Page 98 of Until the Last Star Fades

“You won’t get it from me, scout’s honor.” Ben scratched his whiskers. “Where’s the bar?”

“Turn the corner, can’t miss it.” Erika pointed over her shoulder.

“Is it…”

“Free? Yes, Ben.”

“Great! The usual, Riles?”

“Please.”

With a nod and several ‘pardon mes’, he was swallowed up by the well-heeled crowd.

“Is Stanley Pup here somewhere?”

Erika ignored Riley’s question. “It’s not serious, Josh and that girl—it’s just sex.” She couldn’t get the words out fast enough.

Riley stuck out her chin. “It’s none of my business.” A gust of cool wind blew through the open patio door. “He’s a free agent so…” She shivered. “Look Eri, I know you’ve known us both for ages and you’re taking our split hard, but I’m happy with my decision, and obviously Josh is, too.”

“I thought he would’ve begged to get back together.”

Riley fell silent for a moment, peering at the lit skyscrapers puncturing the evening sky. “He doesn’t need an unhappy fiancée trailing after him to Minnesota. He’s got a bright future and should take advantage—even if that means hooking up with Tyler’s castoffs.”

“Rye!”

“Josh never cheated on me. He could’ve, but he didn’t. So, let him have some fun.”

“As long as it’s him having fun and not my Scott.”

“Scott would never! He’s infatuated, the most faithful hockey player ever.”

“Speaking of unfaithful…” Erika’s eyes followed a confident blond in a black suit back-slapping his way through the party. “That asshole didn’t move a muscle when Leia ran out.”

Riley scrunched up her nose. “I feel sorry for her.”

“That was easier than I thought.” Ben appeared at Erika’s elbow with a tray of drinks. “Bride-to-be, champers for you.”

“Ah, thanks.” Erika claimed her flute.

He handed Riley an orange cocktail. “A sidecar for you—”

A vigilant server appeared at his side. “I can take that, sir.”

“Ta!” Ben relinquished the tray and sipped his pint. “Erika, I saw Scott. He said someone from Housewives is asking for you—”

“What!” A hand flew to her mouth. “The REAL Housewives?”

Riley waved her on. “Go!” She laughed as her friend tore through her guests. “It’s Eri’s dream to be on that show.”

“I guess that’s her TV happily ever after, eh?” Ben winked.

“The sun always shines on TV, right?”

Ben chuckled over the rim of his glass. “So, want to nose around?”

Riley led Ben through the throng, past cushy blue sofas and button-studded leather pouffes accessorized with all-star NHL players and their partners. The divide between flings, girlfriends, and wives was difficult to decipher when free booze was flowing and everyone looked like models. Riley gave Ben the play-by-play, whispering who the players were and how they were connected to Erika and Scott.

The bride-to-be appeared over Riley’s shoulder, arms linked with a striking brunette.