Page 32 of Adored By Them
A few months ago, the very thought would’ve had me hiding my face.But now?I smile.
“Hey, little girl.”Troy’s deep rumble moves through me like a purr.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“Fuck, I love hearing you call me that.”He tucks a wayward strand of hair behind my ear.“Are you up for that Fourth of July barbecue at your old place?”
“Heck yeah,” I say.And I mean it…until two hours later when we arrive at the party.
Music plays over speakers in the back yard, so we bypass the front door and go through the side gate.There, Elias and Rita are arguing about the best way to grill burgers.Wallace and a few of his musician friends pass around beers and guitars, jamming along with a new Cinderella song.
Rita rushes over as soon as she sees me.“Hey.Just so you know, we haven’t told anyone anything.The only person you have to worry about acting weird is Elias.And I threatened to throw him on the grill with the smash burgers if he doesn’t behave.”
“Thank you.”I pull her into a hug.“It means a lot.”
“Yeah, well, I’m glad you’re back and I’m not about to let a bunch of weirdo musicians scare you off.”
I hug her tighter before letting her go.I should see if Edmund can send her another Baciarvita bag as a thank-you.
A couple of hours go by and I hang out with everyone.Troy and Edmund remain nearby at all times, constant comfort and reassurance.But even though Rita said all those nice things earlier, I have a hard time relaxing.I allow myself one beer—no more, because the last thing I need to do is get drunk and maudlin.
“Hey.”Edmund takes my hand and tugs me closer to him.“Do you want to go?”
“No, the fireworks haven’t even started.”I pout at him.“Why, do you want to go?”
He shakes his head.“It doesn’t seem like you’re having much fun.”
“I’m having a blast.”I paste on a too-bright smile.
“Liar.”
“Overbearing busybody.”
He laughs.“You’re going to pay for that sassy mouth.”
“Can’t wait.”
* * *
Troy
I’m glad to see Dani hanging out with her friends.I’m not glad that she seems so uneasy.Maybe it’ll take some time for her to fully relax.
In the span of less than a month, she’s been attacked twice.Fuckingtwice.The second time was from right under my fucking nose.It isn’t okay, never will be.
Not only that, the Vorsongs are still in San Esteban.It’s Wednesday, and their shipment is due to come in on Friday, if Dani’s information is sound.
Maybe we’re all nervous, waiting for the final showdown to be done.
At least the party is chill.I prefer it to any party thrown by the Laytons.Those are stuffy affairs, always catered, usually with a live band.The “live band” here is a bunch of student musicians showing off for each other.
The yard is divided between a deck and a lower portion of lawn.People walk back and forth, mingling with different groups.Anticipation sizzles in the air as we wait for it to get dark.We should be able to see the fireworks from the deck, according to Dani.
“Edmund, Troy, can you guys give me a hand with dessert?”Dani’s friend Rita waves at us from the back door.“I have too many dishes, not enough hands.”
We hurry inside to help her, bringing out trays of cookies, brownies, and fruit.
Edmund and I help her arrange them on a long table.When we’re done, we seek out Dani.She’s off to the side of the deck, talking quietly to Wallace.They don’t notice us approaching because we’re half-hidden by the vines winding over a trellis wall.
