Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Zane

I don’t like the idea of showing up to Weston’s party without Autumn, but my sister insists we meet there. When Harper gets like this, it’s easier to go with the flow than to argue. Her intuition is never wrong, so this time I’m trusting her even though I’m an anxious mess.

The event started and I haven’t left for Weston’s because I know Autumn won’t arrive until thirty minutes after it starts. I’m trying to bide my time because as soon as I walk into that room, my old friends will bombard me with questions; ones I’m not sure I’m ready to answer yet.

Celine isolated me from those who meant anything to me. It was slow at first and then one day I realized I had no one else in my life but her. My family, my friends, I’d cut off everyone. Depression took hold and she had me exactly where she wanted me—a shell of myself.

While I have some extra time, I stroll through the penthouse. I see a small Moleskine notebook on the bedside table. I stare at it, curious as to what’s inside, wishing I could see straight through the cover and read what’s on the pages. But I leave it in place.

Harper

We’ll be there soon. Are you at Weston’s?

Zane

Almost. Are you sure you’re not coming?

Harper

Nah. I’ve got some things to take care of.

Zane

Is there something you’re not telling me?

Harper

You need to arrive alone without a safety net. It’s your first time in a public setting since the breakup.

She’s right. I’ve avoided everyone from my past thanks to the shame I’ve felt. I ignored those who cared about me. There is no excuse for how I treated people when I was with Celine.

I tuck my phone into my pocket and make my way to the elevator. Weston’s penthouse is several floors above mine and has a much better view. However, he was given the opportunity to purchase it first or I’d have chosen his place. Or his brother’s. The Calloway family has connections I wish I had. Then again, that goes both ways.

The elevator is fast and I barely have enough time to think before the doors open to his private floor. As soon as I step out, I’m greeted by a bodyguard that looks me over.

I’m handed a drink before entering. A pianist sits at the grand piano, playing songs from the 90s. The lights are low and the city buildings twinkle in the distance. A server with a tray of wine glasses walks through the crowd, passing them to anyone empty-handed.

I take a sip, glancing around the room. Half the people I know, the others I don’t, but I feel like a spotlight beams down on me. I ignore it, trying not to give a shit or let it grow too awkward. No one approaches me.

I try to think back to the last time I hung out with Weston. He had recently married Lena. That was four years ago.

In a blink, time passed. Days transformed into years.

As I finish my first glass of wine, a strong hand grabs my shoulder.

“You made it,” Weston says, wearing a cheesy grin.

“I needed to be seen,” I say. “Show proof of life.”

This makes him laugh. “Where’s your pretty girlfriend?”

“On the way.”

“Ah.”

“She’ll be here,” I confirm.

Weston stares at me, meeting my eyes.

A server hands me another wine. I don’t gulp this one down.

“To be in love.” Weston sighs. “Lucky bastard.”

I chuckle.

“In love?” A familiar voice from behind says.

I turn to see Billie Calloway, with her jet-black hair and crimson lips that move up into a gorgeous smile. Weston’s baby sister has always been a cocktease, unavailable, and absolutely not my type. She’s a ballbuster and obsessed with her work. Men are nothing more than a commodity, and she makes it known.

“Zane Alexander, in love? How did this happen?” She wraps her arms around me and hugs me.

“Surprised Harper didn’t tell you,” I say. Billie and Harper are business partners. The two of them stepped away from billion-dollar family businesses to do fashion and they’re making waves.

“I haven’t seen my bestie in two weeks,” Billie says, finishing the last bit of wine in her cup. As she swallows it down, another is being handed to her. The empty glass practically disappears. “I’ve been in Paris, negotiating.”

Weston grins. “Oh, Paris. So fucking fancy.”

Billie elbows him in the side.

“So who is she? The woman you’re in love with.”

I think about Autumn and smile.

Billie’s eyes widen. “Shit. You just had the look. You’re going to marry this woman.”

Weston chuckles. “That’s what I said.”

“Her name is Autumn Travis. She’s smart, pretty, and down to earth.”

“Feisty as fuck. Don’t forget that one,” Weston adds. “But it’s obvious she has a kind heart. Super protective of this old asshole. She reminds me of Lexi.”

“Who?” I ask, glancing between them.

Weston pats my shoulder. “My brother’s wife.”

My brows lift. “ Wife ?”

“You haven’t been around in a while, but to be honest, it’s a new development. They’re grossly in love, perfect for one another. When they’re together, it’s just like…wow, you know?”

“And you like her?” I ask Billie. She’s always had the same issue that Harper has with my dating choices.

“I love her,” Billie says. “Lexi saved my brother. He’s the happiest he’s ever been.”

I nod, a chill rolling over me. “Will they be here tonight? I’d love to give my congratulations, considering I didn’t get an invite to the wedding.”

The Calloways have been close family friends for as long as I can remember.

“So happy you brought that up,” Weston says, shaking his head, and I see Billie’s jaw tighten.

“Yeah, well, we didn’t get invited either. They eloped. Just up and fucking left and got married and told us afterward.”

I burst into laughter.

“It’s not funny. He robbed our entire family of those memories.” Billie is serious.

I shrug. “In a way, I understand it though. Who wants a spectacle made out of a ceremony that’s supposed to be sacred and special? We deal with that enough, don’t you think?”

“He could’ve had a very small party tucked away somewhere remote where at least we had the chance to witness something so beautiful.” She turns to Weston. “If you do the same thing, I swear I’ll disown you.”

“Is that a promise?” Weston asks. “Because I might make it happen tomorrow.”

Another elbow goes straight to the gut.

“What else have I missed?” I ask, knowing a lot can happen in six months.

“Weston has a girlfriend, too,” Billie says.

“Really?” I ask, curious as to why he didn’t tell me earlier. “Then why were you flirting with mine?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend. We’re friends.”

“For now,” Billie adds. “You have the same fucking look in your eye that Easton did. The same one that Zane has. It's gross.”

“So, have you spoken with Nicolas?” Weston asks, quickly changing the subject.

“He’s dead to me. The first time I’ll see him will be at my father’s wedding next week.”

“The whole Calloway family will be there,” Weston says. “My dad has talked about it non-stop.”

“Or maybe tonight,” Billie states.

“He’s not supposed to be here,” Weston confirms. “I asked him directly.”

“Thank fuck,” I say with a sigh. “And thanks a lot, Billie.”

“Just making Harper proud.” She chuckles. “Your face though. You were stressed .”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re actually worse than your brothers.”

“Who do you think trained her? But anyway, I have a few rounds to make. Go easy on him?” Weston says to Billie with a grin.

She rolls her eyes then smiles when he's out of sight. “How are you, really?”

“Happy,” I say. “Fucking ecstatic the trash took itself out.”

“That’s the Zane Alexander I remember. Glad you’re back. The last time I saw you, I was worried. I’d seen the same thing happen to Weston. You’re both too fucking stubborn to ask for help.”

“When you’re in too deep, it’s impossible to break out of it until you have an awakening,” I say, taking a sip of my wine. “Glad I woke up.”

“That sounds intense. Speaking of that documentary: Wow. You must’ve gotten under Celine's skin for her to make up all those lies about you.”

I glance out the windows, not wanting to relive it, but I prepared myself to talk about it. “Wait, you know it was bullshit?”

“Anyone who knows you knows everything she says isn’t reality. Are you kidding? She’s been boycotted by the most influential families. No one trusts her. All the party invites you got her? Revoked. Celine isn’t welcome anywhere and your ex-bestie, Nicolas, doesn’t have the same influence as an Alexander.”

“You’re joking.” Laugher escapes me. “I hope she gets what she deserves, whatever that may be.”

“It looks like karma was your personal assistant,” she says, lifting her wine glass. “Cheers to that.”

I clink mine against hers and drink. “Thanks for telling me. Harper hasn’t mentioned it.”

“Harper doesn’t know. She warned me that if I brought up Celine one more time, she’d quit. That girl is not a fan.”

“I know,” I say. “No one has ever hated Harper either. Should’ve seen the red flags.”

“It’s because Harper saw straight through Celine’s mask,” Billie says. “It’s a great quality to have around. One bad vibe, and Harper is like, hell no . That alone has saved us from making million dollar mistakes with total fucking pricks. But yeah, Celine only gets pity invites or crashes parties these days.”

It’s impossible to hold back my smile. “I think you just made my night. Thanks for that.”

“I’m just glad you didn’t do something stupid like a tell-all interview,” she says. “Career killer that screams desperation. When you don’t explain yourself and let people think whatever they want, everyone stops caring. It keeps you relevant, or in your case, mysterious.”

I stare at her. “ Fuck. ”

“What?”

“That’s it. I’m firing Roxane.”

“She’s worked for you and Harper for decades.”

“She secured a primetime live spot for me to share my side of the story when it came to Celine. At the last minute, it felt wrong, so I skipped it.”

Billie’s mouth falls open. “Do you think it was a setup?”

“Yes. Anyone else manipulating me that I’m not aware of?” I ask, my nostrils flaring as I shake my head. “Why didn’t I see this sooner?”

I think about the last five years and the whirlwind of shit I’ve gone through. Roxane was eager to help, but nothing she’s suggested lately has had results.

“Instead of extinguishing fires, she was starting them,” I mutter.

Billie studies me as if she’s recalling the past too. “Oh my God. If there isn’t anything for her to do, she doesn’t have a job, and you’re the least problematic person there is.”

“Do you think…do you think she was one of the anonymous sources in that documentary?”

“Anything is possible.” Her brows are squished together.

“I trusted her,” I say, feeling betrayed by the realization.

“I’m sorry,” Billie tells me. “When everything was going on with Weston and Lena, our team gave him that very direct advice. Look at him now. He’s America’s Playboy. Shit, you are too.”

She chuckles and smiles with soft eyes. “Maybe I need a scandal. Hmm.”

“I do not recommend it. Zero out of ten stars,” I tell her, but she doesn’t respond. Her gaze fixates over my shoulder.

Then, I see the people behind her do the same.

I turn my head and my eyes immediately meet Autumn’s. She’s like royalty; an elegant, classic beauty. All she’s missing is a crown as she flips her long brown hair over her shoulder. Our gazes lock and everything around me disappears.

“Who is that?” Billie asks with awe in her tone.

I smile wide. “My future wife.”