PART 3

The party was in full swing by five o’clock and Michael was pretty sure the police would come eventually and shut them down for noise violations if nothing else. Not wanting to leave his crew to be mauled by the masses, Michael was taking them around, introducing them to what guests he did recognize – which wasn’t many. He’d never made friends with the neighbors when he lived here. Michael wasn’t a fan of crowds, but given that most everyone here was jovial and half-drunk, he was managing okay. He wouldn’t be able to talk at all if Courtney weren’t standing next to him.

Courtney had sparkly brown eyes and soft, curly hair that fell to her shoulders. Although she never wore makeup around the ship, she did tonight. Her outfit was simple, but classy, and the modesty of the cut only made her look sexier. Even Cole did a double take when he saw her and gave Michael a nod of approval.

Michael smiled and waved, steering his crew over to meet his siblings, not even sure why he was nervous – except for their great tendencies to embarrass him in public. Cole and Zoë were standing by the fire pit, arguing over whether it was too early to start the bonfire and roast marshmallows. When they asked, Michael rendered the judgment that until the crowd thinned, they could not in good conscious start a fire of any respectable size. Michael made a quick round of introductions, then bounced on his feet, looking for an excuse to move on, but with Cole and Courtney both standing near him, the soother effect compounded, and everything felt quiet and peaceful.

“This can’t be your sister,” Berke said graciously, taking Zoë’s hand and kissing her fingers by way of greeting.

“Wait until he introduces you to the Aunts and Uncles,” Cole quipped. “We’ve redefined the term ‘blended family.’”

“How do you do?” Zoë said politely.

Michael looked quizzically at Zoë, surprised by her formal tone. She and Berke were staring at each other, neither quite sure if they’d encountered a former friend or foe.

“I kno