I need to get drunk.
When kisses are exchanged and the ceremony ends, everyone stands and applauds. The newlyweds announce snacks, booze, and wine at the reception around the corner—this rooftop is freaking huge—and we slowly make our way to the designated area.
It’s decorated just as beautifully. Sparkling lights, dreamy flowers throughout, and an open dance floor waiting to be used.
But my eyes are on the open bar.
Jeezussss.
The bartender is sexy as hell. He’s tall with the most ethereal blue eyes and luscious brown hair I’ve ever seen. He must be a model moonlighting as a service worker while he tries to make it big.
Anddddd… he’s a gargoyle. His human form just flickered, and he reeks of supernatural energy. Monster scents don’t necessarily smell bad. I find most intoxicating. Especially Locheran’s scent. It’s like roasted marshmallows over a campfire on a chilly night.
“Hello, lovely. What can I get you?” the bartender asks, interrupting my thoughts of Locheran.
My cheeks warm instantly at the bartender’s flirty words, and my heart takes off in my chest. I stifle the nervous laugh wanting to explode from my mouth.
Well, this rarely happens. Is he flirting to get a big tip? He has nothing to worry about, though. I always tip more than I can afford.
“Um, hi, can you make me something strong and sweet that will get me drunk fast?” I ask, fidgeting on my feet.
“Sure thing, my dear.”
Oh, God. Could he stop with the endearments? It’s giving me false hope.
A throat clears behind me, and the cute bartender’s eyes widen. He’s quick to turn away and start making my drink.
I glance over my shoulder to see who scared him off. Locheran is walking away. His sweet campfire scent lingering, nearly causing a moan to escape my lips because it smells that fucking good.
What the actual fuck?
Did Locheran just… cockblock me?
“Um… Here you go ma’am.”
Ma’am?
The now nervous bartender cautiously slides the drink toward me. I dig in my clutch for cash, but he holds up his finger then points to a sign that says:
The newlyweds have graciously pre-paid all tips for tonight.
Okayyyy.
I suppose I don’t mind since Xander is rich as hell. Money was the only thing holding me back from moving to NYC. The moment I found out my father started targeting Manhattan monsters, I knew I had to figure it out. My teacher’s salary wasn’t going to support the decision, and when I talked to Evangeline about it, she offered to help. She found me an affordable apartmentandhelped me get a job.
I don’t know how she did it, I’m sure it was mostly Xander with the connections, but an administrator with Five Boroughs College called me a few weeks ago to offer me a teaching position in Literature History that pays nearly five times what I made teaching Advanced Placement English in Macedon.
I still need to thank her—and Xander—for getting me out of my small-town loneliness. Evangeline was my onlytrue friend there and when she moved away, I could barely function.
I always felt like destiny brought us together. I mean, sure, my father claims he chose Upstate New York because there were more monsters in the northeast. But the moment I met Evangeline, I knew we’d become the best of friends. She helped me grieve my mother’s death, and I was there for her when her mother was hospitalized. Both of us were basically abandoned by the rest of our families.
I think that’s another reason why I refused to be a part of the hunt.
My father and older brother moved on faster than I could, as if my mom’s death was just another day on the job.
“Would you like another?”
The cute bartender’s voice cuts through my painful memories, which I’m glad for, because why the fuck am I being so morose at my best friend’s big day?
