Page 86 of Dark Angel
Ugh.
“What’s wrong?” Caroline asked.
“All good, why?”
“You’re nibbling your lip,” Caroline replied. “When we worked together, you did that when something was off.”
“I completely spaced on it being New Year’s Eve,” Halston admitted. “I’ll stay for a little while.”
“What are you talking about?” Teddy said. “You gotta chill with us.”
Sydney offered a sweet smile. “We’ve invited a few more people. They’re on their way.”
“So, you’re Barbi tonight?” Caroline asked, plucking Halston back to the moment.
Oh, boy.
“Thatismy name, Caroline,” Halston said.
“You’re with people you can trust,” Caroline said. “Be you… just for tonight.”
Halston peered at the foursome. She hadn’t been herself in a long, long time. “Just me, huh?”
“Hell, yeah,” Teddy said. “Your secret is safe with us, right guys?”
“One hundred percent,” Sydney replied.
Halston had used so many aliases over the years, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been herself.
It sounded so tempting.
After a beat, she said, “I’m Halston.”
“How ‘bout a drink, Halston?” Teddy asked. “We’ve got a full bar. Or I can make you an espresso. We’ve got non-alcoholic drinks including sparkling water.”
The tension gripping Halston’s shoulders released a little. “I brought a Santini Chianti. I’d love a glass.”
“We just opened a bottle,” Teddy said. “It’s a staple ‘round here.”
“Your home is beautiful. Sydney, I’d love a tour.”
“Absolutely,” Sydney replied.
“I’m coming with,” Caroline said, as Sydney led Halston toward the foyer.
Halston appreciated the layout, she loved Sydney and Teddy’s décor—a blend of transitional pieces mixed with a few modern ones—but more than that, she loved watching the sisters interact. They spoke in a short-talk, finishing each other’s sentences and laughing a lot.
She missed her brother, Wolfie, and she missed her parents too.
As they made their way through the beautiful home, Halston decided she wouldn’t bolt early. When the stroke of midnight came, she would rejoice in being home, in being with friends, and in being her true self.
I have so much to celebrate.
GABRIEL
Teddy flungopen the front door, shot Sin and Evangeline a grin. “Good to see ya. C’mon in!
“We brought a surprise,” Sin said as his wife moved aside.
