Page 64 of All the Promises We Break

“I like promises Wes better than no-promises Wes.”

We hear Dylan’s laugh from down the hall. This is not a drill. I repeat not a drill. Act one scene one starts now.

Hayley pops her head out the door. “We win.”

“I didn’t realize it was a contest,” Eli snarks.

“Take the stick out of your ass, please? This night is all about fun. You remember fun, don’t you?” Hayley snips.

“I’m not without a sense of humor. Our host knows that all too well.”

“Calm down, both of you. Jesus, I don’t want to be a ref tonight.” Wes adds, “Head out to the balcony. I’m going to grab something from here.”

Whistling my way into the refrigerator, I grab the bottle of champagne in one hand and two large flower bouquets in the other; Dylan’s is all white and Hayley’s is full of purples and deep pinks. When I lift the flowers off the counter, Hayley’s laptop is underneath. It’s covered in stickers of her favorite vacation spots. Shit. Hide it. Hide it. I open the oven and put it inside. This thing won’t be used today. Just remember to take it out before we make dinner tomorrow.

After finding my cool from I don’t know where, I return from the kitchen with the bottle tucked under my arm and both flower bouquets covering most of my face. “All right, Eli, pop the cherry on this bubbly. Mrs. Sawyer, this one's for you and, Miss Sawyer, for you.” I reach behind me and grab a tray of glasses from the corner. I settle it on the pub table between us. “Once everyone has booze in hand, I’d like to propose a toast.”

“Going all formal today, Mav?” Eli questions.

“I’m not a savage. I can hold it to a higher standard when I choose.”

Dylan starts to choke, covering a nervous laugh. “Are you all right?” Eli asks as he rubs her back. I would so like to come after her with a fuck you, but now is not the time.

Hayley takes the bottle from Eli’s other hand. “Let’s get her something to drink. You said something about a toast?”

“I’m fine. Yes. You were saying?” Dylan replies.

“To Dylan and Hayley, two of the best things this graduating class has to offer. I hope that with whatever you do next, it’s of your own design and passion. Cheers!”

“I’ll drink to that.” Dylan sips a little back, okay maybe more than a little.

“That was profound, Mav. Nice touch. Now I would like to dance with my wife, if there’s no opposition.”

“Keep it PG, would you,” I tell him.

“That’s rich coming from you.” Eli slides past me back into the living room. “Where’s the remote?”

Before I can even think about it, Hayley blurts out, “It’s on the console under the TV.”

My eyes grow wide at her as she slaps a hand over her mouth. “Oh cool. How did you know that?” Eli asks.

“Um, well, isn’t that where everyone keeps it?” Hayley gives her best fake laugh. Dylan downs her entire glass of champagne and offers the empty for me to fill again.

Eli laughs. “I suppose so. What are we in the mood for?”

My brain automatically goes back to what I told Hayley when we got here. I want to touch her every minute I’m not. Four people. Two couples. Dancing is a good veil. Let’s do this.

“Anything is fine,” I tell him.

Hayley whispers, “Are you crazy? We can’t dance together.”

“The hell we can’t. We did it at the wedding, we can do it here.”

“Bad word choice, Mav,” Dylan pokes.

“Give it a rest. I’ve got this.”

“Viper, care to dance? Sorry, Hayles. You’re stuck with Mister Two Left Feet.”

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