Page 33 of Blinding Lights

“You make a valid point. Still…”

“I’ll apologize. For you. Not her.”

“God.” Mom shakes her head with a scoff. “Sometimes you’d think the two of you are still children with the way you act toward each other.”

“We do that just for you, Mom. To take you back to the good ole days.” My lips curve to display a smile, but the words taste bitter in my mouth. Am I referring to the fact that I practically abandoned them both after I left college? Or the days when my poor excuse for a father was still around? Neither are good options.

Mom lets out a convincing laugh, but I have to wonder if she’s thinking the same.

A server interrupts us to offer us both a drink, and for the next hour, I let my fake persona run the play. I’m as warm and gracious as ever, answering questions when asked—even initiating conversation with the couple next to me. You’d never know I was counting down the seconds, except for the fact that I haven’t left my seat.

And I’m set in my plans to never leave my position, until Mom all but kicks me out of my chair. “Go and socialize.” She gestures toward the other end of the long table, where Henley and Lily are chatting with Atlas and his teammates, their comfortable banter making my chest tight. “You never get time to relax. Enjoy it.”

“Enjoy it?” I stare at her deadpan and she snorts, ducking her head to hide a grin until she’s able to look at me with a straight face.

“Yes. What’s going to happen if you give yourself one night off from all your responsibilities?”

My thoughts drift to Lily before being shadowed by the dark cloud that’s always hanging over my head. The reason I am the way I am. My mom.

“You’re right,” I lie, putting on a smile that I hope is convincing. “I’ll be better.”

“Come on, Beckett. That’s not what I meant.”

“I know, but still, I’m going to be the biggest social butterfly out there. You won’t even recognize me.” My mind burns with the image of a certain butterfly that’s here tonight, and I resist the urge to look her way. Again. I’ve already stolen more than enough glances.

Mom stifles a laugh as her brows lift. “Really?” She eyes me with skepticism. “You’re going to be social?”

“No!” I half scoff, half exclaim. “Come on. It’s like you don’t even know me. I’ll try.”

“Trying is good. Thank you. And for your first order of business…I’d love some cake.”

“Cake?” I huff out an incredulous laugh, shaking my head. “I see what’s going on here. You don’t want me to be social. You want me to be your servant."

She raises her hand in defense. “You caught me. Now, off you go. Hurry up.”

I shoot her a sideways glance as I stand, though inside I’m grateful for the task. It gives me a reason to leave the table, and a reason to come back if I need to exit a conversation. I can’t leave Mom waiting when she’s requested cake.

Atlas leans back in his chair as I pass by his end of the table, lifting his hand in a wave, and I nod in return, my eyes flitting to Lily’s now empty seat.

Hunter’s by the dessert table when I get there, loading his plate with a huge slice of pie, and a little part of me feels bad for this being the first time we’ve spoken since I arrived. “Beck, my man.” He slaps me on the back as he shovels a forkful into his mouth, seemingly unperturbed by my actions. “How are you?” he mumbles over his food, and it eases my mind just a little.

“I’m good, thanks. More to the point, how are you? Apart from enjoying the food.”

“I’m good. And this is delicious. I’ve been watching my weight in the lead-up to tomorrow. I wanted to look my best for Olivia.” His expression turns wistful as he turns toward his bride-to-be, and I stare in disbelief. Hunt’s almost as fit as I am. Always has been. “I’ve never been better,” he continues on. “I’m about to marry my girl. I’ve waited far too long for this.” His eyes meet mine again, and while I shift uncomfortably, I maintain my composure.

“I’m glad to hear it, Hunt. You both deserve every bit of happiness coming your way.”

“Thanks, man. This will be you one day. Most likely when you least expect it.”

“Ha. Maybe. We’ll see. For now I’m⁠—”

“Focused on the game. I know. And you know I admire the hell out of you for it.”

My lips thin into a half smile and I nod. “Thanks, Hunt. You⁠—”

“Shawn!” Olivia calls out from where she’s chatting with her cousin, and Hunter excuses himself to rush over, leaving me alone just as Lily walks toward me.

Without consent, my eyes drift over her body, taking in the fitted olive-green dress that clings to her curves and the heart-shaped halter neckline accentuating her breasts. Something subtle tugs at my heart. She’s absolutely breathtaking, and yet with her casual demeanor, I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t even realize that.