Page 48 of Grave Misgivings
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, clutching my glass.
He smirks, shaking his head. “I’ve literally known you for ten years, Geo. Seriously.” He narrows his gaze at me. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with your trip to Arizona, tomorrow would it?” he asks.
I watch as Duncan stretches his arms, leaning back against the booth, the edges of his fingers dancing along Felix’s leather jacket.
I was just as surprised as the rest of the world when they both waltzed onRomanoholding holds and announced they were dating.
I mean, Felix is... well, Felix. Sure, there were rumors about him and his former bandmate, but I learned pretty fast in this business not everything you read or hear is true.
Still, if you would have told me that the four-time Grammy winner was gay, I would never have believed it had I not seen him making out with Duncan backstage the night of our LA show, and well, pretty mucheveryshow since.
“Just, uh, nervous I guess. Haven’t been home in a long time.”
“How long has it been?” Duncan asks.
Felix leans back into his space, looking up at him.
“Ten years,” I mumble.
Duncan raises an eyebrow. “Ten years sounds like you’re avoiding the place.”
Mateo sips his champagne knowingly. “Or someone who lives there.”
“It’s... complicated.” I pour myself another drink.
Duncan sighs. “Yeah, usually is.”
My head starts to feel hazy, and I think the champagne is finally kicking in. The song that comes over the speakers stops me mid-pour.
Strangers, by Kenya Grace.
I glance at Mateo, who’s casually watching Dare, a soft smile on his face as Dare dances among the crowd, then flash my gaze to Felix, who is casually resting against Duncan’s chest as he focuses on his phone as those breathy “uh huh’s” sound out over the speakers, reminding me of someone else.
His cover is so much better.
The words fall out of my mouth without warning.
“How did you know?” I ask, blinking.
Mateo turns to me. “Know what?” he asks, and takes a drink of his champagne.
“That you were gay?” I word-vomit the words, immediately regretting it.
Felix laughs.
He fucking laughs.
“Shit, Graves, we gotta get you loaded more often.”
Mateo shoots him a scathing look. “Shut up, asshole.”
Felix shakes his head as Duncan gives him a shove.
“Forget I said anything—” I can feel my cheeks flushing as I move to get up, but Mateo stops me.
“Sit the fuck down.” He points to Felix. “You, shut the fuck up.” His voice is commanding, stern, and it’s hard to refute.
I sit my ass back down, but I don’t look at him.
