Page 22

“I am breathing. You say the dumbest shit.”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Thank you.”

The ballroom was stunning. My mother had outdone herself. Round tables draped in white linens filled the space, each one decorated with elegant centerpieces that I knew were up for auction. A stage at the far end where she’d give her speech later. And along the walls, the silent auction items were displayed on tables with bid sheets next to each one.

“Beau!”

I turned to see my mother making her way toward us, looking radiant in a silver gown. Tiana Blackwell was a force of nature. One of the reasons she was so beloved by fans and the Hollywood community in general was because she was incapable of meeting someone without making them feel like the most important person in the room. It was an art she’d been born with.

“Mom,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “Everything looks incredible.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” She turned to Darcy with a warm smile. “And you must be Darcy. Beau told me he was bringing you.”

Darcy extended her hand for a handshake. “Mrs. Blackwell, thank you for having me.”

My mother ignored the hand and pulled Darcy into a hug instead. I did warn her.

Darcy’s eyes went wide, her arms hovering awkwardly at her sides for a second before she managed a stiff pat on my mother’s back.

“Please, call me Tiana,” my mother said, pulling back. “I’m so glad you could join us tonight.”

“Thank you,” Darcy muttered.

“Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”

My mother looped her arm through Darcy’s and led her away before I could intervene. I followed, watching Darcy’s shoulders tense with every step.

My father stood near the bar with Callum and his wife, Victoria. Max Blackwell looked every bit the distinguished patriarch in his tuxedo, silver hair perfectly styled.

“There’s my boy,” he said when he saw me. “And this must be Darcy.”

My father shook her hand warmly and kissed the back of it before quickly releasing it.

“This is my oldest son, Callum,” my father continued, gesturing to my brother. “And his wife, Victoria.”

Callum extended his hand with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Darcy.”

“You as well,” Darcy said, shaking his hand.

Victoria leaned in next, her expression kind. “That dress is stunning. Blackwell?”

“Yes,” Darcy said. “Cleo picked it out. She has incredible taste.”

“She does.” Victoria smiled.

The conversation flowed easily around Darcy, my family doing what they did best, making people feel welcome. I could see the tension in Darcy’s jaw. She was trying, but this wasn’t her natural habitat.

Drew appeared next with his wife, Kensey.

“Beau!” Drew clapped me on the shoulder. “Long time no see, brother.” He turned to Darcy. “You must be Darcy. I’m Drew, the better-looking brother.”

“Debatable,” I said.

Kensey laughed and extended her hand to Darcy. “Don’t listen to either of them. I’m Kensey.”

Hollis and his wife, Juno, appeared next, followed by Micah and his wife, Grace. Then Cleo and Jeremy, both looking immaculate. I could admit my family were beautiful people. We got lucky. Our parents were attractive people and we were fortunate enough to inherit their good genes.

“Darcy!” Cleo exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “You look amazing. I knew that dress was perfect.”