I let my eyes drift down to where Landon is standing in the lobby. From up here, he looks golden, beautiful, like a Greek god. I glance at Ava. “Obviously.”
Her hand touches my arm, her face taken over by a faux look of concern. “But I warned you, darling, he’s going to walk away from you.”
“Like he did from you?” I mirror her smile of concern. “Don’t worry, darling. I can take care of myself.” I pause. “Since you care so much about Landon and me, why don’t you ask your brother to back off? He’s going around saying nasty things about Landon to anyone who’ll listen.”
Her lips thin, and her expression of concern disappears, replaced by thinly veiled dislike. “Evans is just jealous of Landon, of what I share with him, which you should be too, by the way. We’ve shared more than you will ever know.”
Fuck you. The contemptuous words hover on the tip of my tongue, but I decide to be mature. “Enjoy your evening Ava, I have plans to enjoy mine, with Landon.” I give her a sweet smile and walk away. By the time I reach Landon and enter the circle of the arm he leaves hanging casually at my waist, she’s walking toward us. She’s smiling charmingly in Landon’s direction, even though some guy is holding on to her arm. His face is handsome and spoiled, his voice cultured but entitled.
To my relief, Landon is as charming and gracious with her as he has been to everyone else all night, nothing more. Thankfully, they don’t linger, and I do my best to forget about Ava as Landon and I make our way backstage. I’m not going to allow myself to worry about her when it’s obvious that she’s clutching at straws to try to make me insecure about my relationship with Landon.
Backstage, it’s like an arboretum with all the flowers. The commotion is out of this world as assistants and crew run up and down. Landon seems to know the way, pointing to the fact that he’s been here to see his brother a few times. We pass the door that says ‘Elizabeth’ in block lettering, and there’s a woman in front who looks like an assistant, telling visitors to return in a few minutes and taking delivery of all the flowers.
Aidan’s office is at the end of the hall, but it’s locked. We wait outside, Landon pulling out his phone to call Aidan, but before he starts the call, the door to Elizabeth’s room opens and Aidan walks out, almost stumbling over the flowers and the overstressed assistant. His jacket is open, his hair disheveled, but he looks happier than I’ve ever seen him.
Landon has his phone in midair and his mouth drops open. I hide my smile and wait until Aidan clears the crowd of flowers with jaunty and carefree steps, before going to hug him. “The play was marvelous,” I tell him enthusiastically. “You must be so proud.”
He hugs me back, giving me a grin that’s so like his brother’s it’s almost unnerving. “I’m not going to pretend that I’m not ecstatic, because I am.” He looks at Landon, “Though, I’m disappointed my brother is no longer duty-bound to get me drunk and procure the services of a couple of ‘hardworking women.’ That was going to be my consolation if the play bombed.”
Landon smirks, and his eyes run over Aidan’s disheveled clothes, “I believe you’ve consoled yours
elf fairly well.
Aidan smooths his hair, silent. A worried frown slowly creeps into his face, and I wonder if he’s apprehensive that his brother may not approve, or if he’s worried about his future with Miss Mckay.
“I think it’s great that you worked out your differences with Elizabeth,” I tell him, “You’ll be working with her for a while, obviously.”
He sighs and turns back to look at the increasing masses of flowers. “Yes,” he says distractedly. “It’s great.”
He unlocks the door to his office. “Dennis Mckay is hosting a party tonight to celebrate the opening. Do you guys want to come?”
Landon looks at me. “Since I no longer have to get you drunk, I’m only here to congratulate you. Go to your party and enjoy your success, you’ll be the toast of the evening.
Aidan smiles and suddenly puts his arms around Landon. “Thank you,” he says, and I know he’s thanking him for a lot more than just tonight.
My eyes are a little wet when we leave. Joe meets us backstage with the gift box Landon brought for Aidan, and after handing it to him, we head back outside. On the way back home, inside the car, Landon is quiet, deep in thought.
“What are you thinking?” I ask, leaning towards him.
He looks at me. “Just Aidan.” He sighs. “The direction his career is going to go now...”
I frown. “It’s going to get bigger from what I see. I’m sure you’re very proud.”
“Oh I am,” Landon replies, “I’m also worried. The pressure on him will be so much. He has to follow success with success.”
“But you have faith in him?”
“Yes, but...” he sighs. “Aidan is very prone to depression. He’s struggled with it since… almost his whole life.”
Since the accident. I sigh. Of course. Landon wasn’t the only one who came out of that experience with scars. That day had changed their lives, all three of them, Landon, Aidan, and their father. I remember my conversation with Aidan, the first day we met. He’d alluded to his own scars, and credited Landon for rescuing him every time he gave in to his troubles. “Success makes some people depressed Landon, but not all of them. I’m sure Aidan can handle it.” I lean closer to him. “Tonight, you should be celebrating, not thinking about the past.”
He strokes my cheek. “You’re right.”
I cock my head, giving him a thoughtful look. “How can I take your mind off it?”
The worried expression disappears, followed by that heated blue blaze I know so well. “You know how.”
I chuckle, excitement pooling in my stomach. I lift my dress so I can straddle him, placing my knees on the seat on either side of his hips and my arms on his shoulders. The movement takes him by surprise, and his eyebrows go up. “Tell me what you want,” I whisper.