Thankfully, Avery is right next to her. That’s all she really needs. She’ll be fine within the hour, once her body recognizes she’s home and with her people.
“P!”
Her blue eyes snap upward, softening when EJ reaches over Wyatt and Seth’s heads to hand her a freshly made Long Island, garnished with a lime wedge and everything. She mouths a grateful ‘thank you’ as she takes it.
Avery’s brow furrows. She opens her mouth to reprimand him, but EJ grins wickedly before she can speak, pulling out a second drink from behind his back. Avery beams, thanking him with a smile. He gives her a little knowing wink.
“Where’s my Vodka Cran, Ernie?” Lauren calls from down the table. “It’s the easiest thing to make!”
“Don’t take orders if you can’t keep up!” Tiffany barks.
“Settle down.” Seth laughs under his breath, shaking his head. “He’s going to make them quadruples if you keep nagging.”
I chuckle, and both girls glance our way. Tiff smiles wide, pretty and welcoming. Lauren instantly starts pulling out chairs, motioning for us to join them at the other, emptier end of the table.
I do a quick scan, noting that Saltzy is beside Wyatt down at that end, looking like he would rather die than be here right now.
Yeah, that’s my spot.
The girls stop to say hello to Penny. Figuring she’d rather be with her bridesmaids, I pat her shoulder as I pass, locking eyes with my Captain. His face floods with relief when he realizes that I’m coming to save him.
I drop into the empty seat beside him. “How’s it going?”
Saltzy lets out a breath, reaching for his beer. He keeps his voice low. “This is a lot.”
I smile, nudging his arm gently. “You’re doing just fine, Cap. It’s intimidating, but that’s only because they’re all so fucking close. It’s easy to melt in with them after an hour.”
“I usually see them on home ice, where I can sneak out and go home when I need to.”
I snort a laugh and smack his shoulder. Saltzy’s social battery is winning out—nearly empty already—and we still have a whole week of this to enjoy.
A hand appears between our heads, holding a whiskey and Coke that’s garnished with a lime wedge. I glance behind me, over the edge of the island. EJ nods for me to take it.
“Hey!” Lauren barks, throwing out a hand.
EJ’s eyes snap upward, a mischievous frown on his face. “Guests first! You live here!”
“I’m going to die of dehydration soon!” she bellows.
“You have a bottle of water right in front of you!”
“We don’t serve water in this bar!” Avery calls out, and everyone lets out a cheer of agreement.
I slowly bring my drink to the table and meet Saltzy’s wide eyes. His throat bobs, terror and discomfort written all over that typically expressionless face.
This is going to be one hell of a long week for him.
“Drink up, Cap.” I tap the edge of my glass against his beer.
Forker and Declan finally reemerge from the hallway, the groom's face sporting a bit more colour. His entire aura seems more relaxed. Forker holds out his arms, as if he’s the guest of honour, and unfortunately, the room eggs him on, whistling and applauding for his grand arrival.
He’s insufferable.
I glance across the table. Arden rolls her eyes, but she can’t suppress her smile. She loves that idiot as much as the rest of us. Probably more.
“Where’s my Sweets?” he calls out.
Penny smiles as he rounds the table. He leans down when he reaches her, sliding his arms around her from behind. Her eyes flutter closed, her lip wobbling enough that Avery reaches over to place a reassuring hand on her arm. Carter gives her a gentle squeeze and Penny nods at something he says, trying her best to hold back whatever is eating at her.
