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We all sit, and Harrison takes the space next to me. I watch him scan the QR code and order me a margarita without even asking. When he looks up, he winks and I melt. Damn it, he’s perfect.
“So…” Nora begins, the awkward silence eating me alive. “Are you two together?”
“Oh, we’re going straight into that? No warm up. No hey, I missed you. How was Vegas? Vegas was great, the shelter is finally fixed, thanks for asking…” I rush.
Nora winces. “I’m sorry, you’re right. How was Vegas? I already know the shelter is fine. I was there on Saturday, the day after you left for Vegas.”
“You were? The guys didn’t tell me.”
“I told them not to. I just wanted to see if they needed any help. I got to cuddle the cutest little ginger kitten.”
“Oh, that litter are adorable. I swear I’d take one home if I could.”
“Anyway, Vegas… Go.”
I look at Harrison, silently apologising for the pitch that Nora is about to shriek at because I need her to know everything. “We almost got drunk married.”
She slams her drink down with a thud on the table. “You did what?!” There’s that high pitch that makes everyone stare at us.
“I wouldn’t normally tell you to be quiet, but people are staring, shorty,” Grayson says, loud enough for us all to hear.
Nora glares at him and I chuckle, which only gets me my own Nora Scott glare.
“Explain. Now.”
“I said wealmostdid. You should have more of your drink though, because that’s not the part that’s surprising.” She doesn’t let up her stare, so I give in. “Fine, wearegetting married.”
“You are?” she yelps again. I glance at Harrison, pleading with him to help me here because I can’t seem to stop my friend from yelping.
He clears his throat. “We’re getting married, but we need you to know the reasons why. But to be clear, we need your help.”
“What do you need?” Grayson asks, his brows drawing together.
Harrison gives me one final look to check we’re really doing this. “This is somewhat of a business arrangement. Zoey needs the remainder of her trust fund, and her parent’s clause is that she’s married or turning thirty-five, but the shelter needs help now—”
“We can help you, Zoey,” Nora interrupts.
“Thank you, but I absolutely am not asking friends for handouts. This is why Harrison is helping me because I’ll also be helping him.”
“How?” Nora tilts her head.
“I have an ex-girlfriend who won’t take the hint, and I’m a step away from filing a restraining order. If she sees I’ve moved on, that will make my life a lot easier.”
“Is she dangerous?” Nora asks, eyeing him sceptically.
Harrison shakes his head. “Just vindictive but persistent.”
“This is Vanessa, right?” Grayson asks. “Piece of work. I remember her.”
Nora pauses, then shakes her head. “Backtrack, I need specifics. Why do you need us?”
“Because we need to convince my brothers that we’ve been seeing each other in secret. That this marriage isn’t a business deal. Plus, we need witnesses for the actual wedding,” I tell her honestly.
“This feels weird,” Nora replies. “Are you sure there’s no other way? Talk to your parents about the issues at the shelter?”
I pin her with a look. “I forget you have parents who love you and would do anything for you.”
“Sorry.” She looks at Grayson and sighs. “If you need us, we’re there for you, of course, but Zo…” Her eyes flick between me and Harrison, then she gives me a look that only a best friend could give. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
