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“Sorry.” I hold my towel in place as I crouch to help gather them back up.
“New arrival?” she asks as she grabs the conditioner that rolls toward the stairs.
“Yeah, I guess so.” I drop a bottle of body spray into the caddy.
“That sucks.” She grabs the caddy’s handle and stands. “I’m sorry to see you here.”
Startled, I straighten to stare at her. “What?”
“You’re Brad Larson, from the football team.” She thrusts out her hand. “Samantha Hamilton. Flintwood’s senior class rep.”
Recognition hits, and I shake her hand. “Damn. Sorry I didn’t recognize you.”
At school, her hair is always sleeked back, and she wears expensive clothes and makeup.
She releases my grip. “This isn’t exactly the place you want to see a familiar face.”
“Right.”
I’ve gone to school with Samantha for nearly four years now, and it sucks to find out that someone I’ve admired has a shitty enough home life to end up here like me.
She offers me a smile. “Whatever got you sent here, I’m sorry. The world is a crappy place, but Carrie’s good people. She’ll make you feel at home.”
Home? I’m not sure I know what that word means anymore.
3
“Brad, it’s been way too long!” Samantha hurries over, her high heels making her almost as tall as me.
“Samantha.” I hug her. “It’s good to see you.”
She steps back and lifts my hands, inspecting my ring finger before her eyes spot the nape guard peeking out of my collar. “Thank goodness you’re still single. All these happy couples are giving me the hives.”
“Don’t be jealous.” Joshua buffs his platinum band against his suit jacket. “You’re at a wedding. Love is in the air, and your special someone could be here today.”
“If anyone comes near me with hearts in their eyes, I’ll stab them with an appetizer fork.” Samantha links her arm through mine. “Come on, big and buff. Guard me from any love hounds while I hunt down that platter of stuffed mushrooms I saw earlier.”
Laughing, I wave at the others as Samantha drags me through the crowd.
We find the server with the right platter, and Samantha hands me two, then takes two for herself, and we find an empty standing table near the edge of the patio.
I set the two small plates in front of her and lean against the table.
She glances around the garden. “Zac really pulled out all the stops for this wedding.”
“He and Grant have enough experience at arranging them.” Zac and his husband, Grant, have been married at least six times in the last few years, though I hadn’t attended.
I’d been in university for the first two, and then couldn’t get time off from work. But my newest promotion came with double the vacation days, so I can finally start socializing again.
“So, spill the tea.” Samantha stuffs a mushroom into her mouth. “What’s up with Brad?”
I laugh at her bluntness. “Nothing, really. Just working and paying bills. You?”
“I’m aiming for partner at my law firm.” She stuffs another mushroom into her mouth. “God, these are good. Think anyone will notice if I put some in my purse?”
I frown. “Didn’t you get a full ride through law school? Why are you stealing food?”
Her green eyes narrow on me. “This dress cost me a fortune. All my clothes cost a fortune. I have to look like I belong next to all those high-profile clients, so I skimp where I can.”
