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“Hey, are we excited for the show?” Ali sing songs, standing next to Harry. She’s dressed in a white robe and her hair in rollers.

“So excited,” Kate squeals. “How’s my sister doing back there? Is she doing as she’s told?”

Ali laughs. “Kennedy’s doing great. She’s a natural assistant.”

Kate smiles proudly, clearly happy with Ali’s reply. Kate’s little sister has started interning at the magazine, and Ali has taken her under her wing.

“I shouldn’t be out here, but I wanted to come see you all before the show started. Thank you for being here. I reserved you all seats in the front row.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” I say, giving her a wink.

“Okay, I’ve got to go. But when you hear the song “Queen of the Night” I’ll be walking.”

‘I’m just going to wish her luck.” Harry says with a wink, and follows Ali.

“Yeah, we all know what that’s code for.” Jack jokes.

“Could you get me a drink?” I say sweetly to Patrick.

He huffs but does as I ask and heads over to the bar. Seriously, who raised this man and taught him how to treat women?

“I’m going to visit the ladies,” Cassidy says, pressing a kiss to Brad’s cheek and waltzing off. I have to physically bite my tongue.

Jack and Ria are busy with their conversation so don’t notice when Brad leans in, placing his hand on my lower back, my skin instantly tingles under his touch.

“You look incredible.”

I inhale sharply. “Thank you.” Did I wear this dress on purpose, knowing he’d be here and it’s his favorite color? Yes, I did. I’m done with hiding, being the shrinking violet. I’m goingto finally do what I want, and that begins with Patrick. After tonight I have to end this thing with him. He keeps moving the goalposts, has me over a barrel, and I can’t live like it anymore.

“I need to talk to you,” Brad whispers into my hair, his hot breath in my ear making crave it elsewhere on my body.

“I don’t think your girlfriend would like that.” The words taste sour in my mouth.

He spits out a sarcastic laugh. “She’s not my girlfriend, Gabriella, and that’s a little rich coming from you when you’re the one parading around your boyfriend.”

I get ready to bark back a reply but Patrick comes up beside me, handing me a glass of I don’t know what. I don’t even care at this point, and I toss it down my throat, wincing when the taste of bourbon hits my tongue.

I give him a what the fuck look and he shrugs his shoulder.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats in the main room. The fashion show will begin in twenty minutes.” The announcement floods the speakers, and everyone begins making their way through the archway to the large room where a catwalk takes center stage and chairs line either side.

It looks incredible, and I can’t wait to watch Ali walk. I know this is a big deal for her, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. We find our seats in the front row. Patrick sits on one side and Brad on the other.Dear God, this won’t be awkward at all.

“Hey, is that Beckett Taylor?” Jack asks, pointing to a man dressed in black with an earpiece, talking to a group of men dressed similarly.

“Yeah, looks like him,” Brad confirms.

“Who’s Beckett?” Ria asks.

“We served with him. He left not long after us, set up a security firm. We use him for stuff at the club, but he has some big clients now. Celebrities, people like that, I heard his company is doingthe security for the current Miss New York Darling. I think she’s here tonight,” Jack explains.

“Oh, yeah, she is the pageant queen,” Ria says, and Jack nods in confirmation.

“Beckett is hot.” Kate swoons.

Harry returns, sitting two seats down from me, a wicked grin on his face.

“Where the hell have you been?” Jack asks.