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Right then, I knew this woman could be everything I never thought I could have, but secretly wanted. In fact, it hit me so hard in the gut, I nearly staggered under the weight of it. Alarmed, I looked at Ty. “I haven’t slipped. Ipromise.”
He glanced at Talia before meeting my gaze again. “I understand completely and I absolutely believe you.” Then Ty pulled his wife closer and for the first time in our adult lives, I actually felt close tohim.
I smiled. “Yeah. I see youdo.”
“Hey, player! You’re holding up the line.” Harry grinned at me and I knew he wasn’t upset in the least. He merely wanted his turn to greetme.
“Harry, have you met Talia?” I asked as I presented her to thegroom.
“We’ve met a couple of times. She’s a lovely woman. Be sure to treat her right,” heteased.
“So far, so spoiled,” Talia remarked. “I’m seriously uncomfortable with hisgenerosity.”
Harry’s brows rose. “Who are you?” Then he grinned. “I feel like I have my friend back.” Then he reached out and hauled me in for a hug while Laney and Talia greeted eachother.
“You look amazing, Laney,” Talia gushed. “I’m so happy foryou.”
Laney glanced at me. “The feeling is mutual. Looks like Drew has finally met his match.” She reached out and patted my shoulder. “You should keep Talia around. She makes you lookgood.”
“Don’t I know it.” I laughed. Then I grew serious. “Laney, please forgive me. I was an asshole and an idiotand…”
“And we all have our own demons. Glad to see you conquering yours.” She leaned in. “Sober Drew is awesome. I like him a lot. Can’t wait for us all to have fun together.” Then she stepped back. “Save a dance for me, bigguy.”
“Hey, I thought I was ‘big guy,’” Harry pouted. Then he winked at us when his wife moved in for akiss.
As we wandered away, I breathed a sigh of relief. “That wasn’t so bad,” Iadmitted.
“These people are your friends. They will truly stand by you. They’ve always shown you that,” Talia remindedme.
I nodded and we paused a few feet away from the crowd. “I want to thank you for standing by metoo.”
“Oh, handsome, that’s what they pay me for.” She winked. “Please, we all know I’msmitten.”
I grinned, until I saw a guy rushing towardus.
“Drew! Drew Morgan, is that you?” He laughed when he reached us. He’d clearly already been drinking. I smelled it on his breath. To my surprise, instead of making me want to indulge, it had the oppositeeffect.
My nose wrinkled up. “Hi. Yeah. Good to seeyou.”
The man stumbled slightly as he shook his head. “You don’t remember me,” he accused. “We had one helluva weekend once in L.A. Starlets. Hot tubs. Body shots.” He eyed Talia. “I’d like to do a body shot off you later.” He elbowed me in the ribs. “If you know what Imean.”
I stiffened. “I do know what you mean. And the way you’re objectifying my girlfriend is disgusting.” I pulled Talia closer. “You owe her anapology.”
The drunk sneered at me. “What the fuck happened to you? You used to be so much fun. When did you turn into some strait-lacedasshole?”
“That’s close enough to an apology for me. You, too, pussy cat?” I was shaking and struggling to hideit.
“Works for me. Let’s go.” Then she helped guide me back into the hotel. Once inside the door, we found an alcove with asettee.
I sank down on it and leaned on my knees while I rocked back and forth. “I don’t think I can do this,” Iwhispered.
Talia wrapped her arms around me. “You can. I know you can. Let’s talk through this. What are you missing? Is it thealcohol?”
Staring up into her face, I finally slowed my panting to a normal breathing rate. “Not that.” I shook my head. “I don’t think I can do this withoutdrugs.”
Talia took a deep breath before speaking. “Listen, remember: drugs are only a temporary solution and create a bigger problem.” She rubbed myback.
“No.” I frowned. “I mean, I wish I’d taken Jackie up on those scripts. She said I could use an anti-anxiety medication. As much as I hate to admit it, I think she’sright.”
