Chapter 54
Elaine’s POV
By the time the music fades and Zane releases my waist, my smile feels glued on, my cheeks ache from holding it for so long. My pulse is still doing something stupid in my throat, but I refuse to let him see that. I step back first, creating space, smoothing my dress like nothing happened.
“I’m going to find my brothers,” I say.
He doesn’t argue. He just nods once, jaw tight, his eyes unreadable again. That look where he puts himself back behind glass.
Fine by me, not like I care
I turn and slip into the crowd before he can say anything else.
The room feels louder now. I weave through clusters of people who look at me a second too long.
I spot Noah first near one of the tall cocktail tables, his jacket off, sleeves rolled up, drink in hand. Caleb is with him, laughing at something someone says. Lucas is nowhere in sight, which immediately makes me suspicious.
I slide up beside Noah and take his glass without asking
“Hey hey” he says. “That’s mine p>
“Was,” I reply, taking a sip. “You’re so generous p>
Caleb grins. “You did good sunshine p>
“Barely,” I say. “Where’s Ivy p>
They exchange a look.
Here we go.
“She had a thing,” Noah says.
“A thing,” I repeat flatly.
“An important thing,” Caleb adds quickly. “School -related p>
I narrow my eyes. “If you tell me she suddenly developed a fever or had an exam or needed to water plants, I swear p>
“She’s fine,” Noah cuts in. “Promise. She just… didn’t want to come tonight p>
That softens something in my chest. Ivy has never liked rooms like this. Too many expectations of her, too many eyes.
“Tell her I’ll call her tomorrow,” I say. “And that I missed her here p>
Caleb nods. “She knows p>
I hand Noah his glass back and glance around again. “Okay. Where’s Lucas p>
They both turn.
I follow their line of sight and immediately groan.
Lucas is in the corner near the balcony doors, leaning casually against the wall like he doesn’t know exactly what he’s doing. He’s talking to a woman in a fitted emerald dress, her hand resting lightly on his arm. She’s laughing at something he says, head tilted, eyes bright.
I squint.
No way… No freaking way
I don’t even think. I just move.
“Are you kidding me,” I mutter, already halfway across the room.
Lucas spots me a second too late.
“Elaine p>
“Don’t,” I say, stepping between them. Then I really look at her.
My stomach flips.
“Claire p>
Her eyes widen. “Elaine p>
We stare at each other for half a beat, then both of us break at the same time.
“Oh my God, oh my freaking god” she laughs. “Look at you p>
“Look at you,” I fire back. “What the hell are you doing here p>
Lucas blinks between us. “You two know each other p>
“We were almost inseparable,” Claire says. “Freshman and sophomore year p>
“Until I transferred,” I add. “And then life happened p>
She shakes her head, smiling. “I can’t believe this p>
Lucas clears his throat awkwardly. “I was just… uh p>
“Flirting,” I supply. “You were flirting p>
Claire laughs. “He was being charming p>
“That tracks,” I say. Then I grab her hands without thinking. “I missed you p>
“I missed you too,” she says, squeezing back. “I saw your name on the wedding banner and thought it had to be a coincidence p>
“Trust me,” I say dryly. “It’s not p>
Lucas looks relieved when I turn my attention fully to Claire. “I’m going to go… check on something,” he says, already backing away.
“Don’t disappear,” I warn him.
He holds up his hands. “Wouldn’t dream of it p>
Claire watches him go, amused. “Your brother p>
“Unfortunately p>
She laughs again, and for a moment it feels easy and normal.
We exchange numbers right there, leaning over my phone like we’re sixteen again, promising coffee and brunch.
When I finally step back from Claire and start to head back to my brothers, I notice Noah and Caleb hovering nearby, both of them suddenly very interested at the floor patterns when I receach at them.
“Why do you look like that,” I ask.
Caleb clears his throat. Noah scratches the back of his neck.
“Oh no,” I say. “No. Absolutely not p>
Lucas reappears at my side like he’s been summoned by dread alone.
“What is it,” I demand.
He exhales. “Okay. I’ll be the one to do it p>
“Do what?” I say.
“We just want you to know,” Noah starts.
“I’m begging you to stop,” I say. Already knowing what they want to say that has them so uncomfortable.
Lucas barrels on anyway. “You don’t have to consummate the marriage if you don’t want to p>
I stare at him.
Caleb winces. Noah looks like he wants the floor to open up and swallow him.
“I’m sorry,” Lucas rushes. “I just he doesn’t get to demand anything from you. Ever. And if he tries p>
“Lucas,” I cut in, covering my face with a groan. “Please yall stay out of my sex life p>
There’s a beat.
Then Noah snorts.
Caleb laughs despite himself.
Lucas grimaces. “That came out wrong p>
“Everything about this is wrong,” I say. “But I appreciate the concern. Truly. I just… don’t need any pep talk p>
“We’re just being protective,” Noah says.
“I know,” I say, softer. “And it’s gross p>
Lucas groans. “Fair p>
I glance back toward the crowd and spot Claire waiting near the bar, watching me with a smile, putting stuff in her bag looking like she’s ready to leave.
“She’s excusing herself,” I say suddenly. “I’m not missing this p>
I hurry over, hugging her tight. “I’m serious. We’re catching up p>
She nods. “Text me tomorrow p>
“Tomorrow,” I promise.
I turn back just as Zane appears at my side, close enough that I feel the heat of him.
“We need to leave,” he says quietly.
For once I don’t argue, I’m already tired of plastering this smile on my face.
I give my brothers one last look. Noah mouths call me. Caleb lifts his glass. Lucas meets my eyes, something heavy there, and gives a small nod.
I walk away before I can overthink anything.