I go into the kitchen and grab the glasses just as a shiver runs through me. I look over my shoulder, not surprised to see Max walking in.
He stops by the cupboard beside me and eyes my sweater. “I feel like I missed a memo about wearing ugly sweaters.”
Meanwhile I’m staring at his purple and gold polyester shirt with the first few buttons undone. “You have the nerve to make fun of my sweater when you’re wearing that?”
He shrugs and grabs some serving plates. “You try finding something to wear in this house that fits.” He looks down at the shirt and moves his arms slightly, showcasing how small it is on him, the buttons straining.
I have to say, despite how gaudy it is (which makes me think it’s Jacob’s), it does a good job of showcasing his muscles. Was he always built like that? Either I never paid much attention to the way he was put together, or being in Hell made him even bigger than he was before. A similar thing happened to Dex—he went into the Veil and came out all jacked—except Max was already built like a Mack truck before.
I manage to tear my eyes away, lest I give him an ego boost, and pick up the glasses. “I’m still going to take you shopping,” I tell him. “Nevermind the fact that you’re going to look like one the Bee Gees until I do. And no, we’re not shopping at Eddie Bauer or Cabela’s or wherever it is you used to get your clothes.”
I take the glasses out to the living room where Sage and Jacob have appeared, Jacob talking to my father, Sage putting some music on. They all have beers, with Dawn setting out the dip on the table, which is already piled high with other appetizers and booze.
I say hi to Sage, nod at Jacob, and set down the glasses while Dawn picks up the Prosecco. “We have the Dom in the fridge for the countdown. But I say we start with this bubbly just because.”
“Suits me,” I tell her. Honestly, I could drink the whole bottle and then some. The fact that it’s New Year’s and I had that shitty dream, which I’m starting to think might have actually been real, has me wanting to get super drunk.
And drunk I get. Actually, everyone gets drunk, including my dad. He’s been drinking a lot lately so it’s not a stretch, but to see him relaxed around these people makes me feel a bit better for dragging him over here.
It isn’t until later, when my father and Dawn start grooving to the Jackson Five, that Jacob pulls me aside. “Do you mind if I have a word with you, love?” he asks politely. Okay, I guess not everyone is drunk. Jacob seems as sober as anything, his clear eyes cutting into me.
“Sure,” I tell him, hoping he’s not going to tell me anything that will ruin my buzz. Fat chance.
He motions for me to follow him down the hall, and I do so until I find myself in a small library of sorts with a desk in the middle. Max is already there, leaning casually against the desk with a beer in his hand, still looking ridiculous in that shirt. I remember what he said about getting easily hungover the other day, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been taking it slow with his drinking.
“What’s going on?” I ask. “Am I officially in trouble now? You know I was waiting for the lecture.”
“No lecture,” Jacob says to me. “Though I have to say, you disappointed me, Ada.”
“That sure sounds like the beginning of a lecture to me,” Max says under his breath.
“Disappointed?” I repeat. I point at Max. “Because I saved his life? He would have been trapped there forever if it weren’t for me.”
“Actually, I would have been trapped there if it weren’t for Perry,” Max points out.
“Yes, fine, Perry. But I pulled you out. Don’t you forget that.”
Max gives me a steady look. “You really think I would?”
“It was a dangerous move, Ada,” Jacob says, his eyes narrowing. He can be fun and easy to be around, except when he gets this edge to him like he’s getting right now. Makes me feel unsettled.
“Well, what would you have me do? Perry told me there was a problem. Believe it or not, I like the guy.” I jerk my head toward Max. “I wasn’t going to let him spend eternity in limbo.”
“I had a plan,” Jacob says calmly. “A plan that you fucked right up.”
My mouth drops. “What plan? Perry told you what was happening and you basically told her she was shit out of luck.”
“No, I told her it wasn’t wise to do it herself in case someone else comes out at the same time.”
“You meant Samantha. Right?”
“The witch? Sure.”
“Sure?” I repeat. “What do you mean, sure?”
“She didn’t come out,” Max says. “She stayed in the Veil.”
Jacob’s golden eyes snap to Max. “Yes, so you said. You also said a demon did get out.”
“I put him back in,” I tell him. I dust off my hands together. “Piece of cake. Is that what’s bothering you? That I was able to do it even though you specifically told Perry I wasn’t ready?”
“I didn’t say that,” he says smoothly, bringing his attention back to me. “I said you couldn’t handle it.”
“Well then, how does it feel to be wrong for once?”
Jacob lifts one shoulder in a light shrug. “I’m not wrong.”
I look at Max for back-up. He’s watching the two of us with interest.
“You’ve done something, Ada,” Jacob says carefully as he eyes me. “Something you don’t understand. Something that has consequences. For the both of you.”
“Me and the undead ginger?”
Jacob isn’t amused. But then again, neither am I. He’s famous for being excruciatingly vague.
“You’ll understand soon enough,” he says. “But that’s not why I wanted to speak to you.”
I shouldn’t let it go. I need to know what he’s talking about. What has consequences. But I also want to know why he really wanted to talk to me.
Jacob clears his throat and walks around the desk, having a seat on the plush leather chair. “I haven’t gotten a chance to discuss this with Maximus yet, but I figure it’s best to approach the both of you at the same time.”
I exchange another confused glance with Max and walk over to stand next to him, staring down at Jacob. If it felt like I’d been called to the principal’s office before, now it really feels like it.
“Well?” Max prompts impatiently. “If you don’t mind, there’s a party I’d like to attend. I’ve missed out on a few New Year’s.”
“Three, to be exact,” Jacob says, folding his hands in front of him. “Listen, I foresee myself being quite busy in the time to come. There’s been a disruption in the worlds.”
“A disturbance in the force?” I joke.
Max laughs, which I appreciate. Jacob remains serious.
“Yes,” Jacob says. “If you want to be glib about it. It’s just a feeling I have, and I know to trust my feelings. Anyway, I won’t be around as much going forward.”
“Where are you going?” Max asks.
“Nowhere for now,” he says. “Just that sometimes there are things I have to deal with. Don’t worry, I’ll come back. I know the both of you would be completely heartbroken if I didn’t.”