Page 199 of Sweet Venom
It makes me think of something more than pain.
I know I still have a long way to go before I can kick the ghost of Mama from my mind and finally accept myself the way I am, but I know it’ll be easier with this stupidly big man by my side.
“The audacity to throw a party and not invite my highness.”
The entire place goes silent. No more chattering or clattering of utensils or even…breathing.
I reluctantly pull away from Jude, and we both stare at the doorway where the very familiar voice just came from.
Everyone is looking in that direction.
At the ghost of Preston Armstrong standing there with his usual grin, paired with deep dimples in his cheeks and a gleam in his light eyes.
He’s wearing jeans and a white jacket with the Vipers’ blue logo on his chest.
I blink twice, but he’s still there.
In person.
Everyone else is seeing him, too, judging by the wide, unblinking eyes.
He cocks his head to the side. “Miss me?”
“P-Preston?” one of the guys stutters.
“Drayton! Youcansee me?” Preston mock gasps. “Just kidding. I’m not a ghost. Said every ghost ever! Muahaha!”
When no one reacts, too in shock to even speak, he releases an exasperated sigh. “This surprise drop is flopping so hard. Anyway, you can kiss the hand one at a time, peasants. Heard you bitches are ruining our championship.” Another sigh. “Things just don’t work out without Preston. I’m telling you?—”
Jude jogs toward him.
“Hey, big man! You missed me, didn’t you? Life sucked without me, didn’t it?”
Jude grabs him by the collar, shaking him. “You motherfucking?—”
“Ow, ow.” Preston taps his hand. “I was shot, you Neanderthal. It still hurts.”
Jude reluctantly releases him as Kane and all of us form a small circle around Preston.
He’s here.
He…apparently came back from the dead.
“What the fuck happened?” Kane’s voice is a bit tight, but I can hear the relief beneath it. “We buried you with our own hands.”
“Did I look hot dead?”
“Preston,” Jude warns.
“Boo, what a killjoy.” Preston sighs. “I was in a medically-induced coma.”
“But the doctor said…” Kane trails off.
“Dad’s idea. Don’t look at me.” Preston’s eyes light up. “Did he cry when I was shot?”
“No,” Jude tells him.
“Did he just sigh, then? Ugh, the unoriginality is killing me.” Preston’s shoulders hunch, then he perks up again. “Heard Granny’s gone. Yay! Never liked that old woman. She called me crazy all the time, then shot me! Or tried to shoot Vee. Oh, hi, Vee! Heard you’re my auntie. Can I not call you that, though? Pretty sure I’m older than you.”
