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“And this one cleans up well, too,” one of the women murmurs, touching James’s arm, but she’s not looking at him. She’s looking at Nix, and she might as well have the word cougar written across her forehead.
One of the waitstaff passes with a tray loaded with appetizers. I take a few on a napkin, hoping to get some food in my stomach quickly since it doesn’t look like we’re sitting down to eat dinner right away.
“So Nixon,” the cougar purrs, taking him by the arm. “I remember when you were a skinny little boy with braces. You’ve certainly grown up.” It’s actually kind of funny watching him pretend to be pleased when it’s obvious he’s grossed out by a woman more than twice his age. Maybe this night won’t be so bad after all.
One thing is for sure: I’m glad I didn’t take the job at the firm. These people are so plastic and fake and even a little creepy. Though this is James’s rehearsal dinner, and he’s getting married tomorrow, half of the women don’t stop flirting with him. Maybe it’s not such a surprise that he met a woman and got involved with her even though she was his employee. I wonder how many of these women he’s been through.
“Champagne, miss?” I’m startled to find a server standing nearby with a tray full of flutes. Sure, why not? It’ll help the night pass quicker or at least more pleasantly. My brain is still way too sharp to get through this without revealing how cringeworthy the entire evening is shaping up to be. There’s more champagne waiting for us when we take our seats, settling in for dinner.
And I’m going to need it since, naturally, I’m smack dab between my so-called brothers. I know I’m technically supposed to wait for a toast or whatever, but I take a few sips anyway. It helps make everything a little more bearable.
I have to sit through toast after toast, pretending to be happy. I’m glad nobody is paying me much attention. Not even the guys, both of whom are on their best behavior for once. Too many witnesses, I suppose. Besides, Nix is distracted by his admirer, who keeps shooting him looks from the next table. I have to fight the urge to giggle before accepting another glass of champagne. It’s not until I finish half of that one that my skin feels a little hot.
Using the napkin, I fan my face with air and take a few calming breaths. My stomach churns, and I reach for the water on the table. No more champagne for me.
“Are you all right, honey? You look a little pale.” My mom reaches across the table and touches my cheek. Her concerned demeanor is short-lived and turns quickly into selfishness. “Don’t tell me you’re getting sick. Not today, and definitely not tomorrow.”
“I’m not sick.”
“Did you eat anything today? Maybe your sugar is a bit low.”
“I don’t know, I…” Shit. The pain meds. “My back was hurting earlier, and I took some pain medicine on an empty stomach. It was stupid. But I’ll be fine.”
“Why don’t you head home and get some rest? I need you up bright and early, okay?”
“Yeah, that might be best. I’ll call an Uber.”
“We can take you home,” Colt offers.
“No. You should stay. I don’t want to ruin your night.” I give him a tight smile. Of course, he knows I don’t want him to come with me.
“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re basically family now. If you don’t feel well, we’ll take you home and make sure you’re taken care of.” Nix places his hand on my shoulder, and a wave of oohs and aahs moves through the surrounding guests.
It takes every ounce of self-control not to roll my eyes and slap his stupid hand off my shoulder.
“I think that’s a good idea. If you don’t feel well, I don’t like the thought of you being alone,” my mom tells me before turning to the guys next to me. “Thank you for being so thoughtful and taking her home. Leni is so lucky to have you.”
Unable to hear another word of this bullshit any longer, I stand up from my seat so suddenly the chair almost tips back. I murmur a quick goodbye to everyone before scurrying out of the restaurant with Colt and Nix hot on my heels.
“What a way to make an exit.” Colt chuckles.
“Look. I’m really not feeling well. Can you please just leave me alone?” I hurry past the hostess and push open the heavy door leading to the street. Stepping out on the sidewalk, I suck in a lung full of fresh air, hoping it will clear my head.
Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect. Maybe it’s the sudden oxygen increase or the change in temperature. Either way, my head spins, and my vision goes blurry. I feel my whole body sway to the side.
