Page 98 of Rest In Pieces
24
AMITY
The welcome party started a couple of hours ago, and the guest of honor just arrived. I stand back as the crowd rushes forward, everyone wanting to meet the man who’s about to become their president.
When G admitted to me after the barbecue that Havoc wasn’t just transferring in but getting released from prison, I had my concerns, more so about bringing Nevaeh here than anything else. When he went on to tell me the rest, I couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy. Imagine doing something so selfless for your family for them to turn around and shit all over you.
I sip my water, wanting to keep a clear head for when I meet him, while Nevaeh chats away with a drink in her hand.
“And so they said they’d pay for my flights out to London and my accommodation if I agreed to be a guest speaker on their panel. All I have to do is go on live TV in my bra and thong.”
I nod along until her words sink in. “Wait, what?”
“I was wondering if you were listening to me.” She throws a coaster at me, and it bounces off my chest.
“I’m sorry, I’m just distracted. What were you saying?”
“I saaaid… the people organizing the book signing I told you about have agreed to pay for my flights to London and my accommodation since it’s last minute, as long as I agree to be a guest speaker. They’ve had a few people drop out, and when they asked in their Facebook group who they’d like to fill in, they picked me. How cool is that?” she says, taking a sip of her drink, her eyes sparkling.
“That’s awesome, Pippin. You’re going, right?”
“I promised I’d be your assistant.” She swirls her drink, glancing down.
I give her a look. “It’s London. You have to do this. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
“I know, but I’m so darn nervous. I wouldn’t even have a passport if it wasn’t for you forcing me to get one. I didn’t think I’d ever actually use it.”
“You’ll be fine, but what about people knowing what you look like? You have a pen name for a reason, right?”
“It’s not my readers I’m worried about. I don’t mind them knowing what I look like or even having pictures taken with me.” She takes another drink. “The pen name’s to keep Dad and his damn congregation off my back. I’m not worried about them being at the convention and discovering my secret, 'cause then they’d have to admit to being at Smut Fest.” She giggles at the thought, her words slightly slurred.
“Good point. These organizers are legit, right? I don’t want you getting sold into a slavery ring or something. If I have to jump on a plane and save you, I’ll be pissed.”
“But you’d save me, right?” She bats her lashes at me.
I would save her in a heartbeat. She’s my ride-or-die. I wouldn’t give up on her any more than she’d give up on me.
“I’ll always save you. You know that.” I nudge her, making her grin.
“You know I’m soooooooo lucky having a superhero as a bestie.” She gestures dramatically, almost spilling her drink.
I laugh, taking her drink from her hand and sniffing it. “How many of these have you had to drink?”
“Only a few. The very nice prospect keeps filling up my glass when it’s empty. The service here really is impeccable. Five stars.”
I turn and scowl at Hoops behind the bar. “No more alcohol for her. She doesn’t normally drink.”
Hoops smirks, his eyes moving to Nevaeh as he licks his lips. Tonight, she’s wearing a short pleated black skirt with knee-high black socks and a pink cashmere twin set with a matching pink ribbon in her hair. I’m pretty sure Toot almost died when he saw her.
“You’re not that stupid, Hoops,” I warn him.
He glares at me, but his eyes flick to something behind me, and his expression changes.
“What’s going on here?” G asks, draping his arm over my shoulder.
“Nothing. I’m just asking Hoops to cut off Nevaeh. She’s had enough.”
“I’ll say.” He chuckles, and I turn to see what he’s laughing at. Nevaeh’s fast asleep with her head on the bar. “She really is a lightweight.”