AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I can hear the way her speech is just a little slower than normal and her words lack their usual crispness. Yep. She’s drunk.
“Come on,” Piper says, reaching for her sister. “We’ll drive you home.”
Layna raises her head from my shoulder and smiles up at me. She’s adorably drunk right now, but I doubt she’ll appreciate that in the morning. I smile back, hoping her hangover isn’t too brutal tomorrow.
“Your smile’s nice,” she says, her words slurring a little. “Iss my favorite.”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling down at her. My voice is gentle when I say, “Time to go home, counselor.”
She makes a face before releasing me and turns to put her arm around Piper’s shoulders.
“Fine,” she grumbles.
I huff out a low laugh as I watch them walk toward the exit, Layna leaning heavily on Piper. Luke turns to me and smiles.
“Thanks for a great night,” he says. “See you in Savannah tomorrow?”
I nod, returning the smile. “I’ll be a little later. I’ve got to help with the dinner rush.”
He nods before grinning and bouncing a little on his feet. “Dude, I’m getting married!”
His voice is giddy like a kid the night before his birthday. I can’t help but laugh as he grabs me and pulls me to him in a back-slapping hug.
“You okay to drive?” I ask, wondering at his odd behavior.
He just laughs. “I only had one beer. I’m high on life.”
I make a face. “I can’t believe you just uttered those words. Who are you?”
Luke just smiles. “I’m a man in love.”
“Get out of my bar and take your future sister-in-law home before she pukes in your car.”
Luke’s smile falters. “Shit,” he says before hurrying toward the exit.
I laugh as I watch him go, shaking my head at my best friend. Who would have thought Luke would be the first of us to tie the knot? Most people probably would have bet on Linc. He’s the most steadfast one; the quiet, serious one. But instead, it’s Luke. Weird how life works out.
Harlow and Linc depart soon after, their arms wrapped around one another. That just leaves me standing alone in the crowded restaurant thinking about the two minutes I’d held Layna close to me and hoping it won’t be the last time I get to do it.
Chapter 20
Layna
I wake to a pounding headache and the worst case of dry mouth I’ve ever had. Why the hell did I drink so much last night? Why did Piper let me? I manage to sit up on the side of my bed without the world spinning around me, so I know it could be worse. I think back over last night, wondering if I did or said anything to make an ass of myself.
I remember talking with the girls about wedding stuff. Someone brought up Michael and everyone seemed to have an opinion on my dating life, which had led to me finishing my first two drinks far faster than I should have. Then Cole had returned with another round of drinks and someone had asked him about his dating life. I remember the way his dark eyes had gone serious and he’d talked about finding the right woman. He’d even said he’d be happy to settle down and get married. My immediate reaction to that had been shock followed by a longing so intense it had nearly knocked the breath out of me. That’s when I’d started drinking in earnest.
I don’t remember if I ate any of the food Cole ordered from the kitchen. I know for a fact I didn’t drink enough water. That explains the headache. I can’t remember doing or saying anything embarrassing, though. That’s a plus. Try as I might, I can’t seem to forget the way Cole looked at me after his big speech. His gaze had lingered on mine for far longer than necessary.
I make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and swallow some ibuprofen for my headache. I wish I could stay in bed all day, but today is the day we’re all leaving for Savannah for the start of the wedding festivities. No matter how shitty I feel, I need to pull it together for Piper. I walk back into my room to check my phone and see there are a bunch of texts. The first is from Piper.
How’s your head? Drink lots of water and rest up this morning because we have a big weekend planned. Love you.
I smile as I type out a quick reply.
I’m alive. Barely. See you at the hotel. Love you.
The next message is from Cole. At the sight of his name, a flash of memory from last night comes back to me in a rush. His arms around me, my head on his shoulder, his hands smoothing up my back as we’d swayed to an old love song. Something in my chest twists at the memory of how right it felt to be held by him. But I know that was just nostalgia for all the times we spent together. That’s all it can be, right? It’s just because the last time I danced with Cole was back when we were still sleeping together. Of course, it would bring back those feelings. That’s all it was. That, and the bourbon. That’s all. I click to read his message and immediately wish I hadn’t.
