Chapter 4
FOUR
ZOE
Two weeks later
I twirl my straw around in my drink and force a smile.
As much as I love Caitlin, it feels a little like I’ve been thrown to the wolves at her wedding reception, having already fended off Brandon’s best man, Eric.
It was a beautiful ceremony, but I’m glad the reception is nearly over.
I have to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes as Brandon’s younger brother, Lachlan, comes stumbling toward me. It’s been a very boozy reception, although I nursed my first glass of champagne so it lasted for half the night, and now I’m really glad I made that decision. I’m clear-headed when everyone around me is a mess .
“So, you’re Caitlin’s friend.” His slur makes his words almost unrecognisable.
“Yeah.”
“Wanna fuck?”
I recoil at the combined aromas of alcohol and cigarette smoke belching from him as he leans forward.
“God no.” Turning my head, I hold up my palm against him.
“Oh, come on. Brandon said you were into one-night stands. You had one a couple of weeks ago. I’m not looking for a girlfriend.”
Anger builds in me. So much for what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Besides which, Lachlan making the assumption that I’m going to have a one-night stand with him because I’ve had one with someone else is gross. “Brandon got it wrong.”
He grasps my forearm, and the glass of lemonade in my hand spills over and onto my skirt.
“Come on, Zoe. It’s just a bit of fun.”
“Go find your fun somewhere else, Lachlan. I’m not interested.”
Switching my drink to my other hand, I shake off his grip and stalk toward Caitlin. She smiles brightly as I approach her, and I draw in a deep breath.
“You told Brandon about my one-night stand in Vegas?” I’m sure my eyes are bugging out of my head as I vent.
Caitlin grimaces. “Not deliberately. We were talking about the weekend, and I let it slip. I’m sorry.”
“Well, Brandon has a big mouth and told Lachlan about it. And Eric. And God only knows who else. I’m done with getting hit on because of it.”
She frowns. “He promised …”
“Yeah, well he broke his promise.”
Her eyes flick away from my face, and she seems to scan the room before she narrows them. I don’t have to look to know she’s giving Brandon a death stare.
I drop down onto a chair and she follows suit beside me.
She leans her head on my arm. “I’m sorry, Zoe. I never meant to hurt you. You know I love you like a sister.”
I sigh. “It’s okay. It just hate how it turned something exciting into something almost shameful. I shouldn’t be made to feel that way.
“It’s very unlike you. I guess that’s why it stands out. But you’re right. I’m glad you let loose. It’s not like you do it very often …” She raises her head and meets my gaze. “Has he called yet?”
I shake my head. “Not a word. I didn’t really expect him to. It was surprising enough that he took my number.”
“Then he doesn’t deserve you.” She smiles. “And neither do any of these assholes.”
“That’s Brandon’s friends and family you’re talking about.”
She sighs. “I know, but I also know Brandon will go nuts if I tell him what happened with Lachlan. He never would have wanted to hurt you either.”
I peck her on the cheek then rest my head against hers. “Don’t say anything. At least while you’re on honeymoon. I want you two to have fun. ”
“Oh we’ll have that regardless.” She giggles. “I’m sorry he didn’t call you.”
I shrug and straighten up. “Me too. We were really good together. But let’s face it. He’s way out of my league.”
Caitlin takes my hand in hers. “No way. He would have been the luckiest man alive to have you. It’s his loss.”
I groan as Brandon approaches. Sure enough, he wants to know what that dirty look was for, judging from the quizzical expression on his face.
“Babe? You okay?”
Caitlin shakes her head. “No. Tell your boys to stop hitting on Zoe. She’s not interested.”
He frowns. “Who? I’ll take care of it.”
I sigh. “It doesn’t matter.”
Brandon sits beside Caitlin. “Tell me who it is, and I’ll beat the shit out of them.”
She wraps herself around him. “My hero.”
“It’s not worth it. Today is supposed to be about love and fun,” I say.
He plants a kiss on Caitlin’s temple. “Speaking of, we need to get out of here.”
“I love you guys. Have an amazing honeymoon, and we’ll catch up when you get back.” I squeeze her knee.
“Love you too,” Caitlin says.
“I’m sorry the guys have been harassing you.” Brandon frowns. “I’ll deal with them when I’m home again.”
“I’m fine. I think everyone just needs to sleep it off.”
He nods. With one last hug, they leave, waving goodbye to everyone as they make their way out to the car. I’m not sure it’s sunk in just how much our lives are about to change. With Brandon being traded to Chicago, Caitlin will be right behind him in a few weeks.
It’s a long trek back to my hotel room. I’m so happy for Caitlin, and I hope she has a wonderful honeymoon. Today just emphasises the fact that I’m alone—if I only wanted sex, I would’ve taken up Lachlan or someone else’s proposition tonight.
But now I’m not sure anyone can top Declan O’Leary. It’s gonna take a very long time to get over that night together. Since that weekend, my memory has become a little hazy. I know the sex was amazing, and I definitely remember what happened before breakfast the following morning. But I wish now I hadn’t had anything to drink and had had a completely clear head.
Maybe if I called him …
I curl up in my bed and think about what might have been.
No. That’s not fair.
Declan O’Leary is a pipe dream. Maybe we had that night together, but I’ll never see him in the flesh again.
All I have left is my murky memory.