Page 88 of The Twisted Beats

“I guess it can’t hurt, and it keeps Lily out of it.” I nod. “Teach me what you know.”

They cut a few lines with a credit card and each take their turn, snorting it through a short metal straw. My stomach spins with wild anticipation and confusion. One part a little scared and one part excited.

My uncle waves me over. “Just do a small bump and see how you feel.”

I swallow my reserves with the last of my beer, go over to the table, and kneel next to it. My uncle splits a line in two.

He hands me the straw. “It’s gonna burn a bit and taste like shit as it runs down your throat, but give it a second and you’ll forget about that.”

I glance at my ma.

She dips her chin with a smile. “We won’t let anything go wrong. Just enjoy.”

I take the cue and follow their directions. I do the line and my eyes instantly water. My nose burns and the nasty medicinal taste slides down my sinuses. I almost gag, but then it hits. It’s nearly indescribable at first.

My stress fades away and I feel like I have the answers to all my problems. A smile spreads across my face and my ma and uncle laugh.

“That’s my brave son.” Ma takes the straw from me and does another line as I bask in her words of pride at me beingher brave son.

It’s been a long time since I felt that coming from her. She loves me. That I know, but I’m not sure I’ve ever thought she was proud of me. It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time.

Two Weeks Later

I pull into the driveway of the Hemingses’ estate with my ma in the passenger seat. Ur Boyzhave been doing shows every night for the last two weeks and Livianna just finished filming for the season. We’ve barely seen each other.

“I’m excited for you to meet Lily.” I park my car off theside of the circular drive where they have an area for other vehicles to park. “Thanks for coming tonight, Ma.”

“It’s your birthday, Bubba. I wouldn’t miss this.” Ma fixes a wisp of hair that’s fallen from her updo in the visor’s mirror. “Livianna sounds wonderful and I adore Lorna.”

“I forget you two are friends.”

“If it weren’t for Lorna and me, you and Livianna never would’ve met.” She flips the visor up and opens her door.

We leave the car and stroll up to the mansion, which is now decorated with white Christmas lighting lining every window, awning, and edge of the house. It sets the mood for an elegant holiday party.

It’s reallyEmber From Denver’swrap party, but the Hemingses are combining it with my birthday and a holiday extravaganza. They’re expecting a large crowd. It’s gonna be packed tonight.

The door opens as soon as we step up to it. Holiday music spills out as a butler appears, welcomes us in, takes our jackets, and offers us a glass of sparkling wine.

We both accept as he directs my ma to the upstairs living room area where the adults are mingling and me downstairs where the young adults are hanging out.

I grab my ma’s elbow before she slips away. “Let me find Lily so you can meet her first.”

Lorna rounds the corner with Livianna. The sight of her has my heart exploding and my dick reaching for her.

Her hair is swept to the side, showing off her freshly shaved head while the rest of her dark black locks are styled in edgy curls that cascade over her shoulder and down her back.

She’s wearing a black corset lined in crystals on the top, drawing attention to her cleavage and down the boning of the garment accentuating her tiny waist. She has a black leather skirt on with fishnet stockings and stiletto heels that must be six inches high.

Her makeup is flawless, but even without it, she’s beautiful.Everything about her, down to her crystal choker and long, dangling earrings that pull out more of her sexiness, makes my blood race. I suck in a breath and hold in my passion for her.

She looks like she belongs on the cover of every rockstar magazine. All she’s missing is a few tattoos.

Her smile lights up the room. “Hi, I’m Livianna. You must be Ms. Mayze. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

“Call me Victoria.” My ma goes in for a hug. “And you, my dear, are as beautiful as Bubba says you are.”

They kiss each other’s cheeks in Hollywood fashion as Lorna welcomes my ma. Lily and Ma break apart.