Page 62 of Fake To Forever

She follows my gaze. "Your brother? What's he doing here all by himself?"

"Good question," I murmur. "Come on, let's go find out."

Chapter Twenty-Three: Fun Times Out

Haven

We weave our way through the throng of dancing bodies, the air thick with laughter and the scent of spilled drinks. As we approach, Garrett looks up, surprise flickering across his face.

"Haven? Marie? What are you two doing here?" he asks, sitting up straighter.

I slide into the seat next to him. "Celebrating, obviously! It's my bachelorette party. What's your excuse for brooding alone at a club?"

He chuckles softly. "Thought I’d try getting out and mingling, but guess I’m not really feeling it after all."

"Now that we’re here, you can't just sit here all by yourself," I declare, hooking my arm through his. "Join us!"

He hesitates, glancing between me and Marie. "I don't want to crash your party."

"Nonsense," Marie interjects, plopping down into the seat on his other side. "The more, the merrier."

Garrett offers a reluctant smile. "Alright, if you insist."

"We do," I say firmly. "Besides, it's been ages since we all hung out."

As we settle in, I notice the tension easing from his shoulders. He’s been distant since he got home, and I get why. He’s still not thrilled that Christian and I got engaged while he was away, but he’s accepting the situation. Since the dinner I hosted to celebrate him coming home, I haven’t really seen much of him, which sucks. We usually hang out all the time when he’s home, but even though he’s not on the rig, he’s still got a busy work schedule in the office.

As we chat and drink, things start to finally feel normal.

After a while, a new song blares through the speakers—a catchy, upbeat tune that's impossible to resist.

"Oh, I love this one!" Marie exclaims, sliding off her chair. She looks at Garrett with a challenging grin. "Care to dance?"

He holds up his hands defensively. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm not much of a dancer."

"Come on, Garrett.” I say, nudging him teasingly. “Live a little! It's my bachelorette party—you have to dance at least once."

He glances at me, then back at Marie, who’s waiting expectantly with an outstretched hand.

Finally, he sighs in mock defeat. "No promises I'll be any good."

"Don't worry,” Marie laughs. “I'll lead."

They make their way to the dance floor, and I watch them blend into the crowd. At first, Garrett looks a bit stiff, his movements awkward as he tries to find the rhythm. But Marie is patient, laughing and encouraging him, her hands guiding his.

I sip my drink, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips. It's good to see him unwind. Ever since he got back from the oil fields, he's been more reserved than usual.

As the song progresses, I notice a change. Garrett starts to loosen up, his movements becoming more fluid. He spins Marie unexpectedly, and she throws her head back in delighted laughter. They move well together, their chemistry palpable even from a distance.

When the song ends, another one seamlessly begins—a slower track with a sultry beat. Instead of returning to the table, they stay on the floor. Garrett leans in to say something to Marie, and she smiles coyly in response.

Well, well, well.

I decide to give them some space and head back to the bar for a refill. The bartender raises an eyebrow as he pours me another.

"Your friends seem to be hitting it off."

I glance back at the dance floor where Garrett and Marie are engrossed in each other.

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