Page 66 of The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

“Hey,” I gave her an easy smile despite the knot in my stomach, “let’s not do this now. It’s your big night. Your guests will be arriving soon.”

“How did I get so lucky with you, my sweet boy?” She rested her head on my shoulder as we both stood there staring at a Christmas tree so perfectly dressed it was impossible to see the imperfections.

Much like our family.

To the outside world we had it all. Money. The big house with the ostentatious yard. A successful career that saw my parents rub shoulders with celebrities and folks so rich it made us look dirt poor. But it was all a front. The shiny perfect life hiding a dark truth.

“Is your friend still joining us?”

Earlier, I’d caved and told Mom all about Mya after she caught me repeatedly checking my cell phone. I’d hesitated at first, but after the disastrous dinner the other day, I needed to have her in my corner.

“I hope so.”

“If she’s even half as special as you say then I’m sure she’ll be here.”

My eyes flicked to the front door. Guests would be arriving any second and within the next hour, our house would become the who’s who of Rixon.

The doorbell rang and Mom clutched her heart, startled. “Goodness, it’s showtime.”

Showtime.

The word echoed through my skull almost as familiar as my own name. She’d said both to me enough growing up.

Time to put on a show.

It’s showtime, my sweet boy.

Let’s take our places.

The script was our lives, our house the stage, and we always performed to our best. But lately, the cracks had begun to show. Mom was more emotional, and I felt myself fall further and further into the black cavernous pit inside me.

“Clark, Karen, so good to see you both.” Mom pulled Cam’s mom into her arms. “Gosh, you look radiant.”

“I feel good, thank you, Julia.”

“And Xander,” Mom craned her head around Karen’s shoulder. “Is he here?”

“Actually, we got a sitter. Thought I’d enjoy a rare evening without a toddler stuck to my side like glue. He’s fast asleep waiting for Santa.”

Mom cast me a wistful glance. “I remember it like it was yesterday. Well, I’m glad you’re both here. Andrew is around here somewhere. Come through, let’s get you both something to drink.”

My friends trailed in behind them, carrying an assortment of gifts and bags.

“What the hell is all that stuff?”

“Ask Felicity,” Jason grumbled. “She insisted on bringing gifts for everyone.”

“It’s polite.”

“It’s overkill, babe.” Jason pecked the end of her nose. “Where’s the bar? I need a drink.”

“Mya?” I asked Flick.

“She’ll be here.”

But she hadn’t rode with them. My gut twisted. Cameron must have noticed my frown because he squeezed my shoulder as he passed me. “She’ll come. Give it time.”

“Jase’s dad isn’t coming?”