Page 62 of One Pucking Surprise
Janelle joins us, looping an arm around my shoulders as she laughs and dances, her enthusiasm infectious. “You did good, Lainey,” she says, leaning close so I can hear her over the music. “This night is perfect.”
I smile, feeling a rush of gratitude. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The night blurs into a series of songs, each one louder and more vibrant than the last. I lose track of time, the hours slipping by as we dance and laugh, a whirlwind of movement and lights. Chloe is in her element, her faceglowing with happiness, and I feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I helped make this happen for her.
But as the night goes on, the queasiness returns, sharper than before. I take a few deep breaths, willing it away, but it’s persistent. Leaning closer to Janelle, I murmur, “I’m going to grab some water. Be right back.”
She nods, giving me a thumbs-up before turning back to the music, lost in the beat.
I make my way over to the bar, ordering another sparkling water and pressing the cool glass to my forehead for a moment. The bartender gives me a sympathetic look as if he’s seen plenty of partygoers needing a breather, and I give him a small, grateful smile.
It’s probably nothing,I tell myself. But it’s lasted long enough. I’ll call the doctor on Monday.
After a few sips, I start feeling steady again, and I take a deep breath, letting the bubbles calm my stomach. Setting my glass down, I glance over at the dance floor, where Chloe and the others are still going strong. I’m determined not to let anything pull me away from celebrating her tonight, so I shake off the lingering queasiness and head back into the crowd.
Chloe spots me as soon as I rejoin them, throwing her arms around me with a huge smile. “Lainey! This is the best night ever!”
I laugh, hugging her back. “That’s all I wanted.”
We dance together, surrounded by our friends, and I let myself get swept up in the music again. The crowd moves around us. The lights flickering in patterns that almost feel like magic. Chloe pulls Casey into our little circle, and soon we’re all dancing and laughing, spinning to the rhythm as if the night could last forever.
Janelle leans over, raising her eyebrows as she gives me a knowing look. “This has been quite the party, Lainey. You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thanks, Janelle,” I say, giving her a smile. “It was worth every minute of planning.”
A familiar song begins to play, one of Chloe’s favorites, and she shrieks with delight, pulling us all closer. We dance, laugh, and shout the lyrics at the top of our lungs, completely lost in the moment. It feels like a dream—one of those rare, perfect nights where everything just falls into place.
But as the night goes on, I can’t shake the persistent queasiness. Every time I think it’s gone, it sneaks back, reminding me thatsomething isn’t quite right. For now, though, I push it aside. I can worry about it later.
Tonight, I’m here for Chloe, and I’m going to make every second count.
Chapter 22
Zach
Istepintotheprivate poker venue with Wyatt and the guys, nodding at the bartender as he sets out our drinks on a side table. The place is decked out for a bachelor’s night, dim lights casting shadows over the tables, the air thick with excitement and competition.
Wyatt and I have been looking forward to this evening for weeks, and now that it’s here, I can’t help but grin as the crew filters in one by one, each of them just as ready to blow off some steam.
Mark gives me a nod from across the room as he takes a seat at the poker table, shuffling his chips like the seasoned player he is. Wyatt slaps me on the back, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Ready to lose all your money, Darling?”
I laugh, setting down my drink and cracking my knuckles. “Only if you’re ready to watch me take all yours, Banks.”
We start the night off strong, everyone diving into the poker tournament with the kind of intensity that only comes from years of competition. But after a couple of rounds, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high enough to keep everyone’s attention. Mark raises an eyebrow at Wyatt as if to say, is that all you’ve got? And one of the younger guys, Mason, yawns, clearly ready for a change of pace.
Wyatt stretches back, grinning. “Alright, boys, I think it’s time to shake things up. Who’s up for a change of scenery?”
The suggestion is met with a collective cheer, and within minutes, we’re heading out to a VIP nightclub a few blocks down. The energy ramps up as soon as we step into the club, the thumping bass vibrating through the floor and the neon lights giving everything a surreal glow.
I’m barely two steps inside when I spot a familiar face on the dance floor. Lainey’s out there, her blonde hair catching the lights as she moves with Chloe and a group of friends. She looks incredible—radiant, laughing, fully immersed in the moment. A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. Even after all the time we’ve spent together lately, seeing her like this,completely in her element, still makes my chest tighten.
Lainey’s eyes catch mine, and she immediately narrows them, crossing her arms as she walks toward me. “Oh no, you guys need to leave,” she says in a mock-serious tone, her voice just loud enough to carry over the music. “We were here first.”
“Nice try,” I shoot back, giving her a teasing grin. “But I think this place is big enough for all of us.”
Wyatt catches sight of Chloe and heads straight for her, leaving me with Lainey. Chloe practically beams as Wyatt reaches her, pulling him into a tight hug. “I missed you!” she exclaims, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Missed you too,” Wyatt replies, grinning as he holds her close.
