The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 22

Martina

Lukas had invited us to his dad's law firm's party earlier in the week, and I knew it was going to be a fancy affair. Held at a banquet hall in downtown San Diego, it was the type of event that screamed elegance and sophistication. The crew was excited. We don't often get to attend these kinds of things together, so we were all planning to pull out our best outfits and show up looking like a million bucks.

I was ready to turn heads. My dress—a short, stunning red number that hugged me in all the right places—showed off just the right amount of cleavage. I'd spent a lot on my breasts, so I always make sure they're highlighted just right, tasteful but sexy. I chose to go with a sleek, high ponytail to show off my jewelry—long, dangling earrings that sparkled with every move. I felt confident, like tonight was going to be fun, and maybe if I played my cards right, I'd meet a handsome lawyer to take home.

JJ was coming with me, and as expected, he looked fabulous. His outfit—a transparent dress shirt tucked into wide-legged trousers—was perfectly JJ. He was the epitome of elegance and fashion, blending masculinity and femininity in a way that only he could pull off. As we climbed into the Uber, the pre-party energy buzzed between us. It felt like the calm before the storm, like something big was waiting for us tonight.

As the car hummed down the streets of San Diego, JJ turned to me with a more serious look on his face. "There's so much going on in my head, Martina," he said quietly. He started spilling his thoughts, the tension he's been holding onto about Alejandro's threat. JJ was still stressed over the sex tape, worried about Lukas' reaction if things went public. And then there was Lukas' father, battling cancer—JJ wanted to be there for Lukas but wasn't sure how, given their complicated, undefined relationship. Not to mention the fact that Lukas wasn't out to his parents yet, and navigating that at this party felt like walking on eggshells.

I could sense how much it was weighing on him. "Listen," I said, giving him a reassuring look, "tonight is about having fun. Let's not let Alejandro ruin it. Whatever happens, you'll handle it. We all will. But tonight, let's just enjoy ourselves, okay?"

JJ gave me a small smile, but I could tell his mind was still running in circles. I hoped this party would help him relax, at least for a few hours. And for me? I was ready for a night of champagne, glamour, and maybe, just maybe, a little fun with a handsome stranger.

We pulled up to the banquet hall, the lights of downtown San Diego twinkling around us. This was going to be a night to remember—I could feel it.

The Uber pulled up in front of the banquet hall, and the energy hit me immediately—like we were stepping into the world of old-school glamour. JJ and I climbed out, giving ourselves a moment to soak it all in. The lights from downtown San Diego glowed around us, and I had this feeling that tonight was going to be one for the books.

Lukas was already waiting for us out front, and he looked... good. Too good. His suit was perfectly tailored to his lean frame, but what really caught my attention was his shirt—unbuttoned down to his chest. A bold move for a lawyer's event, but knowing how much time he'd been spending with JJ, I wasn't surprised. JJ's style had clearly been rubbing off on him.

As we walked up to him, JJ and Lukas exchanged looks, the kind that carried a thousand unspoken words. The tension between them was palpable, but they were both playing it cool—for now. I greeted Lukas with a playful grin. "What's with this whole sexy lawyer look? Who are you trying to impress tonight?"

Lukas smirked but didn't have much of a comeback. I could sense the awkwardness, but I wasn't going to let it spoil the night. This was supposed to be a fun, carefree evening. JJ gave him a light nudge, and we all laughed it off.