Then Harper and Issy, the newest members of our family, step closer, and she gives them both cuddles.
We grab her bags and head to the party bus Pierre organized. When Jo steps in and sees the LED colored lights, the stripper pole, and the black leather seats, she bursts out laughing.
“It was the only thing that fit us all,” I tell her as I walk on with her.
“Who’s ready to party?” Harper smirks, grabbing a bottle of champagne out of the fridge and popping it like a professional, pouring us all a glass.
Pierre stands, holding his glass high. “Welcome to New York, sis. We are so happy to finally have you home.”
Everyone cheers as we leave the airport and drive into the city. The traffic is horrendous, and by the time we pull up to the building, we’re all tipsy. The doorman helps us with the luggage as we pile out. The boys introduce Jo to him and let him know she’s moving in, then we head up. The elevator ride is forever, and we’re all squished in, giggling, still tipsy from the champagne.
“What floor?” Jo asks.
“Fiftieth,” I tell her.
The elevator dings and we pile out. I lead everyone down to the end of the hall and unlock the door. Jo’s face when she walks in is everything. The apartment is massive, floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, an open concept living room and kitchen, and everything is sleek and modern. She’s taking it all in, and I’m watching her reaction because I’ve been waiting for this moment.
“This is incredible.” She breathes.
“Lucky, we know the landlord and get cheap rent.”
Much to Jo’s annoyance,Pierre has organized a welcome party for her. It’s cute. He means well, he’s just excited that she is here, we all are. He’s organized enough food and drinks to keep everyone happy. The apartment is buzzing, and Harper and Felix are joined at the hip as always. Issy is chatting with her sisters while Pierre makes sure everyone has drinks, he is in his hosting element. Fish, Bouch, Nelly, Evan, and Sully are here, along with a couple of other guys who are friends of Pierre and Felix.
Jo is doing her best, she’s mingling and being polite, but I can see the jet lag pulling at her. She flew halfway across theworld yesterday, and Pierre is making her socialize when she doesn’t like it at the best of times. I stay close enough to be her safety net, but far enough away that she doesn’t feel smothered. Emmett finally arrives, even though he is literally down the hall, and the guys are happy to see him. Pierre spots him from the kitchen and waves him over. They chat for a bit, and then Pierre introduces Jo to him. I don’t know what happened, but they both had an instant reaction to one another, and not in a good way.Look, they are both grumpy people, maybe that’s their love language.
Fish appears beside me with a beer. “Your sister seems cool.”
“She is. Don’t get any ideas,” I tease.
“Please, one St. Pierre is enough trouble.” He grins, and it’s his normal grin, but something behind it is off.
“You okay?” I ask.
“I’m always okay,” he says, giving me that fake smile he does when he is trying to put on a brave face. What is he hiding?
My brows knit together. “You’re being weird.”
“No, you are,” he says.
I just stare at him. He looks uncomfortable as he sips his beer. “We need to talk. Meet me in my bedroom in five.”
“Okay.” He agrees, sounding confused.
I walk off down the hallway toward my room. My brothers are distracted by their women tonight, so they won’t notice that Fish and I have disappeared for a couple of moments. I walk into my room and make sure it’s tidy when moments later Fish walks in.
“What did you want to talk about?’ he asks, looking awkward.
“You,” I tell him.
“Me?” He points to himself.
“Yes, you. You’re acting weird, and you just lied to me out there,” I tell him.
“No, I didn’t,” he argues.
I raise a brow. “You gave me your fake smile.”
“My fake smile?” he questions.