She snorts which not only tells me she’s got a good buzz going on, but also helps relax me with its warm familiarity. It’s not until I give her a little shove before ruffling up her hair—much to her displeasure—that I realize just how tensely I’ve been carrying myself since Will sat down. Hell, since he showed up out of the blue this afternoon.

Gavin calls Mason over to where he stands by the door, getting ready to leave for the night, and the two exchange a few words. The older man glances our way, stroking his bushy, salt-and-pepper beard. His eyes linger on where Will sits, before he looks to Mason once more and nods.

Even though Mason all but runs this shit show now, he still likes to check in with the man when making any executive decisions. Say, like, hiring some rando who has no right being here. Not anymore. Gavin O’Leary still technically owns the place after all. The whole building, in fact. He might be passing his pride and joy on to my best friend, but he’s still got the ultimate say. For now.

They make their goodbyes, and Mason shuts the door behind him. He flicks the lock and heads back our way.

Will and the redhead talk quietly amongst themselves. Her giggle is more grating than anything at this point, which tells me I should probably call it a night too. Normally, at this point, I’d make my own goodbyes before heading out to find something else to do. Maybe find a warm body to lose myself into.

But I’m just not in the mood.

I remember what Ivy told me earlier, about my dad, and bile rises in my throat. I quickly wash it away with more whiskey, mentally talking myself back down before that ever-near panic can grab on to me once more. Tomorrow. This is a problem for tomorrow.

“Waylon?” my cousin whispers.

Feeling eyes on me, I glance up to find Will watching me from the corner of his eye as he listens to the girl at his side. His brow furrows, and I feel my eyes hardening into a glare. Having been caught, he darts his gaze away.

Slowly, I drag my focus to Ivy.

Just past her, Shawn is seated next to Mason, and the two talk quietly, Mason gesticulating with his hands while Shawn just nods and crosses his arms.

Ivy’s glassy green eyes search mine. “You good?”

I force myself to smile, only now noticing the sluggish warmth filling my head. I probably should have eaten something before I started drinking. My tolerance is usually a lot higher. “Yeah.”

She bites on her lip for a second before giving a jerky nod.