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“Sure you don’t want to taste?” Vianne asked her as she set glen cairn glasses on the table where Tatum sat with Everleigh.
“No, thanks.”
Vianne nodded and kept walking, passing out glasses. Tatum watched with interest as Charlie’s sister-in-law exchanged greetings with everyone as she went.
“Do you know her well?” she asked Everleigh.
“I haven’t been around her much,” Everleigh answered. “She seems nice, though.”
Tatum took a drink of water.
“Probably Mal and I should make a point of being around his family more,” Everleigh mumbled. “We spend most of our time naked.”
Tatum snickered. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“Oh, I know.” Everleigh nodded. “But what if they think I’m keeping him from them on purpose?”
“Pretty sure the Murphys know just exactly what you two are doing.”
“You’re right,” Everleigh agreed. “They all knew pretty much before we finished the deed the first time. We were at a club.”
“Hey ladies.” Mal and Charlie wandered to their table. Mal leaned over to kiss Everleigh, but Charlie simply sat down next to Tatum.
“Do you want a soda? Anything besides water?” Charlie asked her.
“I’m good.”
“Um.” He sighed. “So, my sister Joy turns forty this coming Saturday. They’re having a party for her.”
“Mmm. I’m not sure I’d want a party for my fortieth.”
“Same,” Charlie agreed. “Will you go with me?”
Tatum opened her mouth to answer him, but she hesitated.
“I don’t want to pressure you, but I’d love it if you went with me.”
“Sure.” She nodded. “Where’s the party?”
“My sister Breena’s house. She’s got a big yard. They’ll have everything outside.”
“Sounds like fun.”
Charlie reached for her hand and linked their fingers. Rather than look at her, he studied their hands.
“What’s wrong? You’re acting weird.”
He heaved another big sigh and finally looked her in the eyes. “It’s just…I know you’re uncomfortable around the liquor. The drinking.”
“Actually.” She tipped her head. “I don’t mind this. It’s nice to see people sipping and thinking and tasting instead of shot gunning a twelve-pack or guzzling a bottle of scotch.”
“That’s the thing, though.”
“Are you sure you want me to go with you?” She tried to tug her hand away from him, but he wouldn’t let go.
“I want you to go with me. But I know my brothers will get drunk. My sisters can be a handful. We like to party.”
Tatum studied his face. “And you? Will you get drunk?”
