Page 96 of Gluttony
Parker shot him an amused look. “You’re the valet now?”
“Wow,” Evan said, coming up behind him and dressed in some kind of artfully ripped denim jeans and slick jacket. “I mean, we knew you were quitting, but didn’t think work prospects were so bad.”
“Asshole.” Tony grinned and clapped the man on his back.
Evan sheltered his eyes and peered down the red carpet. “This is going to be epic. I can feel it.”
And when Evan hadfeelings, they usually came true.
Then Griffin was there, looking dapper in a tux, his hair parted and slicked back, his spectacles high on his distinguished nose. His eyes danced with humor and he nodded at Tony.
“How many of you are here?” Tony frowned, craning to get a look in the limo.
“All of us.” Parker squeezed Tony’s shoulder.
Evan assisted Grace out of the car, and then Griffin leaned down and helped Lilo out. The two women looked marvelous in black formal gowns.
Tony inflated with warmth as the rest of his family got out of the limo and congregated on the sidewalk. He moved to Lilo and Grace and kissed each on the cheek.
“Thank you for coming, ladies.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Grace gave him a gentle smile and pat on the arm.
“Oh my God. This is incredible.” Lilo’s eyes flared wide, and she pulled her cell phone out. “Is it poor taste if I ask for a selfie now? The Cardinal Copy want some inside shots for the entertainment pages, and it’s just that you’ll be so busy soon, I want to get in first. And Oh-Em-Gee, I’m babbling. Cindy is so jealous. We’ll see her on the carpet.”
“Breathe, Lilo.” Tony grinned.
She inhaled as though it scared her, then exhaled slowly, nodding. “I’m good. I’m good.”
He laughed and took a few gratuitous red carpet selfie shots with her.
When she was done, Lilo hugged him, and squealed. “I’m so excited.”
Griffin’s lip twitched with humor, and then he took his wife’s hand to lead her to the start of the carpet.
“Congratulations,” Wyatt said gruffly as he came up with Misha. He had a black suit on with a black dress shirt, no tie. The pretty blond was stunning in a classy red dress that showed off her pregnant belly. Tony was surprised Wyatt hadn’t wrapped her in cotton wool.
Misha shot her man a look and said, “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” To Tony, she winked. “You look mighty handsome Mr. Man of the Hour.”
“And you’re simply ravishing.” Tony took her hand and kissed the back of it, enjoying the daggers his brother sent his way.
And then they were gone, Wyatt with a possessive arm around Misha’s shoulders, tucking her body into his side. Sloan, Max and Liza walked up and Tony almost didn’t recognize them. Liza wore a flesh toned gown covered in beadwork. He blinked. She wore makeup.
“Mention my dress and you’re dead.” Liza hugged herself and looked over her shoulder nervously. “Mention my face and you’re deader.”
Tony took her hands and unfolded them so he could see her better. He whistled. “Wow, sis. You got game. Who knew all of this was under that shoddy detective’s outfit. Am I right, Max?”
Max went red. “No comment.”
“Good answer,” Sloan said with a smirk. Her pink satin gown matched the bow on Max’s tuxedo perfectly. She lifted her chin at Tony. “Good work, bras. Looking forward to the movie.”
The last to greet him was his parents. Mary had on a classic deep red gown with lace flowers over her arms. Flint had scrubbed up well in his black suit.
“Mi amor,” she said and cupped his face. She kissed him on either side and then pulled back, eyes watering. “It makes me so happy to see this part of your life doing so well, and it pains me that it can’t always be this way.”
“It’s okay, mama.” He smiled solemnly. “It won’t be like this forever. I’ll get back to it soon.”
Mary studied his face. “Are you okay?”
