It took us only fifteen minutes to arrive at the country club. Situated downtown on Seventh Street and Thomas Road, the club had been founded in 1900 by twelve of Arizona’s most prominent citizens. It had a very mid-century modern vibe with stylized permanent overhangs and exposed stonework.

Jackson handed his car keys to the parking valet, and Lexi and I stepped out of the vehicle as soon as our doors were opened for us. A glance at Lexi’s face, and I noticed she was looking pale and, frankly, petrified. I looped my arm through hers and said, “Come on, let’s find Sophie. She’ll know exactly what’s what.”

Jackson stepped up to Lexi’s other side, and I saw her visibly relax. I wondered if Nick had any idea that his friend and his sister were clearly a thing. Probably not. As far as I knew, he hadn’t seen Lexi since the night I’d called her to check on him. I felt like this was a fail on my part. Had I not been so consumed with him, with us, maybe he would have gotten closer to his sister on his own.

I shook my head. No, probably not. The demons Nick was fighting were keeping him from letting anyone get too close, and that included me, Jackson, and Lexi. Someday I would probably look back at our relationship and feel sorry for him, but at the moment, I was just too damn angry.

There was a huge sign, which I’d had made, and it featured Luz’s mid-century modern bright yellow sun rising behind two stylized purple mountains with an aqua and orange sky. The sign welcomed us and indicated the room where the New Dawn gala was being held. I took a second, just a second, to appreciate our work. It was a nod to the Arizona state flag, but also celebrated Phoenix’s heyday, the fifties. I was proud of it and knew it was going to become a premier piece in the studio’s portfolio.

“There you are!” Sophie came darting out of the room at the end of the hall. She was wearing a silver sheath dress with cap sleeves and matching silver platform sandals. On anyone else the dress would have overwhelmed, but Soph had such a vibrant personality, she and the dress were a perfect fit.

She stopped in front of us and pressed her hands to her cheeks. “You two are beautiful.” She looked at Lexi. “No one is going to hear a word of your speech; they’re just going to bask in your beauty.”

Lexi blushed bright red and glanced at Jackson. He winked at her and said, “It’s true.”