This had to be a fire code violation.
A few people clogged the bottom of the stairwell that emptied into the living room. The party planner must’ve taken out some of the furniture to make room, but there was still not enough. There were people in every square foot available, and—except for the few actors who everyone would recognize—I didn’t actually know anyone.
Waiters dressed in black pants and white button downs made their way slowly through the room, offering up hors d’oeuvres or drinks, depending on what their silver platters held. Speakers stood in the corners of the room, playing non-intrusive electronic music with a steady beat but I didn’t spot the DJ. He had to be set up outside by the pool.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and entered the madness. It wasn’t long before I heard Dad’s voice above the din. “There she is!”
So much for no one seeing us. I wanted to hit Axel. So I did.
Dad shook his head at me. “Come here, Tessa,” Dad mouthed. His blonde hair hid most of the gray that had started appearing a few years ago. I always wished I had his blue eyes, but got my mom’s brown ones instead. He was wearing a tailored navy suit, and I suddenly felt way underdressed.
I brushed against someone and their jealousy burned through my mind. I shook it off and focused in on Dad. He was watching my careful navigation through the crowd with worry. Dad knew about my “gift,” but chose to ignore it for the most part. Luckily Mom understood it more, most likely because my abuela had the same one. She always said it made it really hard to be a rebellious teenager when her mother could read her mind. I’d say actually having the abilities made it hard to be a teenager. Period.
Dad pulled me to his side, and I tucked close to him to avoid any touchy people. I got a few flashes from him, but thankfully nothing that drew me in.
“We’re so sad your dad’s leaving us,” said some lady in a super-tight dress. “What are you going to do in Texas?”
I shrugged. “Eat a lot of bar-b-que and go to school?”
She laughed and her fake boobs nearly popped out. I looked for my brother. He was flirting with some young girl who looked way too skinny. Must be an actress. “Help,” I mouthed as soon as I got his attention.
He made his way through the sea of people. I tuned the lady out as Axel grabbed my gloved hand. “Tess-aaah,” he practically shouted, drawing my short name into two long syllables. “There’s someone over here I want you to meet.”
Dad’s hand brushed my arm as Axel pulled me away.
Dad was talking to his boss, a silver-haired man in a slick suit. His tie was a little undone.
“Jesus, John. Are you serious?”
“I wish I was joking.” Dad sat heavily on the couch across the room from his boss. “I know I’m leaving soon, but this is a lawsuit waiting to happen. She’s a liability. You need to get rid of her.”
Whoa drama.
I nearly cracked up at the look on Dad’s face as he held onto my hand. He definitely didn’t want to be talking to this lady. I almost felt bad leaving him with her. Almost. “Oh, fantastic,” I said to Axel, my voice so thick with sarcasm that Dad laughed. “I can’t wait to meet this person.”
Before I could get away, tight dress lady smothered me with a hug. Her hand brushed the top of my arm.
I hadn’t been to Dad’s office in a while, but I recognized it—the wall of glass behind his desk with an amazing view of the city. She was in his chair. In black lace lingerie.
Dad walked into the room and she stood up.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Dad yelled as he spun around. “I’m giving you five minutes to get dressed and get out of my office. When I get back, you better be fucking gone.”
Axel tugged me away from her and the onslaught stopped. He brilliantly played it off as tripping, glancing at nothing on the hardwood floor and cursing. “I’m sooo sorry. Lost my balance there for a second. Must be something spilled here.” He didn’t give her a chance to say anything before he started walking away, towing me with him.
Holy shit. Did I just see what I thought I saw?
I spotted mom and pulled on Axel’s hand. When he turned, I motioned to her. She was already heading our way.
Mom was super cute with her short, wavy dark-brown hair, and looked ten years younger than she actually was thanks to her daily power yoga routine. A boldly printed Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress showed off her curves, and got her quite a few stares from the male contingent as she walked through the crowd.
“You decided to come down on your own?” she said to me.
I raised an eyebrow. “Not likely.”
She smiled, and it wasn’t a totally happy one. “That’s what I thought. Thank you anyway. I know that your father will appreciate you making the effort.”
Before she could leave, I stopped her and leaned close. “That lady talking to Dad—the one that’s about to have a wardrobe malfunction—totally tried to come on to him. She’s thinking yucky things. Fifty shades of things…”