Page 23 of Champagne Nights

“What are you doing right now?” I asked.

“Not much. Why?”

“Good. You can meet Ian and me at Roof on South Park in about twenty minutes, and buy me a drink or two.”

“Sounds good. I’ll meet you both there.”

Ethan

With a bouquet of flowers in my hand, I stepped inside Charles’ and Lexi’s townhome.

“Hey, Ethan.” Charles smiled as he shook my hand. “Aw, you shouldn’t have.” He winked as he looked at the flowers.

“Very funny. Where’s Lexi?”

“Outside talking to one of her friends. Follow me.”

I followed him out to the patio and gave Lexi a kiss on the cheek.

“Happy birthday, Lexi.” I handed her the flowers.

“Thank you, Ethan. These are beautiful. I’m going to go put them in a vase.” She smiled as she walked away.

“How about a scotch?” Charles asked.

“Sounds good.”

I followed him to the bar in the patio's corner.

“Scotch on the rocks for my best friend here,” he spoke to the bartender.

“Wow. You went all out for this party.” I smirked.

“That’s because she’s worth it.”

The bartender handed me my drink, and Charles pulled me over around the corner and reached into his pocket.

“What do you think? I just picked it up yesterday.” He smiled as he held a diamond ring in the palm of his hand.

“Very nice. When are you asking her?”

“Tonight. In front of everyone.”

“I thought you were going to wait until your trip to Aruba?”

“I was, but I can’t wait any longer.”

“I thought that was the reason you booked the trip.”

“It was, and I know she’ll be expecting it then. So this will be more of a surprise.” He grinned.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Congrats, bro. I’m happy for you.”

“Don’t congratulate me yet. She hasn’t said yes.”

“She will.” I smiled as we walked back to the party.

I finished off my scotch and went to the bar for another. As the bartender was pouring it, I looked around. My heart stopped when I saw Aubrey standing next to Penelope, talking to Charles and Lexi. What the hell was she doing here? Shit. The bartender handed me my drink, and I stood leaning against the bar and sipping it while I stared at her. She was too damn beautiful, and I didn’t know what to say to her. This shouldn’t have been a problem. I’d always run into women with whom I had one-night stands. They’d yell at me or call me names, and I’d just smile and keep on walking. But with Aubrey, it felt different. That was something I felt I couldn’t do. I didn’t want her to know I was here, so I would quietly escape, and she’d never know. Not until Charles opened his big mouth.

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