Page 20 of Heartbreak Hero

“Alright…and what do we do when we get in there?” Nash asked.

“We go in and scope it out, don’t approach Sara about anything,” Levi said, shooting Nash a warning look.

“Okay, and how are we getting in there without an invitation?”

“They have a guest list and our names will be on it.” Levi opened the door and slid out. He shut it and pulled out his phone, punching in a familiar number.

“Hello?” a deep, gravelly voice answered.

“Dad, it’s me. I need a favor.”

Ten minutes later, Levi, along with Nash, took the elevator to the tenth floor and walked up to the doors of Timothy Getty and Sheila Cabot’s engagement party.

When they stepped up to the doorman, Levi gave their names.

The smartly dressed man checked the list, unlatched the velvet rope, and allowed them to pass right through.

“Holy crap, talk about clout,” Nash muttered and ran a hand down his black tux. “I’m glad you told me to wear this.”

Levi smirked, grabbed a glass of champagne, and gazed around the room.

Nash didn’t know about his family’s wealth, and Levi aimed to keep it that way. Normally, people reacted differently after discovering his wealth and he didn’t want that affecting his work or his friendships.

Senators, councilmen, and various other city officials, as well as numerous prominent families, were in attendance and Levi saw several people he recognized.

Everybody who was anybody was there.

“Levi Huxley?” a male voice said, and Levi glanced over to find Brandon Bass bearing down on him. The short, portly man was dragging his wife, Stephanie, along.

The last time Levi had seen the pair had been at his father’s retirement party a few years ago.

“In the flesh,” Levi said and took a sip from his glass after shaking Brandon’s hand.

Both Brandon and Stephanie looked him over, assessing his attire, the drink in his hand, and even his neatly cropped beard.

“Your father said you were working outside of the business,” Brandon said.

“Mhmm,” Levi said noncommittally and then turned the subject away from him and his family by pointing a thumb at Nash.

“This is Nash Gibson,” Levi said.

“From?” Brandon asked.

“Kentucky,” Nash drawled with a twang.

Levi snorted into his drink, almost choking.

Stephanie looked aghast, and Brandon looked like he’d swallowed an olive. A few awkward moments later, the pair made their excuses and hurried away.

“You scared the wildlife,” Levi said with a chuckle.

Nash grinned, knowing full well what he’d done. The man did not originate from Kentucky.

“With their noses turned up so high, it’s a wonder they can see us normal folks down here,” Nash said.

“Yeah.” Levi sighed and took another sip from his glass.

People like that were one of the reasons he no longer attended most of the functions his parents held, much to theirdismay. But he hadn’t been nor would he ever be who they wanted him to be. Sure, he could fit in with the wealthiest of the world, but at what cost?

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