“I lost count,” I said proudly, putting my hand over my stomach.

“Do not throw up in my bar,” Heath growled.

“Maybe don’t let him have so many fruity drinks,” August said, smiling between us. “He’s your problem now.”

“Hell no. I’m watching over my wife who also drank too much, and I’m going to go tuck her into bed soon. Party’s almost over guys. Drink more water.”

I did as both of them said, on my third glass of water. Heath slid a basket of fries in front of me and I smiled dreamily at him. “Seriously, my favorite brother.”

“You literally just said that to me,” August added dryly before he maneuvered someone else to sit next to me.

I squinted at the newcomer before beaming. “My Addison!” I called out, probably a little too loudly.

“My Luca!” My new best friend wrapped her arms around my shoulders and hugged me tight. “I lost you.”

“You guys were like five feet from each other,” August grumbled. “I need to go check on everyone else and make sure they have rides home. Do not move from this spot.”

“Of course not. I have my new best friend here. I love Luca. You’re still an asshole.” She winked at August.

My brother rolled his eyes as he made sure Addison sat down. “Stop talking to my ex-wife.”

“But your ex-wife is my friend. I had to go with girl solidarity.”

“You are going to regret this conversation in the morning,” August grumbled before he went off to go presumably help someone else.

I pulled away from Addison and scooted the fries between us. I took a bite of the gloriously crunchy deep-fried potatoes, and sighed. “You shouldn’t get on him about the divorce. It makes him sad.”

Addison exhaled, her mouth going in that little pout I told myself I shouldn’t think about as much as I did. “You’re right. It’s such a jerk move of me. I don’t even know why I said it. It’s not like Paisley treats him any differently. Not that I’ve ever really seen them together outside the wedding and random events like this.”

“I don’t even know why they got divorced. Only that one minute they seemed happy, the next he came home and said it hadn’t worked out. And then she was living in this state with us.”

“But it wasn’t on purpose. I’m pretty sure Paisley was here first.” Addison frowned. “Yes. She was totally here first. And then you guys showed up.” She smiled at me before she crunched into a fry.

“Not that I mind. Because Heath and Devney are adorable, and we got Greer—your sister is fantastic.”

“She is pretty fantastic.” I paused, waiting for her to continue. “And me. You got to meet me. And that really is the best part of your year.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course,you. My life wouldn’t be complete without you.” She fluttered her eyelashes.

I snorted. “I feel like you’re mocking me.”

“Of course I’m mocking you. Because I love you.”

I sighed and finished the fries with her, as well as our waters. “You know, I kind of miss women telling me that they love me. Or at least one woman.” I frowned. “I’m really glad I have water, since I’m drunk enough to be bringing that up.” I rubbed at my chest then drank the last of my water. August appeared with two more cups, scowling between the two of us. He shook his head, as if he wanted to say something and refrained, before going back to talk with a group of friends.

“You can always talk about her if you want. I don’t mind.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I shrugged. “She’s gone. I’m not. I’m here. I’m sobering up.” I swallowed, the taste of sugar and liquor still lingering on my tongue. “Okay, not sober, but I’m not silly anymore. I’m going to count that as a win.”

“I like silly Luca.”

“I like you too, Addison.”

Our gazes met and my stomach tightened. I must have had far more to drink than I thought. This was Addison. Yes, she was beautiful, one of the most beautiful women I had ever met in my life.Andshe was my best friend.

I loved her bright light-blue eyes and her short dark hair. It was just past her shoulders now, having grown out from a pixie cut before I had met her. She mentioned once that her hair had been down past her back, and because her ex had always loved talking about it, she chopped it off when they broke up.

I thought she looked good no matter what, but she didn’t believe me when I told her that. Her hair was great, and so were her eyes, but it was that smile that always caught me. She had such a damn good smile, one that brought you in and let you know that she could take over the world, and you could be right by her side. That nothing bad could happen when that smile was near.