Page 119 of Don't Leave Me

“Billie, John. Glad you two are here,” he announced, his eyes warm and his smile friendly as he first shook John’s hesitant hand.

“It’s beautiful here,” Billie said enthusiastically, still looking around.

I watched and observed.

“Can I get you two a drink?” Michael offered, making his way to the fully stocked kitchen.

“Cabernet, please,” Billie answered.

“I guess I’ll take a beer,” John said quietly, staying close to Billie, his ill at ease evident.

The elevator doors pinged open again.

“Welcome!” Emily exclaimed.

I turned and there was Jess, still breathtakingly and effortlessly beautiful. Her hair was tied back with strands in her face and I suddenly felt insecure - like I looked like a monkey next to her. I almost regretted her being there, that if Michael saw her he would immediately fall in love with her and kick me to the curb. But that instantly faded once she looked over at me and smiled widely.

“Hana!” she beamed, quickly making her way towards me and everyone else.

“Hi,” I said with fake confidence, my arms wide and finally hugging her.

I looked over at Michael, who had just gotten drinks, and he seemed intrigued.

“Jess?” I saw John approaching us with his beer in his hand.

I was suddenly nervous. Michael was sure to put two and two together if he hadn’t already - that Jess was Jack’s sister.

“Hey John!” Jess raised her eyebrows, suddenly uncomfortable.

I could instantly tell there was some weird history or something going on. Even Billie looked uneasy.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Jessica. I’ve heard so much about you,” Michael eased the tension, bringing two glasses of champagne to me and Jess.

“Oh, thank you! Michael, I presume?” she smiled at him, then at me.

Michael nodded and winked at me and the glass of champagne in my hand, letting me know it was okay to drink. He put his arm around my waist and turned his attention back to our guests.

“I didn’t know you two knew each other,” John said, his voice faintly bitter.

My heart began to race.Why did I invite her?

“Yes. She interviewed me a couple of weeks ago. She said some very nice things about me and the show,” Jess smiled, perhaps oblivious to the tension.

“And how do you two know Jessica?” Michael wondered aloud to Billie and John.

Billie looked at me like,are you fucking kidding me?John didn’t seem to flinch.

“Welcome!” Emily exclaimed loudly, as if deliberately trying to divert everyone’s attention.

In walked my parents, the two of them dressed up like they were going to the opera. Luckily, Michael was distracted for now. I would tell him later when everyone wasn’t around. I tugged him over to my parents and they greeted us excitedly.

“Wow, bug,” my dad said, his eyes surveying the place before he took me in his arms.

“Michael, darling,” I heard my mom say.

In the short distance, I could hear John and Billie arguing quietly. Jess was close by and watching us with a smile.

I introduced my parents to everyone and they proceeded to make themselves at home before Emily offered them a drink. They seemed surprised that she was happy and doing well.

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