Rise (Rock God 1)

Thank God I didn’t because she’s glowing. “I was worried,” I say quietly.

“You were passed out. I thought you needed sleep,” she whispers back.

“I… how did this happen?” I smile as Bear and his old lady sit down next to us. We’re in a giant air-conditioned tent in the middle of one of those huge horse estates down the street from the clubhouse. And I should clarify—when I say tent, this is like lavish celebrity stuff. It had to cost my brother a fortune.

“Bear.” I nod. He looks uncomfortable in his dress slacks and black cut. He’s been around since as long as I can remember. I think he has a daughter my age.

“VP gone crazy.” He looks up at the chandelier hanging from the top, and the thousands of little sparkling lights glittering around the tent.

I can’t help but grin. “Guess so.”

“I love it,” his old lady says, her bloodred lipstick a bit distracting. “Big Bear here is just ornery because he had to get dressed up. Don’t he look handsome?” Julianna and I look at Bear whose stomach is almost bursting out of his black T-shirt. His beard is combed and his hair’s slicked back, all for my brother. That makes my heart ache.

“You both look gorgeous,” she adds.

I nod, tears already stinging my eyes, and lean back toward Julianna. “I’m losing it.”

She looks at me, then at my dress, and shrugs. “Well, at least you look good.”

“What has happened to you?” I mumble.

“I’m sorry I disappeared, but I had business to take care of.” She crosses her legs.

“Business? I had to sit in utter torture waiting for you while I got my makeup done, and I couldn’t say anything because apparently he’s with Cindy.”

“He’s not.” She smirks and I’m stunned.

“Are you high? What is happening?”

“Excuse me, Gia?” I jump and look over at a prospect who looks about as uncomfortable as Bear.

“Yes?”

“The VP said get your skinny ass… butt in the family section.” He straightens.

“Oh, yes. I was just…” I stand and look over at my mother who’s glaring at me. So much for hiding. “I’ll be right there.” He backs up but waits, which makes me grit my teeth.

“Just lay low,” I grumble, forcing a smile.

“What?” She looks confused.

“Stay here.” I slap her legs so I can shimmy out and try to walk straight. I had to have a couple of glasses of Cristal champagne because my head was pounding. That and my nerves were shot from worrying about Julianna.

The tent is filling up. I take in the multitude of flowers and the sight of Doug sitting and talking with my mom. Something is up. I mean, I know I’m going on very little sleep and all, but it seems like everyone is looking at me. Maybe it’s because I’m Axel’s sister, but that’s stupid. It’s not like they haven’t seen me before.

“Hey, Mom.” I brace myself against Doug’s shoulder as my mom looks up at me. Her knowing eyes don’t miss a thing, so I sit. Why pretend I’m good? It seems everyone knows already.

“Doug, please stay with me.” I grab his hand.

“Gia Ana Fontaine, do you have any idea how worried we’ve all been? Your brother has had enough to deal with, having to be all secret, and now all the press. Doug, tell her.” She looks over at Doug, who squeezes my hand.

“We’re not gonna worry about any of that right now, Janet. Gia’s here. I’ve fixed her up.” He turns to me. “You look amazing.” He runs his hands through my hair. “It’s all going to be fabulous.”

“Do you have any Advil? My head is pounding.” I feel bad, but my mom’s energy is not great right now. “What press?” I sigh, almost bracing myself.

“Nothing,” she snips as Doug sits back, wrapping an arm around me.

“Where’s Robert?” I lean into him.

“In the back. He gets nervous, you know.” I look back and blink at how many bikers and their families are here.

“You can bring Julianna up with us,” my mom says primly.

“What is wrong with you, Mom? I’m not in the mood. I’m here, the whole club is fixed up for your son, and he’s spent a fortune. Look at this tent. What can you possibly be unhappy about?”

She looks at me, and for the first time I can actually see tiny wrinkles under her eyes. She appears tired and worried, but I guess that’s our theme.

“You’ve been missing. You should have been a bridesmaid, not sitting in the back like a stranger. You missed all the parties, and you’ve hurt Antoinette, not to mention the twins, all so you can follow Rhys Granger.” She looks straight ahead.

And I’m done.

“Excuse me.” I stand as Doug pulls me back down.

“Let’s all just get through this day. We can get fucked up after pictures. Hold it together, Gia.”