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I look at Mimi, and that’s the most accurate description I’ve ever heard. “Yes, and because she’s really jealous of you. Why do women like Chase?”

Lauren smirks in a way that makes me roll my eyes.

“I don’t mind anyone taking photos when we’re out in public, but she really shouldn’t do that without your—” Her gaze is on something over my shoulder, her eyes going wide and then narrowing.

I whip around as he approaches. Elias is smiling at us.

I don’t let my head hang back like I want to. Does this man have no kind of awareness?

“Let’s play nice. I don’t want to cause a scene on your big day,” Lauren says.

I turn back to her. “I’m going to be nice enough to tell him to fuck off.”

I’ll never forget he is Felix and Justin’s father and the games he played with those sweet boys. Not to mention how he talked to Ollie on Lauren’s wedding day.

Lauren grasps my hand. “No, please be really nice. I’ll explain later.”

Her eyes are pleading, so I relent.

“Good evening.” His voice is grating, like dragging the top cap of your umbrella against asphalt.

I turn around and smile. “Hi, Elias.”

His eyes dart between Lauren and me. “How are you, Lux? Hello, Lauren.”

His voice drops when he says her name, as if he’s fully expecting her to embarrass him.

“Hello.” Her voice is a few degrees away from freezing.

“Is there any way I can get a minute of your time, Lauren?”

Her hand is still tightly wrapped around mine, so I can feel the stiffening of her body.

“I’m sorry, I can’t. We are in the middle of a celebration for Lux right now.”

His mouth opens like he’s about to say something, but then he presses his lips together into a flat line.

Everyone at the table is watching us with interest, so I jump in. “I’ll call you.”

He nods. “So, you had time to think about our conversation earlier?”

Fuck.

Lauren doesn’t react, but I’m now on the radar.

“Yes, we can talk about that too.”

“Well, I will let you enjoy your evening, then,” he says but makes no move to leave.

“You can always join us,” Mimi offers.

My stomach drops at the thought, and the way Lauren squeezes my hand, I know she’s about to jump over the table and choke her too.

“Mimi, Elias is here with other people. That would be rude. We will catch up with him later.”

I turn a pointed look at him, and thankfully, he understands.

“Correct. I will call—” His face dissolves into a smile, the smoldering in his eye unmistakable. Without turning, I know there’s a woman behind us.