Chapter 1 #2
Thankfully, my envy could take a hike tonight, because it was ladies only and we were hitting a bar to celebrate before Arna married the love of her life.
Like Jack, Andy also played for the Sydney Hearts and his and Arna’s story was as hilarious as it was romantic.
Think razor-sharp editor with no patience for ego, forced to interview the taciturn, smouldering team captain who treats the media like the enemy.
According to Marlee, it took them both a little longer than it should have to accept their feelings, but you’d never know.
When they were together, they’re either staring intently into each other’s eyes like lovesick puppies or fighting for oxygen while they ravaged each other.
There was no in between which wasn’t ideal for anyone in their vicinity.
“Yeah, I dropped her to Arna’s place just before I came here.
She told me not to wait up.” Seb practically growled and I laughed both at how annoying he found the request and her saying it at all.
He was always measured and calm, but she knew exactly how to get under his skin and it was one of my favourite things about her.
I could picture the slight tilt of her head as she teased him, knowing exactly how he would respond.
“We all know that won’t happen,” I grinned knowingly, and he shot me a glare which I think was supposed to be intimidating.
“Relax. You have nothing to worry about. She’s feisty.
” He harrumphed, and I knew he was likely pondering over all Marls had been through.
Their story wasn’t an easy one and hers was particularly heavy, only, they’d made it through together and I could not have been happier for my brother.
“That’s what I’m worried about. There is always trouble with you lot.”
“What could possibly go wrong? I’m barely even drinking!” I smirked as I tipped the rest of the bottle back with deliberate provocation.
“That will be your only drink, won’t it?” The grin was clear in his question. He knew me well and alcohol and I were not the best of friends. I didn’t enjoy the taste, or the feeling and it was rare I drank at all let alone to a level of intoxication.
“Probably but I will be sure to give Marls all of my shots.” I joked, enjoying the scowl which darkened his features as we sailed down the highway to the city.
“Evvvvaaaaaaa,” I heard my name squealed, definitely Arna and definitely alcohol fuelled.
I spotted her instantly, thanks to the ridiculously large penis antennae bobbing on her head along with flashing neon green balls bouncing with every move.
I burst out laughing as I made my way over to the bar where they were seated, clearly having already started drinking.
“Hey, ladies -” I was cut off as Arna howled like a dog on heat and engulfed me in a hug.
“Evangeline! Where the hell have you been hiding that?” She gestured up and down my body before giving my backside a slap.
Marls cackled, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek and handing me a drink.
“Arns, this girl is a sexy librarian looking hottie, she just hides it all the time behind her textbooks. Don’t you, Evs?” I grinned at my pseudo sister-in-law.
“Oh, please. You ladies look gorgeous,” I commented, wishing the attention was anywhere other than on me.
Arna was wearing a sparkling silver dress that highlighted her gorgeous legs and made me wonder if her fiancé was hiding around here somewhere making sure no one dared to look.
She wore a black and silver Bride-to-Be sash wrapped around her torso and with the flashing paraphernalia headband on her head, she was adorably hilarious.
I ignored the way her sash only held nine letters and forced myself to focus on something else before I spiralled into counting everything I could see to make sure I finished on evens. An annoying habit I wished I’d break.
Fighting for top position on the goddess scale, Marlee wore a figure-hugging black dress which fell to just below her knees, showcasing her gorgeous curves. No wonder my brother was agitated, she was a real-life angel.
“I shouldn’t have been worried about finding you with this,” I knocked one of the antennae Arna had on her head, and it bounced around, causing me to laugh again.
“Blame this one,” she said pointing at Marlee. “But, honestly, I’m here for it. I think I might wear it to work on Monday. What do you think, Flick?” She turned to Felicity who was standing with Winter a few metres down the bar, paying for what appeared to be a row of shots.
“Please do, it will make my last day all the more entertaining and HR will have a field day.”
We all laughed, and Marlee moved closer, whispering in my ear.
“How was my lover when he dropped you here?” Her face beamed at the mention of my brother, and I squeezed her hand and filled her in on how he brought me a wine for the road and how I’d tormented him with visions of her and other men for no reason other than trying to piss him off.
“Oh my God, Evangeline,” she giggled. “I bloody love that grumpy man. Especially his forearms. Honestly, have you noticed them, they are edible.” She looked at me with genuine interest, as if my brother’s forearms were both worthy of a Michelin Star and something I would want to discuss.
“This may surprise you, but I actually haven’t noticed them, nor do I want to.” I said, straight-faced and she threw her head back and laughed.
“I wonder if Arna would notice if I called him to come down for a quickie.” She was attempting to whisper, only Marlee was most definitely tipsy and louder than she realised.
“Ew, that’s my brother,” I said, humour in my tone as Arna came to stand in between us, forcing shots into our hands.
So much for slowing down.
“Yes, she would mind. You can bump uglies later, tonight is all about the girlsssssss.”
Flick and Winter joined our circle, each already holding a shot and I greeted them both with a quick hug.
“I’ve never seen anyone who can wear a jumpsuit like you can,” I said to Felicity, holding my shot aloft when she tried to offer me another.
“And Win - you hottie. How long do you think you’ll last before you call Jack to come get you?” I teased as she smelt the shot and grinned.
“Thirty-six minutes,” she answered, only half joking and we all cackled.
“Okay girls let’s get this party started,” Marlee drawled.
“Looks like it started a while ago,” I whispered to Winter before Marlee interrupted with a toast.
“Toooooo Arnaaaaa,” she screamed, and we threw our heads back, letting the celebrations begin.