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“Does she know you’re alive?” Royal asks dryly.

“Oh, she knows,” Banks says. “She’s just not interested in the moody fucker.”

“Fuck all the way off,” Atlas grunts.

“Good evening, everyone,” Lily says, coming over to us with Jade in tow.

“Lily’s going to do a song with me tonight,” Jade says, sliding her hand into Royal’s. “And then Royal will come out to do ‘Midnight Snow,’ so it’ll be a fun night.”

“Hey, Lily.” I smile at her.

“Hi, Auntie Lily!” Frankie comes running over.

“Hey, there, sugar plum!” Lily reaches down to scoop her up and spin her around.

“Mommy, are you getting this?” Frankie demands when they’re done.

“I’m on it,” Briar says dryly, holding up her phone to signify she took pictures.

“How’s it going, Atlas?” Lily’s eyes twinkle as she looks at him, and I realize she knows. She knows he likes her and is teasing him. I’m not sure whether to feel bad for him or if he’s getting exactly what he deserves after so many years as the consummate playboy.

Because I’m a thousand percent sure this woman will have no trouble going toe-to-toe with him, whether it’s in the bedroom or the boardroom.

“Er, uh…good,” he stammers. “How is… uh, how are… you?”

It takes a lot of self-control not to burst out laughing, but as much as we love to give each other shit in private, embarrassing him in front of a woman who isn’t part of our inner circle isn’t something we do. And anyway, Lily appears perfectly capable of handling herself. And him.

“I’m doing great!” She grins at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a suit—I like it.”

“Oh.” He looks down, as if caught by surprise. “Uh…thanks.”

Jesus.

He’s got it bad.

I’ve never seen him tongue-tied for any reason, much less in front of us.

He’s a grown man, but my buddy obviously needs a little help here.

“When’s your next album coming out, Lily?” I ask, opting to change the subject and save Atlas from himself.

“No idea,” she says, laughing. “I’ve been on tour for two years, on and off, and I’ve written enough songs for two or three albums, but I’m not feeling the urge to go into the studio. For one thing, I get restless, and for another, I make most of my money on tour.”

“Meanwhile, I love the studio,” Jade says, laughing. “So I can go home to my honey every night.”

We all groan and roll our eyes as Royal kisses her.

“Where’s Willow?” Lily asks, looking around. “Isn’t she coming?”

I realize it’s almost showtime and Willow still isn’t here.

I check my phone again, but there’s nothing.

“I don’t think calling to make sure she doesn’t have a flat tire or something is hovering,” Banks points out after a moment.

I nod and grab my phone, dialing her number.

It rings and rings…and rings.