Page 13 of Blinding Lights

Henley fakes a gasp before a small giggle bursts out of her. “Guilty.” She raises her hands in surrender, her face pinched as though she’s ashamed at being caught. She’s not.

“I promise, I’m going to be okay. You have nothing to worry about. Just like Beckett has nothing to worry about with you.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t ‘okay’ me.” I laugh as she pouts. “I mean it. I know a lot of people here. You don’t have to babysit me.”

“I haven’t⁠—”

“I know. I’m just saying. Go and have fun. I’ll be fine.”

Henley glances toward the dance floor, and I give her a light shove in that direction. “Go.” I laugh again. “You’re cramping my style.”

She rolls her eyes but fails to hide her pride. Her little girl’s growing up. Me—I’m the little girl.

“Love you, Lil. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Not possible. Love you too.”

With a squeeze of my arm, she sashays toward the movers and shakers on the dance floor while I make my way toward the bar, still in need of some liquid courage.

And after two shots—courtesy of Hunter’s cousin Austin—and a vodka cranberry, I’m ready to own the night.

Vegas, I’m coming for you.

For the next couple of hours, I encompass the spirit of a butterfly, wild and free. And I have the best freaking time. But it’s a strange feeling. I’m aware that I wouldn’t normally be this confident, and yet, I don’t actually care.

At some point during the night, Henley disappears, and I’m left completely to my own devices. The Lily from yesterday would have panicked, but that Lily has left the building for tonight. And since I’ve now met almost everyone here, technically, I’m not on my own at all.

With a smile, I drift toward the bar again, walking past the mysterious roped-off area at the back, ready to top off my courage, just in case it’s needed. I want to keep dancing; it’s been a great night and I’m not ready for it to end.

I’ve just ordered another cranberry vodka when an arm curls around my shoulders and I shudder, preparing myself to reject hopeful number seven until I turn to find Hunter. Somehow I’d missed his over-the-top costume.

“If it isn’t the groom to be. How’s the ball and chain going for you?” I gesture to the literal ball and chain at his feet and he groans.

“I regretted the idea the second I voiced it, but Olivia thinks it’s hilarious.”

“Glad to see you’re already giving her what she wants.”

“Always.” He winks. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I’m having a great time.”

“Yeah?” He smiles sympathetically and I laugh out loud.

“I can have fun.”

“I know. I remember.” He raises an eyebrow and my cheeks heat. There may have been a few drunken nights back in college that I’d prefer to forget, and some that I wish I could remember. But those days are behind me. Way, way behind me.

“I don’t know what you’re referring to.” I mock horror and Hunt laughs just as Olivia joins us.

“Did you ask her?”

I frown, my gaze bouncing between the two of them. “Ask me what?”

“If Ava can be our flower girl?” The mention of Ava makes my stomach knot, but the idea of her being a flower girl pulls me out of what could have been a disastrous funk.

“She would love that. And so would I.” Excitement takes over me as Olivia squeezes my hand.