My nerves had settled enough that I stopped fidgeting, all right in time for Miller to pull into the valet for the theater. He handed over the keys and came around to help me out of the car. The place was spectacular; all dark wood, curving staircases, and extravagant chandeliers. It was the sort of place I should have felt intimidated by, but with Miller next to me I felt relaxed. Well, as relaxed as a person could be when they were about to formally “meet the family.” Despite Miller’s calming words earlier, my stomach churned at the thought.
“I’m glad you could make it,” someone said from behind us. I turned around to see Ashton approaching.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Miller and Ashton shook hands. Side by side, dressed in their tailored suits, the power they exuded was awe-inspiring. People seemed drawn to them, yet repelled by fear at the same time.
“Tess, you look gorgeous,” Ashton said, drawing my attention.
“Thank you.” He took my hand and placed a kiss on it, never breaking eye contact. I felt a shiver run up my spine.
“Hands off my woman.”
He smiled, letting his lips linger a little longer than necessary. “Payback is a bitch, Miller.” He winked at me.
“And so are you,” Miller snapped.
“Touchy, touchy.” Ashton chuckled. “Not as much fun when the shoe is on the other foot, is it?”
“Funny, asshole. Very funny.”
The banter between the two brothers was fun and lighthearted, something I hadn’t had in my family since my stepfather arrived. I pushed away the memories. This was a good time and I was making happy memories now. No need to dredge up the past.
“Boys,” I scolded. “Play nice.”
The both froze then started laughing like crazy.
“She sounds just like Elena,” Ashton said between bouts of laughter.
The lights in the outer room began to flash. That sobered the brothers up immediately. “Lets take our seats,” Ashton said leading us through the double doors.
The show was like nothing I’d expected. During the second act, I was so caught up in the story I hadn’t realized I was crying. Miller used his thumb to wipe away the tears, then, taking my hand between his, held it tight through the rest of the show, giving me the comfort I needed.
Our seats were the perfect distance from the stage. I’d never been to live theater and was amazed at the talent of the performers on stage,—especially Elena. Her voice was positively beautiful. She was the last one to come out during the curtain call and received a standing ovation.
After the lights came on, I let Miller lead me out to the lobby. “Did you enjoy it?” he asked against my ear to be heard over the crowd.
“I loved it. Elena has a gorgeous voice.”
He nodded. “She does. Let’s see if we can find her and introduce you.”
The main lobby was a flurry of activity, with the general consensus being that this had been the best show yet. It took a few minutes for the crowd to filter out onto the street but by the time the lobby was empty, Elena had appeared at Ashton’s side.
“Hello, beautiful.” He bent down and placed a sweet kiss on her lips.
“What did you think?” she asked, her eyes never leaving his.
“That you were amazing, like always.”
“You were better than amazing.” Miller burst into their conversation, stealing Elena’s attention.
She wrapped her arms around Miller’s neck. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
Elena peeked over Miller’s shoulder at me and immediately let him go. “You must be Tess.” The excitement in her voice was palpable.
“That’s me.” I offered my hand to her. She took it, but instead of shaking it like I expected, she pulled me into a hug.
“Sorry, I’m a hugger and I’m so thrilled to meet you. I’ve been waiting a long time for Miller to meet someone.”
“Elena.” Miller rolled his eyes. “I’ve only known you for about two years.”
“You, hush,” she said, pointing a finger in his direction. “Time always seemed longer because you were so miserable being alone.”
“I wasn—”
Elena narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t even finish that sentence, Miller Hawes. You’ve been a cranky jerk the last few months.”
He pressed his lips together and it was my turn to laugh. All eyes turned to me.
“What’s so funny?” Miller asked.
Ashton nodded his head and joined in with my laughter. “See, just like Elena.”
Elena looked back and forth between the boys. “I’m missing something.”
“Tess broke up our banter earlier and we said she sounded exactly like you.”