Jock Next Bed (BL)-Chapter 246: Party time (1)

When Wilson had mentioned the party was "family-hosted," everyone had assumed it was going to be a small gathering with just family members. But unless the Owens had up to 100 relatives, then maybe that was it. The only "family-hosted" thing about this was that it was held in their mansion. Inside, there was a large and beautifully decorated ballroom.

It was insane the kind of things rich people did. And had.

The party wasn’t ostentatious in the gaudy sense, but everything whispered of old money and refined taste. Low-key aristocratic, as Jack had described it, but still utterly magnificent.

Yes, the others were looking like they had just stepped into a fairytale. If you were to pay to join this kind of gathering, you’d probably pay millions to be invited into this ’social club’. Because the networks you’d find here were insane. Yet, they were all strutting in here. Courtesy of their bestie who chose a rich heir to fall for.

Wilson and Chris had been immediately swept up by a wave of guests the moment they entered, absorbed into the crowd like they belonged there, which, of course, they did. Jack remained behind with Sky’s group, looking completely comfortable in his tailored suit, a knowing smile on his face.

"Don’t worry," Jack said, noting their slightly overwhelmed expressions. "You’ll get used to it. Just try to relax and have fun."

"Relax," Noel repeated flatly. "Sure. Easy."

No, it was not easy. He was a super tall athlete. So it meant he always caught people’s eyes. And then there’s the question in their eyes because he obviously looks unfamiliar.

Jack gestured casually across the room. "See that group by the fountain sculpture? Three mayors. Different cities. The woman in the blue gown? CEO of Statis pharmaceutical. That man by the bar? Director of the Federal Reserve." He paused, then added almost carelessly, "Oh, and the Vice President is here somewhere. Probably on the terrace."

Henry felt his brain short-circuit. "I’m sorry, the what?"

"Vice President," Jack repeated calmly. "Of the country. He’s friends with Chris’s dad. They golf together."

"Of course they do," Mei muttered, though even she looked slightly stunned. Her family had money. But this... she was still taken aback by the sheer concentration of power and wealth in one room. Her father would kneel before her to asl her to bring him here if she told him where she was and the kind of people in this room.

As for Rachel, she had a sad, distant look in her eyes as she took it all in. Because maybe not to this extent, but this had been her life at one point. Before her father decided to get his hands dirty and ruin everything for their family.

Jack was about to say something else but before he could, Henry let out another soft "holy shit," followed immediately by Rain gently elbowing him in the ribs.

"Language," she murmured, though her own eyes were wide.

"But— but—" Henry was practically vibrating, his hand gripping Noel’s arm hard enough to bruise. "Is that... oh my god!!! That’s Felix Hartley. FELIX. HARTLEY."

Sky followed his gaze and saw a tall, built young man in his late twenties chatting with a small group near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Buzz cut, sharp jawline, grey eyes that seemed to take in everything with mild amusement. He was wearing a perfectly tailored grey suit that showed off the kind of physique that came from serious dedication to fitness.

"Who?" Mei asked, though she could already tell from Henry’s reaction this was someone important.

"One of the most famous contemporary dancers and choreographer in the country... no world!" Henry hissed, still staring. "He’s done choreography for like, everyone! He has millions of followers on social media. His videos— oh my god, his videos are insane—"

"Okay, we get it, fanboy." Noel rolled his eyes and turned to Mei. "He’s made us watch his videos a million times." Noel said, but he was smiling.

"Can he say hello?" Sky asked Jack quietly, noting how Henry looked like he might actually vibrate out of his skin. "Is he allowed to?"

Everyone glanced at Sky. It was the first word he had spoken since they entered. He had been quiet the entire time, just staring. Lost in his thoughts but no one wanted to push him to ask what the problem was. Common sense could give them that answer.

Jack glanced at Felix, then back at Henry’s starstruck expression. "I mean, you guys didn’t sneak your way in. You came here by invitation, so yes, you can approach anyone here. But..." He turned to address Henry directly. "Try to get rid of those heart eyes before you go over there. I’m sure Felix would really just like to chill here without being mobbed by a fanboy."

"Do you know him personally?" Henry asked, his voice going slightly high-pitched with excitement.

Jack shrugged. "Maternal cousin."

The reaction was immediate and dramatic. Henry’s mouth fell open. Rain grabbed Mei’s arm. Noel actually laughed out loud.

"Your cou-cou..sin?" Henry stammered weakly.

"Yeah. Mom’s elder sister’s kid. He’s cool, I guess. Bit intense about the whole fitness thing, but—"

He didn’t get to finish because at that exact moment, Felix looked in their direction. His grey eyes landed on Jack, and familiarity lit up his expression. He excused himself from his conversation and started walking toward them with easy, athletic grace.

"Jesus!" Henry whisper-yelled, grabbing Sky’s arm now. "Everyone. Act normal. Act normal. Please act norm—"

"Jack, my boy!" Felix beamed as he reached them, immediately pulling Jack into a brief hug that Jack returned with far less enthusiasm.

"I love you!" Henry blurted out.

Everyone froze.

All eyes turned to Henry. His friends looked at him in absolute horror. Rachel felt her own face flush with secondhand embarrassment. Jack just sighed deeply, like this was exactly what he’d been afraid of. And Felix turned to Henry, his grey eyes looking both confused and amused.

He looked even better in person, they would all agree later. Twenty-seven years old. At least six-two. That buzz cut framed a face that was all sharp angles and easy confidence. And those muscles from his gym videos were very, very real.

"O-kay..." Felix said slowly, a smile tugging at his lips. "I need to at least know your name to decide whether I love you too or not."