Page 80 of Introvert

"Technically, the world."

I almost laughed, realized she was serious and swallowed it down.

"The world," Felix corrected. His bright eyes shifted to me. "Like I told you, Constance is Hayden's grandmother, who we all call Gigi."

"Because I may as well be their grandma as well," she put in.

He gave a nod of agreement. "Gigi, this is—"

"Aurora Kent," she said before he could finish. "Violinist, your girlfriend, and newest member ofthe HERS tour. I've heard all about you."

She held out her hand with the grace of a queen, and for a second, I didn't know whether to shake it, kiss itor curtsy. Deciding she'd respect strengthover anything, I took her hand in mine and gave it a firm shake.

"Hi," I said then promptly ran out of words.

"Hello," she replied.

We stood there staring at each other a moment.

Then she added, "Is that a Vera Wang, dear?"

Glancing down at myself, I shook my head. "I'm not sure. Mercurygot the dress for me."

Constance nodded her approval. "You wear her well."

"Thank you, Mrs. Davenport."

Seeing my blush, she shook her head. "It is nice to finally meet the other half of AF."

"Most people call us Ferora," I said.

"AF sounds better."

"That's what I said," Felix replied.

She shrugged. "Plus it putsthe ladyfirst—which my boys will always do. Isn't that right, Felix?"

"You know it."

Essie directed a beaming smile at him. "He's a good boy, our Felix."

"Yes. Yes, he is," Constance agreed.Her gaze fell on me once more. "Felix, will you kindly get me a glass of sparkling water?"

"But—"

"My throat is so parched I feel I might faint if I don't get a drink nearly this second."

Felix narrowed his gaze then said, "Sure, Gigi.No problem." To me, he added, "You want anything?"

"No," I said then quietly spoke into his ear, "but come back soon please."

"You got it."

As he walked away, the three of us watched him go. Almost the instant he wasout of earshot, Constance aka Gigi turned back to me with a smile that was all pearly white teeth. "AsHERS's top supporter, both financially and emotionally, as well as a fan-mentor-guardian angel if you will of all of my boys, including Felix,I feel I'm entitled to ask. Is this thing between you andhim real or not?"

"Constance"—Essie shook her head—"why would you ask the girl that?"

"Because I've heard chatter, both from you and in the online AF Ferora fan group."

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