All I See Is You

41. I’ve Got Friends

Chapter forty-one

I’ve Got Friends

Hux

I think the party was going well. It seemed to be going well. I wasn’t typically on the hosting end of these types of things. Usually, I was the one enjoying all the amenities and getting one too many drinks from the open bar.

It had been a whirlwind of activity since it started. I felt like a broken record, saying the same shit on repeat to almost every person I talked to. Hi. Thanks for coming… Then I'd tell them a bit about the goal of tonight and what all we were trying to achieve.

Without a drop of alcohol to give me a little bit of liquid courage, I was anxious and feeling slightly out of my element. I didn’t want a repeat of last week. Not that I intended to get that drunk again, but I didn’t want to do anything to fuck up tonight. Not for Quinn. Not for me. Not for my parents. We’d all worked our asses off this past week to make things come together. I wasn’t going to throw that shit down the drain because I was a drunken fool.

I managed to find a moment of peace amidst the chaos, trying to gain some composure for the auction coming up.

“Well, there you are.”

A soft smile curved my lips even as I silently mourned the loss of quiet that I’d been so enjoying. “Hi, Mama. Havin’ fun?”

Mama placed a soft hand on my arm. “This event is truly magical, Huxson. I’m so impressed with Quinn and all she’s done for this. She’s really something else.”

My smile grew at the thought of Quinn. It still amazed me that she’d even bother with someone like me. I’d never know what she saw in me, but I was sure as hell glad to call her mine. “I know. I’m gonna marry her one day, Mama.”

“You say that like I’m supposed to be surprised,” she replied, her words warm with laughter.

Well, shit. Was it that obvious? I blew out a breath. “Do you believe in soulmates? Or fate?” It felt silly asking such a thing. Like I was a kid or something. But Quinn felt the same way, so I couldn’t be that crazy.

“I believe God works in mysterious ways. I think he sends certain people into our lives when we need them most. Miss Quinn…” She let out a little hum. “I have no doubt in my mind that she was meant for you, baby.”

As much as Mama’s words were meant to soothe, a knot of doubt formed in my chest. What could Quinn possibly need from me? It was clear how much I needed her, but what did she get out of this? I hoped that she’d need me always. That this wasn’t just a phase or something. But as long as I had her, whether it was a day or the rest of forever, I’d cherish every moment.

I huffed. “Thanks, Mama.”

She left me not long after, and I dove back into the fray of the party. Not much time passed before I came across a familiar crow of laughter.

“Shit, man!” Cash Mooney called out, the air shifting before me. I held out a hand, bracing myself for the vigorous handshake about to come. Cash’s firm grip shook my entire body with the force of it as he said, “You and your girl sure know how to throw a party.”

I chuckled. “Thanks, man.”

“Ryder and Mav are here too.”

I offered a hand to shake to both of them.

“The girls are off gettin’ drinks or somethin’ with Mom and Dad.”

“You brought a girl tonight? I thought that was one of the rules in your rule book for datin’,” I huffed.

He laughed. “Yeah, tell me about it. I’m already regrettin’ it. But she was beggin’, and I just couldn’t say no.”

I nodded, a grin tugging on my lips. I wondered when he’d find a girl. One who could tame the stallion. Maybe he wouldn’t find one at all. Honestly, I think secretly he’d prefer that.

“Who’s that bartender, though?” Cash’s voice dipped low—a feat I didn’t know was possible. “You know her? Is she single? I’ve caught her side-eyein’ me all night.”

Ryder’s words were full of humor. “Sure, bud. You’re the one who’s been slack-jawed and droolin’ every time you look over there.”

“Shut your damn mouth!” I could imagine Cash trying to shush Ryder or something as he looked around for his girlfriend. “Jacie Lynn’s gonna be pissed if she hears.”

“When are you gonna cut that girl loose?” Maverick’s voice dripped with concern.

“I’ve tried!” Cash defended. “It’s fuckin’ hard. She’s just so damn sweet.”

“All the more reason to break it off before you break her heart,” Maverick went on.

“Enough about me. We’re here for Hux and Quinn,” Cash replied, ending the conversation. “So, tell us about what you’re plannin’ for this place.”

They all seemed eager enough to listen as I talked. Surprisingly, the most vocal of the entire endeavor was Maverick. He’d never been a talker, but he seemed the most interested in the plans. But soon talk of the ranch turned back to Cash and women. Honestly, by that point, I didn't even mind. It was nice to have a moment just hanging with some friends.