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Everyone was utterly captivated by Stef and it reminded me why I’d had no hesitation in offering her the contract, which in turn reminded me…fuck.
As the last notes faded, applause erupted. Stef’s smile was genuine for a moment, basking in the adulation. But I could see the exhaustion creeping back in, shadowing her features. She really was running on fumes now, and I had a choice to make. Get up and go to her, in front of everyone, or risk watching her fall. It was a no brainer. I reached the dais just as she was placing her guitar carefully against the big speaker.
“That was great. I think you even impressed my mom. Now smile, everyone’s watching.”
With a brittle smile, Stef slipped her arm through mine, and I noticed her hand was shaking. “Thanks.”
Dinner was served not long after we sat back down and, as though she knew I’d push her if she didn’t, Stef ate nearly everything on her plate.
“Now here’s your reward,” I said, once the plates had been cleared. Pulling the ibuprofen from my pocket, I popped two pills for her.
“Oh, thank fuck.” Throwing the pills back, she chased them with some juice, then leaned back against the chair, closing her eyes.
The MC stepped up to the dais again. “And now, since everyone is fed and watered, it’s time to invite Henry Rivers up to the microphone.”
Dad stood, doing up the buttons on his suit to cover his paunch, and made his way to the front of the room. Now and then he stopped to shake hands with the people he passed, stopping for much longer than necessary at one table.
Stef shifted restlessly. “What’s he doing?”
“Networking.”
“Oh, well, that’s…”
“Fucked. Yeah.”
Finally, Dad was behind the microphone, greeting everyone with a shit-eating grin.
“We’re gonna be here a while.”
“Damn.” Stef sagged against the chair and I put my arm along the back of it, ready to hold her up if she needed it. She did. Five minutes into Dad’s speech, she was leaning against me, her head almost resting on my shoulder. Her scent washed over me andI admitted to loving the way she felt next to me. Yeah, I was an asshole, no question.
Dad’s speech wore on, and on, and on. I could feel the weight of Stef’s exhaustion and it pulled at something deep inside me. It was a strange sensation, a mix of protectiveness and concern that left me feeling so fucking helpless.
After the speeches were finally done, it was time for the bridal dance. Stef roused enough to watch that.
“They’re so good together,” she murmured.
“Yeah. She’s good for him.”
“Never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“What do you mean? I like her.”
“For real?” She leaned back enough to look at me, the doubt in her eyes obvious.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Well, she’s from the wrong side of the tracks, to start with. A waitress who was living in a trailer with four kids in tow when she met your brother.”
I shrugged. “She brings out the best in him.”
“And that’s enough for you?”
“What else is there?”
“Money. Status. Success. Business. All that shit that everyone here seems to care so much about.”
I thought I knew what she was getting at when she said, ‘everyone here,’ and my jaw clenched. “I’m not my father.”