Slate hands me a cigar and slaps me on the back. “Let the ladies start on one side, we’ll do the other. I’m surprised when he leads me up some back stairs and out onto an empty deck overlooking midtown. “How’s things with the senator?”
I look around, making sure no one can hear. “The Secret Service has him well covered for the next few days but I need to get back.”
“You got any idea who’s behind it?”
“I’ll let you know. In a few days, I should have everything wrapped up.”
“Good, good.” He puts out his smoke. “Let’s go downstairs. When all this is done we should discuss how to get you back to New York.”
I grin. “Blakely will be thrilled but don’t tell her yet.”
Downstairs, my poker buddies all sit at the same table and eat cake with their significant others. Slate kisses Lilac, pulls her out of her seat, and places her in his lap.
When she squeals, he takes the cake in his hand and smushes it into her mouth. After they finish cleaning up I ask his doctor-fiancé, “The hospital gave you the night off?”
“Yup. My penance will be two weeks of doing doubles but I don’t care. Thanks for inviting us.”
“When are you two tying the knot?” This question comes from Sienna, Andy’s lady.
“Next summer, I hope.” She and Slate exchange heated glances. I understand their two schedules keep them busy but I envy how they live in the same city.
I sit down next to Andy, the guy who saved my relationship. We shake hands and share a manly slap-hug. We haven’t spoken since the divorce and I need to thank him. “I owe you big time. How did you know?”
He swirls amber liquid in a lowball glass. “I didn’t. It was Mel.”
When she hears her name mentioned, Mel leans over the table and joins our conversation, “I have never seen two more miserable people, obviously in love. I had to do something. Where is your lovely wife?”
I point to the tables across the dance floor. “She’s working the other side of the room.”
Figuring I still have at least twenty more tables to go, I stand and clear my throat. “Thank you all for coming, for everything. Then, I remember the beautiful eagle song and turn to Sienna. “And especially you. Thank you, for singing. It was beautiful.”
Her eyes shine. “No problem. I love weddings.”
Mel pipes in, “I’m helping Sienna with her invites. They go out next week.”
I slap Andy on the back. “Congratulations. I hear you’re moving.”
He takes a good swallow of his drink. “Women, babies, and white picket fences. She wants out of the city.”
She touches his hand, eyes warm on his face. “Don’t blame it on me, you want it, too.”
It blows my mind that I tied the knot before both Andy and Slate. If someone told me that a few months ago, I would’ve sent them packing, laughing my ass off.
At the next table, my mother sits alone and it’s time to face her.
I clear my throat and all eyes shoot to me. “Apparently, it is my job to greet each table so I need to go. Poker tomorrow?”
Andy grins. “Make sure to bring a wad of money, I plan on winning.”
Grayson arrives at the table and wipes his brow, his arm on his wife all disheveled from dancing.
“Great DJ.” Isabella downs a glass of water while the billionaire eyes her with adoration.
Slate told me how Grayson got lost in the ocean and how she never gave up. It’s the kind of trial I hope me and Blake never have to face. I shake hands with the man who signs my paycheck and make a little small talk before moving on to the next table.
Done procrastinating, I sit down next to my mom and kiss her cheek. “Glad you could make it.”
“What a lovely wedding. It must’ve cost a fortune.” She eyes the silver and I wonder if she’s thinking of taking a set. I’ll have to search her hotel room before I send her home.
