Page 21 of Lost Lyrics

“Same.” I patted his shoulder and fell back a step. “Congratulations again. Shall we grab a drink to celebrate?”

Flint stilled. Concern rippled across his eyes. “Are you drinking alcohol again?”

“Nah, man. I’m still sober and loving it.” I did. But nothing stopped my taste buds from begging me for just one shot as I glanced toward the bar and the mass of people with champagne, wine, and beer in hand.No...I can do this.I’m in control.“Tonight I’ll find out if those thousands of dollars I’ve spent on therapy have been worth it.”

“We’ll make sure of it,” Flint said, reassuring me.

“Slip, we love that you and Maddy are here.” Sutton rested her head against Maddy’s as they embraced. “But ifbeing here gets too much, if you have to leave, or take a break, we’ll understand. We don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Sutt, thanks. I’m okay.” I threw her a wink. I loved how my friends cared, but I wished they’d stop worrying. I’d be better off if no one asked if I was drinking again. And even better if there weren’t ten types of vodka on the shelf behind the bar. Tito’s. Grey Goose. Absolut. Yeah, I’d counted them. Yeah, I wanted a shot. But would I have one?..no. I was good. “Don’t worry about me. You just have a fabulous night. Enjoy your engagement. Let’s celebrate.”

“I’m down for that.” Flint thumbed toward the partygoers. “Let’s go mingle.”

“After you.” I waved him forward. He took Sutton’s hand and drew her into the crowd. Maddy and I followed.

After hugging our friends hello, we grabbed drinks from a waiter. I opted for soda and lime. As long as I had something in my hand to keep me occupied, I’d be fine.

Sobriety was a daily battle, but it was one I’d keep fighting. I’d survived eight months; I planned on many more.

Maddy only indulged in a drink or two when we ventured out to dinner or caught up with these guys. She never drank at home. We had no alcohol in the house. But tonight she’d no doubt have a few drinks. Thank fuck kissing her didn’t break my sobriety. If it did, I’d be fucked.

She grabbed two flutes of champagne from a waiter passing by and handed one to Sutton. “So, have you set a date? Found a venue?”

“No. Not yet.” Sutton’s shoulders sank two inches as disappointment swayed in her voice. “Since we announced our engagement, we’ve had hundreds of messages from companies offering help, suggesting venues, and offering honeymoon packages. It’s so exciting. But then...everything we’ve looked at is booked out for at least two years. It’s crazy. I need to find a wedding plannerlikeyesterday. Ava’s too busy with stuff for the band. I don’t want to add to her workload.”

“I’m happy to help.” Ava tilted her head toward Cole, Lewis, and Flint. “These guys are busy, but don’t have too much travel over the summer. I’m still run off my feet, but I’ll do what I can.”

Good thing she hadn’t included me in that gesture. I wasn’t rushing back to be involved in appearances and publicity events for our band just yet. I needed this break, and if I wanted more time off, the guys wouldn’t hesitate to give it to me. Even though it’d kill Flint.

Maddy sipped her champagne, then licked her lips. “Sutt,if you want a small wedding like Slip and I did at our house, you could use Raya. She was an amazing coordinator. But if you want big and flashy, have you contacted Quill? He’s the guy who organized my first wedding and only does high-end events. I’m sure if you drop your name, he’d take you onboard in less than a heartbeat.”

It still did my head in that Maddy had come close to marrying someone before me.

Sutton’s smile couldn’t get any bigger. “Oh...I loved Quill. He’d be perfect.”

Maddy crooked her head to one side and injected sarcasm into her tone. “Just as long asyourwedding day doesn’t end up likemyfirst one did.”

“Mads.” I threaded my fingers underneath her long hair and massaged her neck. “Noah was an asshole for leaving you at the altar. But I, for one, am glad he did. Now you’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.” I turned to Flint and jabbed my finger at him. “You and Sutt belong together. Don’t you ever hurt her. Don’t fuck this up.”

“I won’t.” Flint slid his arm around Sutton’s waist. Warmth flooded his eyes as he gazed at her. I loved seeing him happy. “Sutt is my forever. I can’t wait to get married. But it’s her day. I’ve just got to wear the suit she wants me in and turn up on time. Isn’t that all I have to do?”

“Uh...no.” Sutton counted on her fingers. “We need to find a venue, pick a theme, decide on decorations, colors, and flowers, select a cake, sort out food, transport, accommodation, and guest lists, plan our bachelor and bachelorette parties, organize the rehearsal and reception dinners, work out who’s going to play for us, register for gifts, and book the honeymoon. And I’m sure there are a million other things we’ll need to add to that list.”

Fuck.I was so glad Maddy and I hadn’t taken thetraditional route. Gotta love a spontaneous Vegas wedding for some things. No stress was at the top of the list. The party we’d had when we renewed our vows was small and intimate...and hassle-free.

Flint scratched and rubbed his chest like he was about to have a heart attack. “There is a lot to organize, but you love that stuff. We’ll hire a wedding planner to help you. Call this Quill guy.”

“I will.” Smiling, Sutton jabbed her finger against his arm. “But you’re not getting out of anything. This is your day, too.”

“Yes, but I’ve already told you what I’d like. No church. On or near the beach. A big party to celebrate. As soon as possible.”

“I want those things too.” Sutton’s electric excitement was contagious. “After we’ve enjoyed being engaged for a while.”

Hmph.I hadn’t expected that. I’d thought she’d want to walk...no, run...down the aisle and marry Flint as quickly as she could. But she’d changed since we’d first met. Flint had been good for her. Sutton had a new confidence and strength that couldn’t be reckoned with. She didn’t take shit from anyone. Her wicked sense of humor rivaled Flint’s. They kept each other’s feet on the ground...well...except for tonight. They were both on a high, celebrating.

“Being engaged is overrated.” Maddy giggled and bumped her hip against mine. “Less than an hour was good for us.”

So true.“Perfect amount of time.” I kissed the sensitive skin on Maddy’s neck, just behind her ear, inhaling the sweet cocoa-butter scent of her shampoo.Mmmm. Mio bel girasole.My beautiful sunflower, who keptmegrounded.

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