Two Bar Mitzvahs (No Weddings #3)(33)

I paused, pegging a hard stare out to the crowd. “Life is about love.”

Whistles and cheers erupted louder than before. Those who’d been seated stood and clapped.

I tilted my head as I glanced at Darren.

He nodded.

“Darren, drop our guests a heavy beat.”

Thumping bass pounded a rhythm over the cheers, and the guests began to dance. Even those seated in the booths and at the tables stood, joining in.

My gaze scanned the room until it landed squarely on Hannah. Up in the elevated VIP section, where my parents, sisters, Jason, Mase, Ben and their girls were, one stood out among the rest—my girl.

As her eyes met mine, she smiled. My heart thudded at how happy she looked.

I began to make my way through the thirty feet of crowd toward her until I was waylaid by a guest. After a short conversation, another detained me.

“Congratulations, man. Such a great event.” Walter Simmons held his hand out.

I clasped it in a firm shake. “Thanks, Walt.” I looked beyond him, searching for his wife. “Where’s Cindy?”

He chuckled low as he shook his salt-and-peppered head. “You’ve created a monster. She’s showing off her new fair-trade ‘pashmina’ that matches her skirt. All the girls are taking notes.”

I clapped him on the shoulder. “Responsible shoppers? I’m down with that.”

When I glanced back up at Hannah with helpless raised brows, she laughed, waving me off with the back of her hand to take my time. Kiki leaned toward her before they both glanced toward Darren.

Walt leaned in, a hand on my shoulder. “Let me know what else I can do. With no kids and a growing portfolio, Cindy and I are looking for charities to add into our estate planning.”

“You have my mom’s number, right?”

He nodded.

“Give her a call. She’s got the paperwork to provide to your attorneys.”

“Will do.”

Turned loose into the crowd again, I got several more congratulations and pats on the back before I made it up to the VIP section. The girls huddled together with Hannah on one end of the couch, Ben, Mase, and Jason sprawled out a few feet over. Mase had his arms stretched wide on the back cushions, feet kicked out.

My dad greeted me with a nod, but Mom nearly tackled me over in a hug.

“Unbelievable turnout. And those donations?” Her eyes brimmed with tears.

At her speechlessness, I drew her into a hug. “I know, Mom. We’ve got great friends backing us and the cause.”

Jillian, our VIP waitress for the night, walked into my line of sight holding a tray filled with opened beers, one of them my Fat Tire. I broke away from Mom, scooting her toward Dad who actually bounced to the beat. I whispered in Mom’s ear as I gently nudged her. “Go show Dad your moves. We don’t want him hurting anyone.”

She laughed and kissed my cheek before stepping into his arms.

“Thanks, Jillian.” I lifted my bottle off her tray and headed toward the crowd on the couch.

Kristen shifted onto Jason’s lap and muttered something. He laughed. “Your sis seems to think you’re king tonight.”

Hannah stalked over to me, pressing her body into my side. “He is king. He took a random thought, saw possibilities in a forgotten, rundown warehouse, and transformed it into an empire. Even his subjects are loyal and grateful.”

Shaking my head, I ushered Hannah to the couch and sat beside Jason, pulling Hannah onto my lap. “You’re all high. And if I’m king, so is Ben. We’re co-kings.”

Ben raised his beer. “To royalty. And sharing the spoils with everyone.”

“Cheers to that.” I lifted mine along with the rest of the group.

My gaze drifted beyond my parents. The entire dance floor bounced to a rhythmic beat—all except one. One leggy, blonde-haired, blue-eyed nightmare from my past stood motionless and stared straight at me.

“What the f*ck is she doing here?” My mood tanked, bottoming into the pit of my stomach.





15


Party Crashed


All those within earshot of the couch turned to see what made me snarl in rage.

Of course. Madison must’ve bought a ticket through our website. The thought never occurred to me I’d have to blacklist someone from the party. Was she good Madison or bad Madison tonight? Guess we’d find out.

Head held high and shoulders back, she wore a confident smile and strode through the crowd escorted by Vivienne, a longtime family friend and co-organizer of my Mom’s charity.

Mark, our VIP security for the night, grabbed the rope at the base of the steps but glanced my way for guidance. King indeed.

I nodded at Mark, even though I wanted Madison as far away as possible from my family and friends. This was our night. Our celebration. But Madison being led our way by Vivienne perplexed me.

Kristen leaned toward me. “This could be interesting.”

Madison gave us all a warm smile as Vivienne brought her toward my parents. Curious, and needing to make sure everything was cool, I gently moved Hannah off my lap. “Be right back.”

Vivienne gestured between my parents and Madison in what looked to be an introduction.

As I approached within earshot, Madison laughed. “We’ve already met. I wanted to congratulate you. I believe strongly in your charity and donated an additional five thousand dollars.”