Rhett and I dance until Paige’s dad calls us to attention, giving his grand speech, and when he’s done, the masses head toward the exit.
But I’m not ready to call it a night.
And I know I’m not the only one.
“Think we can keep this party going?” I ask Paige when she returns from outside. “There are still quite a few people milling around.”
“I’m game. I’ve got the venue until two a.m. and we’re paying the DJ by the hour.”
“Perfect. I think these guests still have heavy pockets. It’s time we lightened them.”
Paige’s eyes widen before she laughs. “Do your worst, Hayley. Or should I say best?”
I wink before spinning around to face the DJ, giving him the thumbs-up. “Get ready for a record night of donations, Paige. Keep the drinks flowing.”
“I’m on it.”
She walks away as the dance music starts up again, prompting a few guests to pause at the threshold and come back inside. I hit the dance floor as I search for Reed, curious if he’s staying. But when I find him, he’s walking away with Bria, her hands flapping rapidly while his shoulders tense. I cringe on his behalf. I would hate to be him right now. She doesnotlook happy. Talk about high maintenance.
“I’m here.” Carter cuts into my thoughts, his hand out for me to take. “Are you ready for that dance?”
I spin on my heel and smile. “I sure am. And I appreciate you staying. We need these people to keep drinking and spending. The night’s still young.”
Carter nods and his next words break my heart. “My aunt had Parkinson’s too. I’ll do anything for this cause.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Carter, but I’m happy you can help. Paige needs us.”
“Let’s get this party started. I mean…let’s kick it off again and dance the night away.”
My head throbs when I wake up and my throat aches like I’ve been traipsing through the desert. I groan as I pat the bedside table in search of some water. But all I can feel is the night mask that I forgot to put on and my phone. Both useless in my current condition.
My eyes stick like they’re glued shut when I try to open them, but that’s not such a bad thing, I’m not ready for it to be morning. Just the sliver of light peeking through my lids has me cringing.
What a night.
I didn’t think I had that much to drink, but I forgot about the bottle I shared with Reed. It was going down so easily and…I’m an idiot.
Thinking back on the night, I remember everything up until Paige’s dad left and then things got out of hand. At least they did for me. Having said that, my memory’s sketchy from that point on.
Though I do remember someone walking me to my door.
Or did they come in?
Patting the bed next to me, I expect to find it occupied and sigh in relief when I come up empty. Only that means I’ll have to get up and get myself a drink.
Blowing out a breath, I force my eyes open and find the room bathed in a bright yellow glow and my dress from last night pulled up around my waist.Again. Who would have thought I’dbe in this position twice, flashing my panties, and still not get any action? I’ve lost my touch.
Rolling to the edge of the bed, I grab my phone and find a glass of water and a Tylenol on the other side, just past the point of where my fingers could reach. And I know I didn’t put them there. I’m not that prepared.
“Ames?” I call out. “Are you here?”
I’m met with silence and giggle to myself. She left hours before me and she has a daughter. Gone are the days of our sleepovers.
Checking the time, I find a message from Reed and smile.
REED: If you’re looking for your shoes, I left them on the other side of your bed so you wouldn’t trip over them. And I want to state for the record that I didnotpull your dress up. That was all you
I snort so loud that I cover my mouth until a thought hits me… Reed was here? He came back to the event? For me?
