"Why don't you come with me tonight? Leo said it'd be okay. I know Callum will be there, so I understand if you don't come," Amy's face scrunched up mischievously. "Just means I get to kill him when you're not around," she added with a smirk, and I shook my head at her.
"You can't give anything away that you know. Please," I said nervously.
"Of course, I wouldn't, Gianna. I'm just kidding around," she replied seriously and reached for her phone.
"Leo is gonna pick us up, okay? He's like 5 minutes away," she informed me, and I nodded in agreement, pulling out my own phone.
Unknown: That journalist answered. We have a meeting on Monday before the start of the program. If you'd like to be there.
My heart raced as I read the message. Mari had responded. Holy shit. Hands trembling, I replied:
Me: Maybe.
Then, without overthinking it, I added:
Me: We can talk about it tonight at the party.
I knew I was taking a risk, but I couldn't help myself. Stupid, stupid girl.
"Come on, he's pulling up," Amy said as a black SUV rolled up in front of us. Amy got into the front seat, and I climbed into the back.
As we drove, I couldn't help but think about the upcoming meeting with Lina. The thought of seeing my past again made me feel nauseous.
"Is Callum still going?" Tatum asked innocently, and I shot her a glare. Little bitch.
Leo turned to face me, flashing a smile. "Good, how are you?" he asked politely.
"Good, I'm glad you could tag along," he replied, and I felt a bit relieved to be included.
"I'm sure my brother is gonna love the extra attention, he thinks I have no friends," Leo added with a chuckle, and I joined in the laughter.
I watched the city pass by, my mind still racing about the upcoming meeting with Mari.
"Is Callum still going?" Amy asked innocently, and I met her eyes in the rearview mirror, rolling my eyes back at her, waiting for Leo's response.
"Yea, not sure what time though," Leo said nonchalantly as he pulled up in front of a function place. "You rented out an entire hall?" I asked, surprised.
He laughed, "Well, of course. Nothing but the best for Zack," and with that, he handed his keys to the valet. I followed him and Amy into the venue.
Inside, the function room was huge, filled with round tables, decorative centerpieces, and white tablecloths. I suddenly felt underdressed, surrounded by people in cocktail dresses and business attire.
"You should've let me go home and change. I look ridiculous compared to these people," I muttered, glaring at Amy.
"You look fine, Gianna," she replied with an eye roll, then turned to the bartender to order drinks. As she did, I scanned the crowd, trying to spot anyone familiar, especially Callum. But he hadn't arrived yet.
"LEO MAN, you made it!" a loud voice exclaimed from my right. I turned to see a tall, skinny man with black hair hugging Leo enthusiastically. He wore round glasses and had perfectly styled hair. I smiled at the encounter.
"Don't call me that, Zack. I'll suffocate you in your sleep, birthday or not," Leo joked, shaking Zack off. Zack turned to Amy, hugging her and saying, "Why if it isn't my favourite redhead," with a teasing smile.
"How many redheads do you know, Zack?" Amy asked with a smirk.
"None," Zack replied, smirking and then turning his eyes to mine.
"Hi, I'm Gianna... happy birthday!" I said with a smile. Zack immediately pulled me into a hug, saying, "I'm a hugger. It's nice to meet you, Gianna. My brother mentioned he was bringing Amy and her friend." He grinned and kept his arm around my shoulders, turning to Leo.
"I like her, more friends for me," Zack said, and Leo rolled his eyes.
"Don't tell me you've already broken up with the boyfriend, Zack," came a deep, fluid voice from behind us, making my body tense. It was Callum.
Zack turned to face Callum, bringing me along, and our eyes locked. Callum wore an all-black outfit with a black button-up, slacks, and dress shoes. He held a coat and a present in his arms. His smirk intensified as he watched Zack's reaction.
"Callum, my favourite celibate best friend," Zack greeted, offering Callum one of those 'bro' hugs.
Callum laughed and handed him the present. "Here you go, now let me get a drink to deal with you the rest of the night," he said jokingly, heading for the bar. As he passed me, he glanced at my body.
"You do know it's a party, right?" he said arrogantly, continuing to the bar. "Prick," I muttered, turning back to the group.
They all stared at me with amusement, and I blushed, narrowing my eyes at Tatum, who was smirking.
"Oh my god are you guys fucking? Holy shit finally. That man needed a girl." Said Zack with a wide grin as he switched his eyes from mine and Dantes' figure sat up at the bar. I blushed, shaking my head. "No. God no. Mutual acquaintances." I quickly said, looking at Amy and Leo, narrowing my eyes at them. They both just smirked and turned towards a nearby table.
"Well, I need to go find my man. I will see you later Gianna. Thank you for coming, and when you fuck Callum in the bathroom tonight make sure to use protection." He said smirking and then bolting in the opposite direction before I could get another word in. My cheeks felt like they were on fire, and to make it worse I felt the presence of a body behind my own.
"Don't worry Gianna, I have a condom in my wallet." Came Callum's deep voice.
I stilled, cheeks aflame and clenched my jaw. Not turning to look at him, I angled my head to the side.
"You wish." I said.
"I do." Was his quick reply.
Fuck.