My hands trembled slightly as I applied makeup, covering the shadows under my eyes, evidence of too little sleep and too much pleasure.
Would I see him at brunch? The thought sent a flutter of nerves through my stomach. What would I say? What would he say? We'd created such a perfect bubble of anonymity last night—reality might shatter whatever magic had passed between us.
Maybe it was better if we didn't meet again.
My phone buzzed with a text from Zoe:
Where did you disappear to last night? Meet me for mimosas before brunch. Terrace, 15 min.
I texted back a quick affirmative, gathering my things. My dress from last night lay in a puddle of gold silk on the floor where he'd dropped it.
I picked it up, folding it carefully before packing it away.
A souvenir of sorts.
The terrace restaurant overlooked the vineyards, bathed in California sunshine.
I spotted Zoe at a table near the railing, already working on what appeared to be her second mimosa.
"Well, well, well," she drawled as I approached. "Someone looks thoroughly debauched this morning."
I rolled my eyes, taking the seat across from her. "Good morning to you too."
"Don't 'good morning' me. Spill." She leaned forward, eyes gleaming with interest.
"Who was he? Where did you meet him? How was it?"
I signaled a waiter for coffee, buying time. "Who says there was a 'he'?"
"Please. You're practically glowing. And you've got a little..." She gestured to her own neck.
My hand flew to my throat, feeling the slight tenderness of what must be a mark.
Heat flooded my cheeks.
"Ha! Knew it." Zoe pushed a mimosa toward me. "Details. Now."
I took a fortifying sip.
"It was nothing. Just a guy I met at the wedding."
"One of the groomsmen?"
"No, a guest. I don't know who he was with."
"Name?" she pressed.
I shook my head. "Didn't ask."
Zoe's eyebrows shot up. "Savannah Blake had anonymous sex? Who are you and what have you done with my friend?"
"It was just one night," I said, trying to sound casual.
"It doesn't mean anything."
"Uh-huh." She didn't look convinced.
"And that's why you're clutching that mimosa flute like it's the only thing keeping you upright?"
