Chapter 44

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I coasted through the rest of the week, with a few bumps here and there of course, but it was mostly smooth sailing. Besides the rough start a few days ago, I've never felt more carefree in my life.

The morning after my nightmare I reiterated myself to Jackson, confessing that these nightmares have been more consistent than usual. I swore to him that they were getting better, and they have.

I haven't had one since we talked.

Even though most of our friends should be gearing up for the championship this weekend, we couldn't skip out on Priya's birthday bash.

So instead of them throwing on padding and compressions, they were fitted in tuxedos and dress shoes. And man could they pull it off.

Apparently the place we were going to was fancy, and Priya made it quite clear to dress up.

Hannah, Kayla, and I showed up a little late, and the venue we rolled up to was the definition of expensive. The building had been under construction for a few years now, and it was finally opened this past month.

Priya's dad being Priya's dad, booked the first event here, so everything was brand new. We walked in and the extravagance of the place blew me away.

The whole place was covered in white marble, gold encrusted features, crystal chandeliers, and to top it off, a grand staircase. There was a sign on the wall informing me that the bathrooms were located upstairs.

The event coordinators led us to the party room and the place could easily fit a couple hundred people. And there were just about that many in attendance.

It was packed. I know Priya has a lot of friends, but I didn't think she knew this many people. You could easily get lost in here.

Following Kayla, I wiggled past a few bodies until we popped out near some corner booths. "They said they're booth twelve." She informs the two of us.

We were at booth eight and found them a few seconds later. I said hello to everyone as we squeezed in. "Where's Jackson?" I ask Finn, as he's the only one not here.

"Bathroom." He answers and I nod.

I clasp my hands on the table and focus on a conversation Cal, JJ, and Tyler are having. "I'm taking you under my wing little man, now listen, just undo the first two buttons, roll up the sleeves..."

I watch in amazement as JJ transforms my brother into his own mini me. Cal voluntarily messes up Tyler's hair a little and fixes his collar.

"And voila." They both say in unison, proud of their work.

"Ladies will be on their knees for you." JJ points out.

"JJ." I give him a 'what the hell' look but he just laughs.

"Loosen up Em. If we don't teach him now, he'll be a lost cause next year." JJ shrugs and Tyler laughs.

"And there's no one better to mentor him than us." Cal goads and I roll my eyes.

Before I can say anything else, a familiar face appears in front of our booth. "Evening ladies, gentleman, and my two favorite manwhores." Trevor greets us, his last remark clearly at the two I'm talking to.

"Sup Trev." JJ nods in his direction. "Did you get what I asked for?"

Almost immediately, a grin spreads across Trevor's face and a bottle of tequila is whipped out and placed on the table. If you could even say it was a bottle. If everyone took a swig, the small amount would be gone.

"I know what you're gonna say JJ, but there's only so much I can do before I have to wear a trench coat with bottles duct taped to the inside." Trevor explains the reason behind the small flask.

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