Why did you turn down the solo?
That was such a big opportunity.
Are you sure it wasn’t a mistake?
It’s embarrassing. I can admit that much.
“I’ll get back to my career once all of this settles,” I say again, like it’s a rehearsed line. “Ezra’s work is just very demanding right now.”
It sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? Even if it still makes my stomach dip every time I say it.
I glance across the room and spot Ezra mid-conversation. He holds a glass in his hand, laughing at something someone said. He looks at home here, surrounded by his people. From a distance, I barely recognize him. Then again, I wonder if he feels the same way about me.
We both wear masks out here.
I immediately hate myself for thinking that.
Stop it, Piper.
This is just last-minute nerves.
“Didn’t you say you were wearing the blue dress?” Madison asks.
I open my mouth, ready with a lie, but Noah comes to my rescue.
“Piper, I know you didn’t pick the funeral music.” Noah slides into the empty chair beside me. He looks handsome in his dress shirt, sleeves rolled up.
Dad appears a second later, beer already in hand. “It’s shit,” he declares, sitting beside Mom and kissing her cheek. “Who chose it?”
Rowan throws her hands in the air. “See!”
I laugh despite myself, the sound bubbling out before I can stop it. “No, I didn’t pick it. No, I don’t care. The music is the least important thing about this weekend.”
Mom squeezes my hand. “Exactly, love.”
Rowan opens her mouth again. “Not to you. Music is your life. If they won’t even let you choose something as simple as—”
“Rowan,” Madison snaps, eyes wide in warning.
Noah presses a champagne flute into my hand. “Here. Drink. Relax.” He lifts his own glass. “To the future Mrs. Harrington.”
Everyone cheers.
I wait for the smile to come.
It doesn’t, so I force it the way I learned to. Lips up. Eyes soft. Appear grateful. Appear happy.
Tomorrow, I’m getting married.
And that knot in my stomach?
It’s nothing.
Five
Griffin
I lean back against the balcony railing, elbows resting on the cold metal, a drink sweating in my hand. I’m ten floors up, and the coastal town glitters below.
