Page 29 of Scooter's Endgame
“Perfect. See you then,” I reply.
“Bye, Uncle Beckett. See you later.”
“Later, bud.”
Two hours seemed plenty enough time when he said it, but when Beckett knocks on my door, I’m only just putting the finishing touches to my makeup. Thankfully, it’s the last thing I do, so I’m ready to go. Giving my simple outfit of jeans and an off-the-shoulder sweater a final once-over, I hasten to open for him.
I’m wholly unprepared for the look I get when I open the door. It’s one I’ve seen him give his lady of the moment, but have never been on the receiving end of that level of appreciation – from any man, for that matter. Especially not for something I consider to be so plain and casual.
“Looking good, Kay.”
“Thanks.” It’s been a long time since I last blushed, but his compliment has my cheeks heating. “Good timing. We’re ready to go. Let me just call Luke and grab my stuff, and we can get going.”
I’ve managed to stave off a severe case of the jitters all day, but pulling up to Dutch and Sage’s place, seeing the cars outside their house, I remember there’s likely to be a number of people I know at the party. Cue the nerves.
Regretting my decision to come, based solely on not wanting to disappoint Beckett by turning him down, I have to tamp down the urge to cut and run.
“Stop it.” I swing my head in his direction. “I can feel the nerves vibrating off of you,” he says softly so that Luke won’t hear him.
“I can’t help it. So many people here tonight will know who I am and wonder why you’re here with me.”
With gentle fingers, he urges me to turn and face him. “Sweet pea, I couldn’t give two hoots what people think. Let them wonder. It’s got jack to do with them. And if it’s an issue for them, tough. But I warn you, if anyone has something shitty to say, they’d better believe they’re going to have me to deal with.”
Surprisingly, the evening goes off without a hitch. Sure, there were a few curious looks when we entered the house together, but nothing else. I panic a tiny bit when, not two minutes after we arrive, Beckett disappears, but then he reappears with a drink for me. This time, we get raised eyebrows, not just the mildly curious looks of a few minutes ago.
Feeling vulnerable and more than a little exposed, I can’t stop myself from shifting foot-to-foot. Luke, clearly picking up on my nervous energy, clings to my leg like a limpet. Beckett leans in to whisper in my ear, and I jerk so hard my drink sloshes perilously close to the rim of my glass.
“Relax. These are friends. Sure, they’re probably a little inquisitive about why we’re here together, but it’s none of their business. They won’t bite. I promise.”
“I know. I’m just out of my element here, and so their scrutiny is making me uncomfortable. I’ll be fine.”
Before either of us can say anything more, Sage comes over to greet us. “Hey guys. It’s great to see you. Thanks so much for coming.” She leans in to hug first me, then Beckett. “Indigo should be here in a few minutes. We told Knight to give us thirty minutes before they come over.
“There’s plenty to eat and drink, please help yourselves. And have fun.” Luke chooses that moment to peek out from behind me. “Hey gorgeous. How are you doing?”
“Hi Sage.” He gives her that endearing shy smile of his. “I’m good, thanks.”
“I don’t see any yummy treats in your hand, so I think you need to come with me. I’ll show you where all the good stuff is hidden.”
He looks up at me, a pleading expression in his eyes. “Can I, Mama? Please?”
“Sure you can. Have fun.”
The two of them walk off, hand-in-hand, Luke chattering away excitedly. I see Beckett give someone a chin lift, and before I can turn to see who he’s greeting, an arm drops around my shoulders.
“Hey there, Kathleen. Good to see you again.” Godric gives me a quick side squeeze. He reaches out with his other hand to fist bump Beckett. “Scooter. How’s it going, bud?”
“Hey Gator,” Beckett replies bumping his fist to Godric’s.
The two of them chat, Godric’s arm around my shoulders the entire time. Periodically, I see Beckett flick a glance at it, but he doesn’t say anything. It seems to be bugging him, but I have no idea why. Although, to be honest, I’m a little taken aback by it since it’s not something any of the guys have ever done before.
Mentally shrugging it off, I turn my head to see what’s going on over near the door when things go quiet. Then a hushed whispered, “Take your places, folks,” indicating we should hide in the places pointed out to us earlier when we arrived.
We do as we’re told and wait for Merrick to bring Indigo into the house. The door swings open, and we see him usher Indigo in ahead of him. We wait for our cue – Sage hugging Indigo – and almost as one, we step out our hiding spots, yelling “Surprise!”
For long minutes after that, pandemonium reigns as everyone hugs and well-wishes the birthday girl. We take our turn and, once again, see the unasked questions in their eyes. I doubt I’m meant to, but I catch a meaningful but wordless exchange take place between Merrick and Beckett.
Academically, I knew Beckett would mingle and not stay beside me the entire evening. What I didn’t realize is how stabilizing his presence was until he wasn’t there. It almost feels like I’ve swallowed a handful of Mexican jumping beans, the way my stomach jitters.
