Chapter Eighteen
Alexandre couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much alcohol.
During the first hour of karaoke, he’d gone from buzzed to drunk, though he thankfully hadn’t entered the sloppy realm.
The endless quantity of booze had taken the edge off the weirder elements of the evening, like celebrating a bachelorette he had growing feelings for, and a bachelor he simply didn’t like.
He had to commend Ali for the drinks. And for getting the party back on track.
She and Luc were leading everyone in a rousing rendition of “Mr. Brightside.”
Still, an air of forced cheer pervaded the room. Alexandre glared at Joey, making no attempt to hide his disgust.
The final chord of “Mr. Brightside” reverberated into silence.
Ali clapped her hands in front of her chest. “How about we call it a night? We have a big weekend ahead.”
Everyone exited the karaoke bar and converged on the sidewalk.
Ali, Evie, Kathy, and Luis chatted in one group, while Bao, Chloe, Miguel, and Ivan spoke in another.
Alexandre watched Mei converse with Joey.
He appeared contrite, his posture sagging, his eyes downcast. She looked sad and embarrassed.
“A bit rocky just now, but otherwise a good night,” Alexandre said to Luc.
“Yeah. I think Mei had fun. Joey too.” Luc’s expression hardened.
Alexandre followed his gaze. Joey was now chatting with Bao and Miguel.
Luc let out a dry laugh. “ ‘Clown’ is right.”
Alexandre studied his brother. Luc had been drinking all night, but he still had his wits about him. “Have you always thought that about Joey?”
Luc flushed. “Not until now. I mean, Joey’s not exactly who I thought Mei would end up with. He’s kind of goofy. This sounds terrible, but sometimes I wonder what they even talk about.”
“I’m going to guess his music files.”
Luc chuckled, then his smile faded. “But I always thought he was a good guy. Before tonight, I never heard him say anything remotely offensive. He clearly adores Mei, and she always seemed so happy. Ali and I thought that was all that mattered.”
Alexandre glanced at Mei. She looked beautiful under the lights of K-town’s glowing storefronts.
“I guess I chalked up any misgivings to the fact that Mei is like a sister to me.” Luc shrugged. “And no dude’s ever going to be good enough for your sister.”
How about your brother? Alexandre almost laughed out loud. “Maybe you should talk to Mei if you think she’s about to make a huge mistake.”
“Now? To what end? Get her to call off the wedding?” Luc pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m in no shape to do that. Plus, it’s not really my place.”
Alexandre nodded. Deep down, he knew it wouldn’t matter if Luc said anything to Mei. Only she could decide whether or not to marry Joey.
Bao, Chloe, Miguel, and Ivan came over to say goodbye. Then Evie hugged him and Luc before hopping into a cab.
Alexandre followed Luc to the remaining group. Joey was talking animatedly to Kathy and Luis. Luc leaned in to ask Ali a question, and then Alexandre was face-to-face with Mei.
“Hi,” he said, because he couldn’t think of anything better to say.
“Hey.” Mei smiled up at him. Streetlights reflected in her pupils, making her eyes dance.
“I had a great time. Despite all that”—he gestured to intimate the messiness at the end—“it was a good party.”
“I’m really glad you were here.”
“Me too.” He was driving back to the Hudson Valley tomorrow morning.
Luckily, his only class of the day didn’t start until eleven thirty.
He wondered if his students would smell booze seeping through his pores and be able to tell he was hungover.
Hey, kids. Your old professor can still party, too.
The thought filled him with dorky pride.
Alexandre debated what to say next. See you after the wedding? Next time I see you, you’ll be married? Nearby, Joey proclaimed that tonight’s songs were just mid and couldn’t compete with the ones on his hard drives.
Mei smiled sadly. “I should rescue Kathy and Luis.” She looked up at him hesitantly.
Alexandre opened his arms. Mei stepped in.
“You deserve all the love and happiness in the world,” he whispered into her ear. “You know that, right? You’re worthy of everything.” After a beat, he felt Mei nod against his shoulder.
Alexandre yearned to pull her close and run his hands down her back. Instead, he released her. Mei blinked hard, her eyes searching his. Alexandre held her gaze. Then he shoved his hands in his pockets and made himself look away so she could return to Joey.