hard to know which of those things Hal likes more.

As Hal drifts away from Nate, I walk over to my cousin and smile. “That is a real gnarly mask.”

“Oh yeah?” His mask is black with puckered scars all over it. “Seemed to fit the occasion. And who are you supposed to be, Cinderella?”

“Something like that,” I say. We pause and regard each other.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“Nate, this is like the fiftieth time you’ve apologized,” I say. “You don’t have to keep doing it.”

“I feel like I do. I feel like all this mess is my fault.”

“It really isn’t. If you hadn’t been there, Rick would have found someone else to help him with his scheme. Someone who may not have helped Amelia get saved in time.” I nod. “I know you did the wrong thing, but you have a good heart, Nate. Always have and always will.”

He smiles weakly. “I just hate that I disappointed you, Lady Fishy.”

“Oh, don’t you start with that.” Nate has been spending a lot of time with Grandpa Crane since he got out and I guess the nickname is rubbing off. He chuckles.

“I love you,” I tell him. “You know that, right?”

“Yeah, I know. I love you too. And I’m sorry.”

“Fifty-one,” I say tiredly, and he laughs.

Then, I spot Micah’s grandfather conversing with an equally distinguished-looking man. His eyes meet mine over his companion’s shoulder and I wink, smirking when he huffs and looks away.

It’s funny the transformation our relationship has undergone in such a short time. Even after his apology, the man still frequently says ignorant stuff about the less fortunate, but I make sure I call him out on it. It surprises Micah and his dad till this day, but they’re getting used to it. At this point, I think they might be enjoying it.

Last week, I convinced Micah to help me take his grandfather to a shelter, where we met up with the manager. His grandfather only lasted five minutes before he wanted to leave, but a part of me thinks something got to him that day. He’s still a raging snob, but he at least no longer calls the unhoused “riffraff.” And I overheard him talking to Micah about possibly funding his affordable housing project.

So, yes, perhaps he’s not completely hopeless.

At the other side of the room, I spot Grandpa Crane talking an actress’ ear off, and Roger and Shoreton standing not too far off looking a tad suspicious. I walk close by and hear them muttering, “Do you think anyone would notice if we made off with that tray of shrimp cocktail over there?”

“Nah, I think they’re all too busy schmoozing,” Roger responds. “You can cause a distraction and I’ll grab it and hide it in my jacket.”

“Both of you, be on your best behavior,” Poppy scolds. “We’re not savages.”

“Nah, just you,” Shoreton says and Roger snorts.

I smile, and sail away with the rest of the bodies moving between us.

At the corner of the room, Mrs. Peach sits and talks to another elegantly dressed woman I’ve never met before. Just like Micah’s grandfather, her eyes catch mine and I wink at her too. She beams with so much pride and love that it’s palpable.

The only ones who aren’t here are my parents, no matter how much they’ve pleaded and begged. I cut them off a while ago when, after my kidnapping, the only thing they wanted to know was how big Micah’s family home was. I mean I realized earlier that they never truly cared about me, but that proved it. I said goodbye, walked away and haven’t been back since. Neither has Nate.

I’m not answering their calls either. Sometimes I feel a little guilty, but I don’t give into that. At some point, the cycle has to break and we have to sever ties with the ones who try to keep us tangled in them. I’ve told Nate the same about his mother, but it’s going to take some time for that one to sink in.

But it has stuck for me. My only family, in my opinion, are those who have been there for me who I hold dear to my heart: Mrs. Peach, Emma, Grandpa Crane, Poppy and Tate, Yule. And of course, my Micah.

I drift around the party across the smooth burnished wood gleaming under the chandelier lights and search for Micah. In my search, I catch sight of Amelia and her friend, Jace, a tall blonde boy who seems to hang onto her every word.

They would make a cute couple, I think, walking up the sweeping staircase where rows of rooms lead down a hauntingly beautiful hallway with tiny stars embedded in the ceiling washing it with golden light, and gilded windows letting in the moon’s haze.

Suddenly, a hand shoots out of an open closet and grabs my arm.

I already know who it is, so I don’t panic. I can practically smell him from here even before he drags me close and whispers in my ears, “Did I tell you how beautiful you look?”

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