Egret shoots to his feet, nearly knocking over his crystal tumbler. “Why didn’t Trinity reach out to us directly? We should have been the first people she called.”
I relay the question to Trinity, already knowing what the answer will be.
Trinity: I’ve had Egret’s number blocked for five years
The silence that follows is deafening after I read her text aloud. Egret’s face goes through several emotions—surprise, guilt, and something that might be shame.
“She blocked you?” Saren asks quietly.
Egret runs a hand through his platinum hair. “I... yes. After we broke up, I might have tried calling her a few times. She made it clear she didn’t want to hear from me.”
“A few times?” Brendin raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, maybe more than a few times,” Egret admits. “I was drunk and feeling guilty and I kept trying to explain myself. She finally blocked all our numbers.”
Lucas stands up, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by protective concern. “We need to go get them. Now.”
Matheo: You should unblock them for tonight at least. They’re worried about Josie and want to help. We’re all on our way.
Trinity: Fine. But I hear one word I don’t like and I’m blocking them all again.
I show the message to Egret, who winces but nods. “Fair enough. I deserve that.”
Cash is already signaling for the check. “How long will it take to get to wherever they are?”
“They’re at a club called Boys Night Out, which is about fifteen minutes from here,” Brendin offers, pulling out his own phone. “I’ll call for the cars.”
As we gather our things and head for the door, I can’t help but notice how the dynamic has shifted. These men, who I’d seen as potential threats to Trinity’s happiness, are now moving with the same protective urgency I feel. Whatever mistakes they made in the past, their concern for both Trinity and Josie seems genuine.
Kyren falls into step beside me as we wait for the cars. “Think Trinity’s going to be okay with us showing up like some kind of alpha rescue squad?”
I consider this. Trinity’s independent to her core—she probably handled the situation perfectly on her own and is only asking for rides because the alternative is stuffing drunk women into taxis.
“She asked for help,” I point out. “That’s huge for her.”
“True.” Kyren glances at his phone. “Still, we better be prepared for her to have everything under control by the time we get there and resentful that we dragged her old pack along with us.”
As the cars pull up, I hope he’s right. But either way, we’ll be there for whatever she needs.
THIRTY-ONE
KYREN
Our SUV pulls uptoBoys Night Outjust as I spot Trinity and Josie standing near the entrance. Trinity looks frazzled, her hair a beautifully curly mess from the humid night air, while Josie bounces on her toes with poorly contained energy.
“There they are,” Matheo says, already moving toward the door as our group climbs out of the vehicles. Trinity’s eyes find mine immediately, relief flooding her features. “Thank god you’re here.”
“What’s the situation?” I ask, falling into step beside her as the others gather around.
Josie giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. “Amelia is taking a much-needed nap in our VIP booth. Isabelle challenged one of the bouncers to an arm-wrestling contest, and if she loses, we’re all banned for life from the club. Holly’s crying because she thinks the male strippers don’t find her attractive. She’s not wrong, but we did confirm that they’re all gay. Tiffany is the least drunk, but I still don’t think we’re getting her out of here without help.”
Egret’s face goes pale. “My sisters are what?”
“Your sisters are plastered,” Trinity confirms, gesturing toward the club. “I think it’s time for all of us to go home.”
The thumping bass from inside the club vibrates through the walls, accompanied by what sounds like karaoke gone wrong and several voices cheering.
“How bad are we talking?” Brendin asks, already moving toward the entrance.
