Rollercoaster (The Circle Series - Part 3)

Chapter 13

Arielle was helping Rebecca set up the cookout and placed the bowl of potato salad along with plates and silverware on the poolside table. She squealed in delight when she felt Ethan's arms wrap around her and his lips on her neck.

"Ethan Bryan, leave that girl alone," Becca scolded him as she walked from the house laden with glasses.

Ethan gave a small pout that Ari kissed into a smile. "But Aunt Becca, she's my beautiful bride," he said quietly, swinging Ari up into his arms. "May I assist you over the threshold, my darling?"

The doorbell chimed just at that moment. Ethan let out a whoop and promptly dropped Ari to her feet and rushed to the door only to be beaten by Richie. "Damn it!" Ethan cursed.

"Snooze, ya lose, kid," Richie chuckled and swung the door open.

Nikki and Courtney Sixx smiled at Richie, the latter holding a red and black casserole dish. "Hey what's up, brother?" Nikki asked, holding a white dessert container and giving Richie a hug.

"Hey man, good to see you," Richie returned the hug before turning to Courtney and enveloped her in a bear hug, "Hey beautiful, how are you darlin'?"

"I'm wonderful, Richie," Courtney replied. "Brought a homemade mac and cheese I thought the kids might like." She gestured to the dish she held. "And some cupcakes for dessert," and nodded over to the container Nikki held.

"Here, let me take that from you. C'mon on in," Richie said, taking the dish from Courtney and ushering them inside the door. "Becca's just setting up outside. She'll be happy to see you both."

Ethan stood a little inside the foyer, grinning wide and holding Nikki's book 'The Heroin Diaries' in his hands along with a black marker. He was bouncing excitedly and had to bite his tongue to keep a squeak from escaping. "Holy shit," he stuttered when he saw Nikki and Courtney.

"Is this the kid with his balls in Jon's hands?" Nikki chuckled spying Ethan standing to one side. "C'mere kid. I'm Nikki, but I guess you know that already." He indicated to the book in Ethan's hand.

Ethan nodded energetically and took a few steps towards Nikki. "Nikki fucking Sixx, it's...fuck man...just to be standing here with you. I've followed your entire career, man." He stuck out his hand to Nikki.

"I'm flattered, man," Nikki handed the box of treats to Ethan after they shook hands and grabbed the book and pen, scribbling a quick message in the cover and handed the book back, "Don't read that until after tomorrow..."

Ethan and Nikki exchanged a quick hug. "This means a lot to me, man. Thanks!" Nikki clapped Ethan on the shoulder and went into the kitchen to put the cupcakes in the fridge.

"Richie! Don't leave everyone in the foyer, honey," Becca came through from the kitchen, "Courtney, so good to see you." The women exchanged kisses and hugs before Becca motioned for everyone to go through to the main part of the house.

"Babe, I couldn't go anywhere until Ethan had finished fangirling over Nikki," Richie groused back with a roll of his eyes, inciting a loud groan from Ethan.

"I was not fangirling, Uncle M," he protested, holding his prized book close to his chest and eyeing Nikki's gorgeous wife. "So Courtney, think you could sign my book too?" His voice was hopeful and he attempted his best relaxed and charming smile.

"Of course, I'd be honoured to. Where's your fiance?" Courtney asked, "Shouldn't we meet her too?"

"Found her!!" Nikki called out and carried in a giggling Ari from the backyard. "She's a cutie and a bit like Storm, doncha think, baby?"