Focus

I looked up at the large, blue and white restaurant. Even before I had visited New Orleans, I’d heard of Commander’s Palace.

“Allison, it’s lovely to see you again.” Levi’s dad came over and shook my hand—the one that wasn’t currently pressed against Levi’s side. I wasn’t about to correct the king of a supernatural society on the use of my full name, even if he did ask me to call him Dad.

I gave him the brightest smile I could muster. “Hi, Robert. It’s great to see you.”

“Hello, Hailey,” he greeted her politely.

It took Hailey a moment to respond. “Mr. Laurent, thank you for having me tonight.”

“Of course. I hope you enjoy the evening. If you ladies don’t mind, I need to borrow my son. I think Helen’s already inside if you want to go find her.”

“Great, I look forward to seeing her.”

“See you in a few minutes,” Levi whispered before kissing me lightly.

“Don’t take too long,” I said flirtatiously. If I was playing the part, I was going to have fun with it.

Hailey and I walked further inside but before we could get too far, a tall guy stopped us. He blatantly checked me out before his eyes settled on my face and he grinned. He reached for my hand. “Bryant Florence. I’m sure I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you before, because there is no way I’d forget you.” He shook my hand, holding it for longer than socially appropriate.

I stole a glance at Hailey. “Florence? So you’re related to Jared?”

“You know my brother?” He watched me, like he was trying to reevaluate me.

“Yeah, I know your brother.”

“It’s unfortunate you met him first. I assure you he doesn’t represent the family.”

I felt a surprising offense at the way he talked about Jared, almost protective.

Hailey jumped in before I could say anything. “Bryant, do you know who this is?”

“No, I’m still waiting for her to give me her name.”

“Her name’s Allie. Allie Davis.”

A look of shock crossed his face. “Oh shit. I’m sorry, I had no idea—”

“No harm done.” I took a step back.

“Tell that to Levi,” Hailey mumbled.

She took my hand and led us away. “He’s worse than Jared. He’s been in Paris for a few years. I have no idea why he’s back.”

I looked over my shoulder, and he was still watching me.

I saw Helen, Levi’s mom, and decided we should head over. I glanced at Hailey and she nodded.

“Hi, Helen.”

She turned, pausing in her conversation. “Allie.” She immediately pulled me into a hug. “How are you doing? How have your first few days been?”

“Pretty good. I have an awesome roommate.” I smiled at Hailey.

“I bet. It’s wonderful you girls are so close. I’m sure it’s made the transition easier. And Hailey, we’re so glad you were able to make it tonight. Have you talked to your parents today? I invited them as well.”

“My parents? They’re here?”

“They should be.”

“Well that was really generous.” Hailey was already looking around the room.

“We really do appreciate everything you and your brother have done to help the family.”

Hailey beamed, her attention returning to Helen. Sometimes I forgot how important The Society was to Hailey, but it was obviously huge.

One of the women Helen had been talking to moved to join us. She edged Hailey out of the way in the process. “Hi, Allie. I didn’t get a chance to meet you at your party. I’m Missy, and it’s an honor to meet you.”

An honor? This was all so weird. I just smiled awkwardly. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

“You know, I have a daughter just a few years older than you. She’s at Tulane, too. Let me give you her number so you girls can meet up and get coffee or something.”

Annoyed at the way she treated Hailey, I cut her off. “That sounds nice, but I’m just getting settled. Hopefully, I’ll meet her sometime soon.”

I nervously looked toward Helen, hoping I hadn’t just committed some huge social faux pas, but she smiled. I really loved Levi’s mom.

We told Helen we’d talk more later, and headed over to grab something to drink. “Thanks,” Hailey said as soon as we were out of earshot.

I took a sip of my champagne. “That was obnoxious.”

“Yeah, her daughter’s worse. There aren’t many girls our age, and she always treated me like garbage.”

“I definitely don’t need to meet her then.”

“You rock.” Hailey smiled.

“So do you.”

“Hello ladies.” Jared sauntered over.

I waved with my free hand. Any familiar face was welcome that night. “Hey. I just met your brother.”

“Yeah? Did he talk your ear off?”

“No, he tried to pick Allie up.” Hailey took a sip from her glass.

“No way.” Jared laughed. “Is she being serious?” He turned toward me.

“Yeah. It was pretty awkward.” I didn’t mention the way Bryant had talked about him.

“I’ll have to remember that the next time he goes off on me. Dad would kill him for that.”

“In his defense, he didn’t know.”

Jared reached over me to grab a glass for himself. “He should have figured it out. He’s supposed to be so incredible at security. He should at least know what our princess looks like.”

“Oh, there are my parents.” I followed Hailey’s gaze across the room and saw an attractive, middle aged couple. “Do you want to meet them?”

“Sure, that would be nice.”

I said goodbye to Jared and followed Hailey over to them. “Hey guys, this is Allie.”

“Allie, hello. It’s wonderful to meet you finally.” Hailey’s mom smiled warmly and shook my hand.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, too.”

Her dad shook my hand as well. “It really is a pleasure.”

I didn’t miss the way they beamed at Hailey and how happy she looked.

“It’s just been so nice to have Hailey around. It’s only been a few days, but she’s the best roommate.”

“We’re glad to hear that. She hasn’t had to share a room before, but I’m sure she’ll be a very thoughtful roommate.”