I let out a high-pitched laugh. “Barry? He’s as harmless as a crocodile in the wild!”
Barry raises his glass, roaring in hysterics at my pathetic joke.
“Slow the drinking. Okay?” Julian warns. He walks away once again with his publicist. Slow down the drinking, pfft! Okay, Dad.
“My nephew got no chance against him. Darlin’, you got yourself a great catch.” Barry grins.
“He is gorgeous, right?” I slur, watching Julian smile as he shakes the hands of some guests. “I mean like sooo damn hot, you just can’t look away.”
“Look in the mirror, darlin’, you’re a little firecracker if ever I met one.” Barry winks, then announces he is off to dance, leaving me alone. Maybe it’s the copious amounts of beer, but my eyes will not peel away from Julian and his publicist.
Okay, so she’s pretty with her platinum-blonde hair cut in a sharp bob. She isn’t exactly skinny, but she has the curves in all the right places, and when I say curves, I mean her boobs and ass are to die for. God, when did I become an insecure loser? She’s wearing a strapless silver dress which falls just above her knees with killer legs and tall pumps. My focus moves toward her body language. She is practically throwing herself at Julian. That fake laugh, the arm resting on his forearm, all the typical flirtatious moves.
It’s like she’s trying to claim him.
The heat rises in my cheeks as the pit of my stomach aches in jealousy.
Okay, but he isn’t mine. Why the fuck am I getting jealous? Maybe because he is hot, and every woman in the room has their panties in a fucking twist and then some.
Including yourself.
This unfamiliar feeling of jealousy is something I’m not accustomed to, and I hate that my train of thought leads to Elijah. I loved him. I had been secure in our relationship. Maybe back in high school there were some catfights, but for most part, I trusted him. Girls didn’t throw themselves at him.
So, is this a trust issue? I consider the fact that Julian had been in love with my best friend and tried to ruin her marriage. Both of us have a past, a past filled with great memories involving other people. This isn’t like when Elijah and I first started dating. We were kids with no past except for a few stolen kisses with other kids in junior high.
I shake my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts. An older gentleman takes to the stage and introduces himself as the head of Lantern Publishing Australia. He delivers a speech, praising Julian on his journalistic efforts which has brought him here today. After applause from the crowd, he welcomes Julian onto the stage.
Julian is calm, welcoming everyone in the room. His confidence astounds me, a far cry from the broken man I stumbled upon months ago. We often spoke about how life changed for him, but despite everything he endured, I can’t be prouder than to see him building his future once again and doing it all on his own now. In front of this crowd, something about the way he owns the room reminds me of my brother.
“To be standing here today isn’t only a dream of mine, but a reminder of our privilege. We live in a world where anything is possible. Our daily struggles are not the lack of water, food, or freedom. We’re programmed to believe one person can’t make a difference, however here I stand as one person. When you read their stories, your heart is reaching out to them. When you purchase my book, it’s bringing fresh water to a village. For as long as I have a voice, I’ll continue to share their stories and, in return, ask for your continual support. Thank you.”
The crowd raises their glasses followed by another loud applause. A few drunk folks in the crowd whistle—of course, Barry is one of them. Blondie is quick to get her hands on Julian as soon as he walks off the stage.
Fuck that bitch.
Annoyed, I walk toward the lady who’s distributing the books. I may have glassy eyes, but I can read the blurb. Julian is no doubt extremely talented. His book is a memoir of his time spent abroad. Reading the blurb alone leaves me all teary-eyed. I turn the page to read the dedication.
Dedicated to you.
My friend, my demon, my savior.
I shut the cover and hold it toward my chest. Quickly, I grab my purse to hand the lady a bill, interrupted as Julian’s tight grip pulls my hand back.
“I’ve got a special copy for you,” he murmurs into my ear.
Placing my hand into his, he leads me outside to the balcony. Only a few people mingle, the majority have moved inside as a local band starts to play.
“Big night for you.” I struggle to make conversation, the blonde playing on my mind. I want to ask him if he is fucking her. Surely, that isn’t inappropriate? You’re an idiot, and you are drunk.
“Yes, and I couldn’t have asked to share it with anyone else besides you.” He smiles.
“Or your publicist,” I blurt out.
Fuck.
He distances himself, turning to face me while pressing his lips together. “You don’t trust me?”