Page 18 of Solid Ground

It was a beautiful ceremony, but I’m glad the reception is nearly over.

I have to physically stop myself from rolling my eyes as Brandon’s younger brother, Lachlan, comes stumbling toward me. It’s been a very boozy reception, although I nursed my first glass of champagne so it lasted for half the night, and now I’m really glad I made that decision. I’m clear-headed when everyone around me is a mess.

“So, you’re Caitlin’s friend.” His slur makes his words almost unrecognisable.

“Yeah.”

“Wanna fuck?”

I recoil at the combined aromas of alcohol and cigarette smoke belching from him as he leans forward.

“God no.” Turning my head, I hold up my palm against him.

“Oh, come on. Brandon said you were into one-night stands. You had one a couple of weeks ago. I’m not looking for a girlfriend.”

Anger builds in me. So much for what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Besides which, Lachlan making the assumption that I’m going to have a one-night stand with him because I’ve had one with someone else is gross. “Brandon got it wrong.”

He grasps my forearm, and the glass of lemonade in my hand spills over and onto my skirt.

“Come on, Zoe. It’s just a bit of fun.”

“Go find your fun somewhere else, Lachlan. I’m not interested.”

Switching my drink to my other hand, I shake off his grip and stalk toward Caitlin. She smiles brightly as I approach her, and I draw in a deep breath.

“You told Brandon about my one-night stand in Vegas?” I’m sure my eyes are bugging out of my head as I vent.

Caitlin grimaces. “Not deliberately. We were talking about the weekend, and I let it slip. I’m sorry.”

“Well, Brandon has a big mouth and told Lachlan aboutit. And Eric. And God only knows who else. I’m done with getting hit on because of it.”

She frowns. “He promised …”

“Yeah, well he broke his promise.”

Her eyes flick away from my face, and she seems to scan the room before she narrows them. I don’t have to look to know she’s giving Brandon a death stare.

I drop down onto a chair and she follows suit beside me.

She leans her head on my arm. “I’m sorry, Zoe. I never meant to hurt you. You know I love you like a sister.”

I sigh. “It’s okay. It just hate how it turned something exciting into something almost shameful. I shouldn’t be made to feel that way.

“It’s very unlike you. I guess that’s why it stands out. But you’re right. I’m glad you let loose. It’s not like you do it very often …” She raises her head and meets my gaze. “Has he called yet?”

I shake my head. “Not a word. I didn’t really expect him to. It was surprising enough that he took my number.”

“Then he doesn’t deserve you.” She smiles. “And neither do any of these assholes.”

“That’s Brandon’s friends and family you’re talking about.”

She sighs. “I know, but I also know Brandon will go nuts if I tell him what happened with Lachlan. He never would have wanted to hurt you either.”

I peck her on the cheek then rest my head against hers. “Don’t say anything. At least while you’re on honeymoon. I want you two to have fun.”

“Oh we’ll have that regardless.” She giggles. “I’m sorry he didn’t call you.”

I shrug and straighten up. “Me too. We were really good together. But let’s face it. He’s way out of my league.”

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