“Sam’s the drama teacher at the high school,” he added, which explained her mini production.
“Fabulous,” I said, like it wasn’t fabulous at all. If she was the teacher, the students didn’t have much of a chance at an acting career.
She turned her attention back to Ethan, placing her hand on his arm. She spoke fast, talking about everything and anything, and nothing at all.
A pretty waitress came past with a tray full of bubbles. I finished my champagne, popped the empty glass down and grabbed another.
Ethan sent me asave melook. I smiled sweetly and snuck away.
Back inside, I spotted Jodie by the bar and made a beeline over, sitting on a stool beside her. The dress pulled up, and my tan shoes poked out the bottom like brown stumps. I tucked them under the bar, hoping they would blend with the wood. The alcohol had one positive effect, it seeped through my veins, loosening my neck and shoulders.
“So, where’s Karson?” Jodie asked casually, adjusting a sparkling diamond bangle she wore.
Obviously, Georgie and Jodie had been in some enthusiastic discussions about our possible hook-up.
I groaned, shaking my head. “I don’t know—I haven’t seen him.”
She scanned the crowd. “It’s a little early yet. I’m sure he’ll be here, and tomorrow we want all the delicious details.” Her eyes sparkled. “If his bed skills reflect his looks, you’re in for a big night. I hope you brought lots of condoms.”
I groaned even louder. “Jodie, stop.”
Jodie laughed, then jumped up, announcing her need to use the bathroom. I watched as she strutted across the room. Trent left a group of friends he’d been chatting with and followed behind her, a smile on his face. Georgie was on the dance floor, snuggled into Jeff. I sat there on my own, drinking, slowly dying of boredom. The DJ started playing an endless succession of love songs. Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any worse. I pulled my phone out of my bag. It was only nine-thirty. How early was too early to leave?
“Amy, so lovely to see you.”
I turned to Katrina and Robert, greeting them warmly.
“Where’s Ethan, dear?” Katrina asked, slipping in beside me.
“Outside. Probably flirting with whoever smiles at him,” I said dryly.
“He’s quite the charmer. But he has a good heart. He deserves someone nice after . . .” she wavered, as if she’d thoughtbetter of whatever she’d been about to say. She took a sip of champagne. “You’d make an adorable couple. He just needs someone to pull him into line. Isn’t that right, darling?” she directed at Robert.
Robert paused over the top of the beer he was sipping. He cleared his throat. “Yes, he’s a nice young man.”
“And gorgeous,” Katrina added.
Somehow, I contained the eye roll. “Thanks, but I’ll take a hard pass. He’s a little too affectionate with far too many girls for my liking.”
She fluttered her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that—the past needs to stay where it belongs.” She swept her eyes around the room. “It’s the present that really matters.”
“Why do I feel like you’re about to launch into some deep insight in an attempt to change my mind about Ethan?”
She grinned. “Because I am.”
“Katrina, may I have a quick word in private, please?” A tall, gray-haired older man interrupted.
“Yes, of course, Ron. Excuse me, please, Amy. I’ll be back in a moment, and we can continue where we left off.”
“We don’t have to,” I called out to her retreating back.
“Ignore Katrina, she is an eternal romantic.” Robert smiled affectionately in her direction. “She means well. She thinks everyone should have a love story like ours.”
An unsettling flare of nostalgia tore through my stomach. I wanted the long-lasting love story like they had. That one person you knew would always be there. I swallowed. “You’re lucky to have each other.”
“I’m the lucky one.” He fiddled with his tie to loosen it. “But it’s not all beer and skittles. I hate these events, but duty calls Katrina, so here I am.”
“I’m not a fan either, hence the drink.” I held up my glass.
