Page 112 of One Night Only
“I did drama in school.”
“Thank you,” I say. “For doing this. You didn’t have to.”
“Of course, I did. I told you, didn’t I? I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. And Mark seems nice.”
I grimace. “Don’t say that. I’m worried he’s going to break her heart.”
“Nah,” he says quietly. “He likes her. And Claire knows exactly what she’s doing even if she doesn’t realize it yet.”
“And how do you know that?”
“She picked me, didn’t she?”
“You’re very sure of your abilities to make other men jealous.”
“Have you seen this suit?” He gestures down at himself and I look away because, yes, I have seen that suit. I’ve been staring at him in that suit all night.
He nudges my arm. “Hey, smile. I got you a present.” I watch in confusion as he talks to the coat attendant, who proceeds to bring out a pair of worn sneakers like we’re in a bowling alley.
“Who needs diamonds?” Declan says, presenting them to me.
“Where did you get those?”
“I didn’t steal them if that’s what you’re thinking. Claire brought them in that giant purse of hers. She said I could borrow them.”
I almost snatch them from him. Claire’s half a size bigger than me which is more than doable if I do the laces tight. I sit on one of the cushioned stools dotting the hallway and almost groan when I slip them on.
Declan scoops up the discarded devil heels. “What do you want to do with these?”
“Besides throw them over the balcony?” I hold out my hand to take them, but Declan doesn’t move.
“I can carry them.”
“I’m sure you can but you don’t need to. I’m going home.”
“You can’t go home.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because Claire’s going home.”
“So? I’ll…” But he’s right. Claire is going home. Home with Mark. Crap.
“Whoops,” he says cheerfully. “Didn’t think about that, did you?”
“Did you guys say you were going?” Will appears in the doorway, looking disappointed.
“Yes,” Declan says.
“But separately,” I add.
Will frowns. “Does this mean I have to leave?”
“You can do what you like,” I say, exasperated.
“Well, I’m staying,” he says. “I’m making rich friends. Enjoy your tension or whatever is going on here.” He pauses before he goes, touching my arm lightly. “Make good choices.”
He turns without another word and disappears back into the party.
