“You okay?” I ask.
“Yeah. You having a drink?”
I shake my head. “How many times? I don’t drink around you, Jem.”
“Everyone else is. Doesn’t bother me,” he says tersely.
“Water’s fine.” I pick up my glass and drink to reinforce the point.
Dylan appears with Sky who looks as happy about being here as I am. The venue is filled to the brim with star power; musicians from all genres rub shoulders, and in some cases, clash egos.
Jem always has an energy humming around that sets him apart from others, and Dylan shares this. More eyes follow Dylan than anyone else I’ve seen arrive tonight. Perhaps Dylan’s natural comfort in his own skin, and assured poise, is what eclipses Jem slightly. Not to me, but to those around.
Sky grips his hand, dressed in a short blue dress that matches her eyes, hair loose and curling to her shoulders. She wears little make-up—doesn’t need to. Dylan rubs a hand along her arm and whispers something that breaks her look of concern into a smile. They sit and he takes her hand to place on his lap.
I haven’t met either Sky or Dylan before, and he scrutinises me before glancing at Jem.
Jem shifts in his seat. “This is Ruby,” he says with a half-hearted hand gesture, and his under-enthusiasm prickles.
“I know,” says Dylan. “Hey, Ruby.”
I try to smile casually. “Hey.”
“Did you want a drink?” Dylan asks, taking the champagne from the ice bucket.
“No. Thanks.”
“Sky?” Dylan hovers the bottle over her glass
Sky places her hand over the top of the flute glass. “No, I’m not feeling well.”
“Still?” Dylan’s face creases with concern.
“I’ll be okay. Gastro I think, but coming here doesn’t help,” she mutters and picks up the water jug to pour herself a glass.
“Yeah, I’m with you on that one,” I say.
“I can imagine. Nice to finally meet you.” Sky gives me a small smile before turning to Cerys. My stomach sinks.
I jump as Jem squeezes my knee under the table. “You okay?” he whispers and when he closes his warm hand around mine, I place one on top.
Liam and Dylan chat, too. Are they deliberately ignoring us? I know Jem’s usually closed off from people, but they could involve him. Perspiration begins along my back. Is this because they don’t approve of Jem with me?
Fortunately, Bryn appears and distracts everyone. He looks as pissed off as I feel. A girl is with him and the rest of the group switches their attention to her. She’s as skinny as me and taller with dark brown hair shining in the light like she’s stepped out of a shampoo commercial. Maybe she has, she looks model material.
I don’t know much about dresses, but what she’s wearing looks like the kind you see reported in magazines when awards night chicks have their clothing rated out of ten. I’m fairly sure I can guess my score; the looks given as we paused for the inevitable pictures when we arrived weren’t impressed.
As the girl approaches, I try to gauge her age. Teenage? Older? Her layers of make-up make my thick kohl and bright red lips look minimal.
Bryn sits, ignoring her.
“Who’s your new friend?” asks Jem.
Bryn gestures at the girl who perches on the seat next to him. “Mia. Mia this is… well, the guys.”
Mia smiles broadly. “Hey, everyone! How awesome is this?”
Young…