Page 86 of Faking Ties

“Nope,” Elodie deadpans, “we’re naked and Hunter’s balls deep inside me.”

“I love you and all,” Nina says, “but I don’t need to see you have sex.”

“Good to know that’s where your boundary is.” Elodie grins.

The doorbell rings and Minnie scurries into my bedroom. Marcus is the first to arrive, followed by Jake and Quincy. Then Trey and D-Rock, and before I know it, everyone is here. I have a full house for the first time since I moved in. Once everyone has a drink in hand, Jake claps me on the shoulder and whistles to get everyone’s attention.

“Thanks for coming,” Jake says.

“That’s what she said,” Nina says.

The guys snicker, and Jake rolls his eyes before continuing, “Tonight is all about having fun. And thanks to Hunter, we can enjoy some great food and even better company.”

“Don’t forget,” I say, “to try the brownies. They’re amazing.”

While everyone breaks off into groups, I make sure to stay close to Elodie, not wanting to be anywhere but with her. Getting time with her is challenging, and I refuse to waste a single second.

D-Rock comes over and introduces himself to Ella. “Never thought I’d see the inside of your house,” D-Rock jokes.

“I guess this means you’ve officially peaked.” I smirk.

Elodie elbows me in the stomach. “Be nice.”

“Why aren’t you elbowing him?” I ask her.

“Because he didn’t say it meanly.”

D-Rock grins and looks at Elodie like she hung the moon. Soon after, I guide her to Trey and introduce him by saying he likes to sew.

“That’s so amazing,” Elodie gushes. “I wish I knew how. Nina’s tried so many times to teach me, but I can’t get the hang of it.”

“I’ll help you, if you want,” Trey says, giving me a shit-eating grin.

“Get your own woman to teach,” I grumble, “and stop trying to steal mine.”

Elodie laughs and kisses my cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The rest of the night passes in exactly the same way. With Elodie winning over every single one of my team members with her kind words, jokes, and brownies.

Elodie checks in on Minnie regularly, who’s still hiding in my bedroom, and every time she does that, I can’t help but be impressed that this is my life. Friends, a dog, and a girlfriend… It’s all more than I could’ve ever hoped for.

Every time someone laughs, it’s like it bounces between the walls and seeps into every corner of my house. The usual hollowness within this place disappears and all that’s left is joy. It’s in this moment, surrounded by my team and the woman I love, I realize I’m not alone. That I’ve had people waiting on the sidelines, ready to tag in and get to know me, if only I’d acknowledge them.

And now I’ve finally done so, and I feel content for the first time in Skyrise City. I used to think the city was too small for me, but I’m starting to learn that maybe it’s the perfect size.

ELODIE

“We have to cancel the show tonight,” the man from the venue in Miami says. We’re in his conference room as rain pelts the windows, the wind bending trees at an odd angle. Honestly, it’s scary out there, and the urge to get somewhere safer pumps through me. Rachel glares at me and Hunter squeezes my hand in support.

“But we never cancel,” Rachel says on the video call. “Stella’s known to perform no matter what.”

“Well, a hurricane is coming,” the man states the obvious. “The winds, rain, and lightning make it too unsafe to go ahead with the show. The city officials are shutting us down.”

“Fine,” Rachel snaps. “We’ll make up the date on Monday.”

“That works,” I say. Today’s Thursday, which makes Monday doable.

The man from the venue calls the promoter and works out the details. Brian steps forward. “Let’s get you back to the hotel before it worsens.”

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