“Parker!” I exclaim, recognizing his voice as the elevator doors chime open. He’s grinning wide as he steps into the penthouse.
“Sweet P, you call this a party?” He crosses the space toward us, eyeing the few remaining cupcakes and semi-deflated balloons with amusement. “I thought you were turning twenty-four, not eighty four.”
“Hardy har har,” I mutter, standing to give him a hug before turning to face the rest of the group. “Gemma and Chase, this is my brother Parker.” I smile. “Parker, meet my friends Gemma and Chase. This is their place, so try not to act like a total barbarian for the next few minutes, okay?”
My joke falls totally flat. Not even one pity chuckle.
“Jeeze, tough crowd,” I murmur.
I soon realize no one in the room is even paying attention to me. Nate and Chase are occupied, staring from Parker to Gemma and back with wary eyes. My gaze lands on my friend and I almost gasp when I see how pale she is. Her skin is clammy white, her pretty blue eyes are wide with dismay and fixed firmly on my brother. I’m shocked when I glance his way and see he’s glaring at her with vehemence.
“This is your friend Gemma?” he clips out, jaw tight.
My heart starts to pound. I’ve never seen him like this — so full of rage. He’s not the type to take an instant dislike to anyone. I can’t imagine what made his mood shift so quickly from playful to pissed.
“What’s happening here?” I ask, totally at a loss. “Do you two know each other?”
Parker laughs, but it’s bitter and cold. “Know her? No. Know of her? Yeah, you could say that.”
Gemma looks at me and her eyes flash with sadness and worry.
“Gemma?” I prompt.
She remains quiet – which is totally unlike her.
Chase has one arm wrapped around her shoulders, and is staring at his girlfriend with concern. Parker’s so busy glaring, he won’t make eye contact with me. When I meet Nate’s stare, though, I see cautious resignation.
“You know something.” I pin him with a hard look. “What the hell is going on, Nate?”
“Phoebe—”
“Don’t Phoebe me, Nathaniel.”
He sighs and runs a hand through his hair, rising to his feet and stepping in front of Parker. “Come on, man. Let’s go. This isn’t the time.”
“Oh, I think this is a perfect time.” Parker’s voice is colder than I’ve ever heard it.
“It’s Phoebe’s birthday.” Gemma’s voice is shaky when she finally speaks, rising to her feet. “Please… not now.”
“Someone tell me what’s happening here!” I hiss, getting angry.
“I’m not going to lie to my sister.” Parker’s jaw ticks. “Clearly, you don’t live by the same morals.”
Chase steps in front of Gemma when she pales further, his green eyes cold on Parker. “You should go. Now.” He glances at me. “I’m sorry, Phoebe.”
I ignore him and step closer to Parker. I feel the heat of Nate’s chest close behind me.
My eyes lock on my brother’s face. “Parker. Tell me what’s happening, or I swear to god I’ll never forgive you.”
His eyes slide to mine. He swallows roughly. “She’s not who she says she is. She’s been lying to you.”
“Parker,” Gemma whispers behind me, a plea in her voice.
“Tell me!” I snap.
His eyes drift over my shoulder to her for a brief moment, before returning to my face. “Before Mom died….” He swallows and I swear, his voice is almost shaking. “Dad cheated on her.”
“I know about the affairs.” My spine stiffens. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Why are we talking about Milo?
“He…” Parker’s eyes press closed, as if he’s in pain. “Sweet P, he…”
Nate ducks to meet my gaze. His eyes are worried.
“Just say it,” I whisper, heart pounding in my ears. “Rip off the band-aid. Knowing can’t be worse than this — being kept in the dark by people who are supposed to care about me.”
I hear what sounds almost like a sob from Gemma.