Of course Chase would choose somewhere like this.
I clocked the familiar faces almost immediately.Wedding guests dotted the lounge—a few of his colleagues from the company, some of Lori’s friends, a couple of extended family members who smiled too tightly when they spotted me.I hated their pity smiles.I didn't need them.Still, I returned their smiles politely before pivoting to go straight to the bar.
Waiting at the bar was way better than sitting through sympathetic small talk.
The bar was quieter.Safe.Neutral ground.
I slid onto a stool and set my purse neatly at my side.The bartender appeared within seconds, crisp white shirt and a white towel thrown over his shoulder.
“What can I get you?”
“Just water, please,” I said.“No ice.”
He nodded and poured some water into a chilled glass before passing it to me, disappearing just as fast as he came over.I exhaled softly once my hands wrapped around the cool glass and let my shoulders relax.
Coming to the hotel early wasn’t exactly the plan, but I figured the earlier I got here, the earlier I could leave.Besides, there was no need to torture myself more than necessary.Seeing Lori and Chase open wedding presents was torture enough.
I fished my phone out of my purse as I brought the glass to my lips.Above the bar, the sounds of a hockey game dragged my attention to the flatscreen TV.
“… and it's Landon Cole who's dominating on the ice tonight, Jim, again proving why he’s one of the league’s most valuable players.”
“That's right, Frank.It doesn't get better than this.And here's Preston on the assist.Cole takes the lead, securing the puck with absolute ease there.They're heading to the box, it's now or never for the Wolves here.Cole takes the shot… shoots… and he scores!Another goal for the Westfort Wolves—”
When my phone dinged, I dropped my gaze to my phone, shaking my head at Nerissa's text.
NERISSA
The bride fall down a flight of stairs yet?
SAVANNAH
Will you stop???
NERISSA
What?I'm just a concerned citizen
SAVANNAH
I can't believe you made me wear this top.
It was a satin corset top with puffy long sleeves and a square neckline that showed way too much cleavage.Needless to say, it was the first and last time I'd let Nerissa convince me to wear something.
NERISSA
You look sexy in that top.
There's no way that ex is going to be able to keep his eyes off you
Aaaand neither will Jax ??
You’re welcome.
I'm not touching that Jaxon reference with a ten-foot pole.
SAVANNAH
It’s way too much cleavage.
