“You get me all hot and bothered, then you want to leave the room?” Drew frowned.

I giggled. Apparently, he made me do that a lot, and it felt incredible. “Yes.”

He shrugged. “Sounds about right.”

I rose enough to slide back onto the chair while pulling my skirt down, and allow him the space he needed to get up. When I came out of the bathroom, I’d brought my shoes and set them on the floor beside the chair. While he struggled to stand, I worked on the new straps. Every bit of this outfit made me feel like I fit in. For someone who had spent her life working behind the scenes as an outsider, it felt pretty special. I sashayed to the bathroom so I could double-check my eye makeup. Once I was satisfied, I turned to leave, only to discover Drew leaning against the wall outside the door.

“For the first time ever, I’ll be the envy of all the guys for a reason other than my assets.” He sighed. “The wedding is the easy part. After that, I’m really going to need you to stick to me. Think you can handle that?”

“Absolutely.” I beamed. “Unless you decide to walk fast. Then you’re on your own.”

Drew chuckled. “What about the bathroom?”

I shrugged. “Do you think I’ll need to hold it?”

He smirked. “I believe I have mastered that.” He leaned in. “My aim is even better sober.” Drew winked.

I snorted. “On future dates, this should be the first thing you share. Lead with that. You’re marriage material.”

“Well, you already know. So, what should I brag about on a second date with you?” He waggled his brows.

“I meant with other women,” I explained.

His eyebrows rose. “I know what you meant. I’m rather hoping I can convince you to date me with less, you know, financial incentive.” Drew must’ve seen my jaw twitch. “Okay, fine. I’ll keep paying you. Whatever. I’ve never been so at ease with a woman in all my life. I’m not going to let go of that easily.” He shrugged and offered me his arm. “We’d better get going since I need to use a slower gait for you.” Then he walked us out of the room.

When we reached the hall, I smiled up at him. “Drew, I like you too.”

“I feel a ‘but’ coming. Lay it on me.” He sighed.

“No, just a word of caution. I mean, I probably seem awesome because I’m new to you. Once you get used to being around other women sober, I’ll begin to pale in comparison, I’m afraid.” I squeezed his bicep.

Drew hit the button on the elevator, then studied me before speaking. “I can tell you’re used to disappointment. I promise you, dating me will offer plenty. Give me a chance.”

I laughed and slapped his arm. “Well, when you sell it that way,” I groaned.

We made our way downstairs and followed the signs to the pool area where the wedding had been set up. The sunset had turned the sky shades of orange and pink, with hints of purple. Honestly, I wanted to live in this moment forever. We made our way to some open seats toward the back. Ty and Harry came out of another door and took their place at the altar with the justice of the peace.

“I think we should do something like this,” Drew commented as the music started.

“What? Hang out at a pool while the sun sets? I’m in.” I smirked in response to his frown.

“You’re impossible,” he grumbled.

Kate came down the aisle sporting the tiniest of baby bumps. “That’s Ty’s wife, Kate,” I explained to Drew. The wedding processional began and we stood while Laney waltzed by. “I believe you’ve met Laney?”

“Not sober.” He rubbed his forehead.

We sat once more and he looked around, probably trying to figure out how many of the guests would know of his past. The number must have been significant based on the way he began to cling to me. “I’m here. You’re fine,” I whispered. Drew nodded, but I could feel his fear. He trembled slightly while he gripped me. I slid as close as the folding chair would allow. “You’ve got this,” I reminded him in a low voice, but he only held on tighter.

The ceremony was beautiful, and short. This meant Drew didn’t have enough time to relax, but plenty of time to get worked up and more agitated about the reception. Soon we were in the receiving line. We watched as others went through before us. Some passed Harry envelopes. Drew raked a hand down his face.

“Now what?” I asked. Not being able to help him relax was wearing on me.

“A gift. We forgot a gift.” He shook his head.

“Hey, chill. They have shops on the main floor. We’ll grab a card and you can write a big fat check or something.” I looped my hand through his arm and tried to offer a reassuring squeeze.

* * *

“You’re right. I just need some air.” I clutched at my chest.

“Drew, we’re outside. How much more air do you need?” Talia frowned.

“It’s an expression. Let’s get through this line. I need space. I need to get away from everyone for a bit before the…big event.” As inconspicuously as possible, I rubbed my hands on my thighs before we reached Ty.

“Drew!” The way he greeted me, I knew we were doing the bro hug. So, I clasped his hand and let him haul me in while we patted each other on the back.

“It was a great wedding,” I murmured. “Sorry I missed yours.”

Kate leaned in. “Please. Everyone missed ours. We practically eloped. I’m thinking our next big event will be the baby shower. You want in?” She smiled so warmly, I knew why Ty had fallen for her. Oh, and the way they looked at each other…well, it’s the kind of thing that would’ve made me just about puke in the past, but I was starting to get it.

I held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Drew. The black sheep of our group.”

Kate completely ignored the hand and walked into my arms for a hug. My eyes widened in shock. Talia covered a laugh. Ty’s brow arched protectively. When she stepped back, he hauled her against his side again. She looked up at him. “You’re ridiculous.” Then she rolled her eyes. “Oh, and I’m Kate. We’ve met, but I wasn’t sure you remembered me.”

I frowned. “Not much. I’m sorry. I’m trying to be better.” In an instant, Talia had snuggled in beside me. I wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled down at her.

“You’re awesome.” She sighed happily and it completely warmed me. Turning to Ty and Kate, she murmured, “It’s so nice seeing you again. Thank you for making this possible, Ty. Drew and I are getting on great.”

I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “You play your cards right, and I’ll make sure you get off great too.” I pulled back and waggled my brows at her.

She laughed and slapped me in the chest. “Behave.”

Right then, I knew this woman could be everything I never thought I could have, but secretly wanted. In fact, it hit me so hard in the gut, I nearly staggered under the weight of it. Alarmed, I looked at Ty. “I haven’t slipped. I promise.”

He glanced at Talia before meeting my gaze again. “I understand completely and I absolutely believe you.” Then Ty pulled his wife closer and for the first time in our adult lives, I actually felt close to him.

I smiled. “Yeah. I see you do.”

“Hey, player! You’re holding up the line.” Harry grinned at me and I knew he wasn’t upset in the least. He merely wanted his turn to greet me.

“Harry, have you met Talia?” I asked as I presented her to the groom.

“We’ve met a couple of times. She’s a lovely woman. Be sure to treat her right,” he teased.

“So far, so spoiled,” Talia remarked. “I’m seriously uncomfortable with his generosity.”

Harry’s brows rose. “Who are you?” Then he grinned. “I feel like I have my friend back.” Then he reached out and hauled me in for a hug while Laney and Talia greeted each other.

“You look amazing, Laney,” Talia gushed. “I’m so happy for you.”

Laney glanced at me. “The feeling is mutual. Looks like Drew has finally met his match.” She reached out and patted my shoulder. “You should keep Talia around. She makes you look good.”

“Don’t I know it.” I laughed. Then I grew serious. “Laney, please forgive me. I was an asshole and an idiot and…”

“And we all have our own demons. Glad to see you conquering yours.” She leaned in. “Sober Drew is awesome. I like him a lot. Can’t wait for us all to have fun together.” Then she stepped back. “Save a dance for me, big guy.”

“Hey, I thought I was ‘big guy,’” Harry pouted. Then he winked at us when his wife moved in for a kiss.

As we wandered away, I breathed a sigh of relief. “That wasn’t so bad,” I admitted.

“These people are your friends. They will truly stand by you. They’ve always shown you that,” Talia reminded me.

I nodded and we paused a few feet away from the crowd. “I want to thank you for standing by me too.”

“Oh, handsome, that’s what they pay me for.” She winked. “Please, we all know I’m smitten.”

I grinned, until I saw a guy rushing toward us.

“Drew! Drew Morgan, is that you?” He laughed when he reached us. He’d clearly already been drinking. I smelled it on his breath. To my surprise, instead of making me want to indulge, it had the opposite effect.

My nose wrinkled up. “Hi. Yeah. Good to see you.”

The man stumbled slightly as he shook his head. “You don’t remember me,” he accused. “We had one helluva weekend once in L.A. Starlets. Hot tubs. Body shots.” He eyed Talia. “I’d like to do a body shot off you later.” He elbowed me in the ribs. “If you know what I mean.”

I stiffened. “I do know what you mean. And the way you’re objectifying my girlfriend is disgusting.” I pulled Talia closer. “You owe her an apology.”

The drunk sneered at me. “What the fuck happened to you? You used to be so much fun. When did you turn into some strait-laced asshole?”

“That’s close enough to an apology for me. You, too, pussy cat?” I was shaking and struggling to hide it.

“Works for me. Let’s go.” Then she helped guide me back into the hotel. Once inside the door, we found an alcove with a settee.

I sank down on it and leaned on my knees while I rocked back and forth. “I don’t think I can do this,” I whispered.

Talia wrapped her arms around me. “You can. I know you can. Let’s talk through this. What are you missing? Is it the alcohol?”

Staring up into her face, I finally slowed my panting to a normal breathing rate. “Not that.” I shook my head. “I don’t think I can do this without drugs.”

Talia took a deep breath before speaking. “Listen, remember: drugs are only a temporary solution and create a bigger problem.” She rubbed my back.

“No.” I frowned. “I mean, I wish I’d taken Jackie up on those scripts. She said I could use an anti-anxiety medication. As much as I hate to admit it, I think she’s right.”