Casey grabs Anya’s hand and tugs her off the counter. “No time like the present. Let’s get this party started!”
They all whoop and start for the door. I follow behind feeling like I’m on my way to an execution. It’s almost eight o’clock and the party will start soon. Then my time will officially be up.
I’ve known this moment was coming ever since Casey came home with an engagement ring on her finger the size of an aircraft carrier. But now that it’s here, I’m not only nervous but worried.
The last thing I want is for him to make a scene and ruin Casey’s party.
Before I reach the door, Mya steps in front of me. “What is going on with you?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’re being so weird lately. What was all that stuff about twins?”
“Nothing. I was just saying…it doesn’t matter. This night is about Casey. We need to go out there and support her. You know, just in case any of Andre’s rich friends are mean to her.”
“No one is going to be mean to her. Andre will be glued to her side all night.”
“That’s true. But you know, I’m just getting mentally ready. You should always be prepared to slap a bitch, just in case.”
She moves aside so I can pass but I can tell she’s not entirely convinced. Which means if I plan on keeping my little escapade with the groom’s brother under wraps, I need to watch my step tonight.
And my mouth.
As soon as we enter the private room reserved for the party, Mya is pulled into a conversation with someone I don’t know. I take the opportunity to stake out the room.
In one corner we have a few of Casey’s friends from home. I recognize one of the girls from Instagram.
Then near the buffet are several Mirage Agency employees. Casey’s old boss, James Lawson, just put what looks like pâté on his plate. He swipes a cracker through it and takes a small bite before making a face.
He’s definitely going for burgers after this is over.
I circulate for about half an hour, sticking to the edge of the crowd. The room is full with quite a few older people. These must be relatives of Andre’s. Still no sign of Vin.
I grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and take a miniscule sip. Maybe if I just keep moving I can avoid him for one more day.
Then I turn around.
He’s right behind me. Our eyes meet and his hand that was in the process of lifting a glass of champagne pauses.
He blinks twice. “Ariana?”
I gulp. “Hey.”
His eyes narrow at the casual greeting. But before he can say anything else, Casey and Andre appear next to us.
“Oh, you already met!” Casey looks between us with a big smile.
It’s obvious she’s been drinking because she gets even more cheerful when she’s had a few.
“We just started talking. I would love for you to introduce us,” Vin says smoothly.
His grin makes me want to punch him. Only someone who knows our history would catch how carefully he’s crafting his sentences. He didn’t say that we’d just met. Only that we’d just started talking.
“This is Ariana Silva. Ari, this is Andre’s little brother, Philippe.”
“How do you guys know each other?” Vin tilts his head mockingly.
“We–”