Two Bar Mitzvahs (14 page)

“What you may not know is that we make every effort possible to do the same in the running of our business: where we buy our alcohol, what decorated the bar you’re standing in, the cutting-edge bathrooms my sister Kiki designed. We even scrutinize what goes inside them, down to the toilet paper that wipes your ass.”

Laughter erupted. I grinned, then shrugged unapologetically.

“I want you all to think about where you buy your goods from, not just tonight, but every day. Every one of your purchasing decisions can make a difference in someone’s life halfway around the world.”

I glanced at my mom, nodding to her. “My mother, Victoria Michaelson heads a charity that supports fair trade as one element of its cause. One hundred percent of your two hundred and fifty dollar entrance ticket goes toward her foundation.”

Kristen approached the DJ booth, and I leaned down while she stretched up and whispered into my ear. My eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded. I whispered back a question, to which she nodded again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Kristen’s just informed me that not only have the ticket sales raised half a million dollars. But through additional private donations of guests tonight, and through our website, we’ve topped one million dollars in total donations. And I’ve confirmed that the donation banner will remain active on both Loading Zone’s and Invitation Only’s websites for you to contribute on an ongoing basis.”

Still astounded, I blinked. “Wow. Tonight has turned into more than any of us had hoped for. Your generosity never ceases to amaze me. Oh, one more thing before we knock this party off the hook. Please take a moment to appreciate the cake designed and created for tonight’s event by Invitation Only’s very own Hannah Martin.

“She illustrated perfectly what’s transpiring here tonight and what all of us can do afterward: leave our comfort zones and step
toward
one another. Life isn’t about business. It isn’t about buildings, neighborhoods you were raised in, or the social class you think you ‘belong to.’ No” —I shook my head, scanning the crowd of people who nodded in agreement— “life is about the people you choose to include, showing them what kindness means.”

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
fuck
is she doing here?” My mood tanked, bottoming into the pit of my stomach.

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.”

Mom’s eyes widened. “That’s very generous of you, Madison.”

My loyal mother shook Madison’s hand, but made no move to go closer. They all knew bad shit had gone down between me and Madison, even though most of them had only sketchy details. But they had witnessed the self-centered angry mess I’d become in the wake of the breakup.

Only Hannah knew the entire painful story, including the memory trash pile loaded onto my driveway, the reason for the meaningless string of women, and the final bonfire ritual in Hannah’s backyard.

An awkward silence followed, no one making any further welcoming move. I sensed they all waited on me.

Vivienne turned, smiling. “I’ll see if I can find any more generous guests.”

“Thank you, Vivienne,” Mom replied.

Madison gave a single nod. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Enjoy your evening. I’ll go mingle in the crowd and get a refill.” She shook her empty glass, clinking the ice cubes.

Mom sent me a pointed stare, and I inwardly groaned. Yeah, even kings granted mercy. And I would have to deal with Mom’s wrath if I didn’t show gratitude for Madison’s donation. It’s what those in high society did every day. Smile at your enemies and invite them in.

I sighed. “No, stay. Jillian can get you whatever you need. Thank you for the donation.” I lifted a finger to get our waitress’s attention.

Within seconds, Mom engaged Madison into an animated conversation.

But it hadn’t escaped my notice that Hannah had flinched when I’d spoken.

I crossed back to the couch, sat down, and pulled Hannah back onto my lap before whispering, “I’m doing this for Mom.”

She gave me an understanding nod and spoke low, “Plus Kristen made a good point while you were talking with them. Maybe they can find out if she’s involved in all the problems we’ve been having.”

“They?”

“Yeah.” She gave me a half smile. “I’ll let your sisters take care of that investigation. It would look bad at your anniversary party if Madison got a black eye from your girlfriend.”

I grinned. “Damn.”

Satisfied my sisters had this covered, I gave a quick glance around, aware of time ticking by. Ben, Dad, and I had holed ourselves up here, away from our guests. We had obligatory mingling to carry out.

I side-eyed Madison as she left my Mom and approached us. She settled herself onto the other end of the couch. Kiki sat on the edge of the cushion, leaning forward as she drew in the girls with one of her stories. Madison listened right alongside them.

I tightened my hand on Hannah’s hip. “You gonna be okay on your own for a while? I’ve got to play host with my partners for a bit, thank everyone in person.”

Trooper that she was, she nodded. “Of course, go.” She climbed carefully off my lap to find solid footing in her high heels. “I’m going to go down and see if Chloe and Daniel need help carving into the cake.”

I stood, lacing my fingers into hers, intent on walking her over there. And beyond relieved that she’d be nowhere near Madison. Madison’s claim that she wanted me still unsettled me. Especially with the too-coincidental timing and all the other shit going on. But with the way she continued inserting herself into my life at any opportunity, I worried about her true motive.

“Ready to make the rounds, partners?” I glanced at Dad, then Ben.

Ben nodded and joined us as we left the VIP section. Mom stood at Dad’s side (after all, the night benefited her charity foundation), then we filed down the steps together onto the main floor. Ben and my parents split apart, heading in opposite directions and immediately engaging guests in conversation.

Hannah leaned against my side as we veered off toward the cake. “Why do you think Madison’s here?”

Glancing down at Hannah, I arched my brows. “Honestly? To fuck with me. To fuck with you
and
me, more specifically.”

Brows drawn together, she shook her head. “But why? She wants you now? She thinks this is the way to get you? I don’t get it.”

I hugged her closer. “Stop trying. I don’t get it either, and it seems like a waste of mental horsepower. Sometimes there are no rational answers for things.” I took another swallow from my beer as we approached the end of the bar.

Hannah tilted her head. “Or she’s simply a Selfish Bitch.” She maintained a stoic expression.

Hannah knew how badly Madison had hurt me. Because even though Madison wanted to be friends, said she’d changed, and donated a large sum of money to charity, it still didn’t alter the fact that she’d hurt me. “Woman, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for being you.”

She gave me a flirty smile. “Only way I know how to be. Now go, mingle.” She kissed my cheek, then shooed me away with waving hands. “I’ve got cake business to attend to.”

Unsatisfied with her cheek graze, I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a hard kiss. She gasped into my mouth before melting into my arms with a tiny groan.

On a low growl, I released her. “There. Now I can go mingle.”

I made my way through the crowd, periodically glancing back into the VIP section. Madison remained up there, this time seated on the end beside Kendall. They seemed to be discussing something funny, easy smiles lighting up their faces. I was fine with that. As long as Madison stayed far away from Hannah, I felt good leaving my well-behaving ex under the watchful eyes of my secret-agent sisters.

Someone bumped into me, and we both turned toward each other. “Dwight.” I clapped the wild partier on the shoulder. “How goes it post-bunny bash? You get to keep any of those sweet things as play toys afterward?”