Page 33 of Taming Waves

Audrey

“Idid not invite you so you could play bartender,” Amiya says as I fill the metal shaker with ice.

“You didn’t invite me; I’m a party crasher. The least I can do is mix a few cocktails,” I say.

“You girls are with Parker and Anson. That means you’re guests, not crashers,” she corrects.

I secure the lid, raise the container over my shoulder, and shake the concoction vigorously.

“We’re not with Parker and Anson,” I stress.

Her brows draw in confusion.

“I mean, we came with them, but we aren’twith them, with them,” I clarify.

She glances over her shoulder to where Heather is seated with Anson, the two of them sharing a plate of ribs. Parker is beside them, chatting with Lennon, but his eyes are on me.

“Are you sure they know that?” she asks.

“Parker does, but I can’t speak for the other two,” I say.

She turns back to me, and we both start to laugh. I take the shaker, fill two martini glasses, top them with prosecco, and garnish them with a cherry.

“What’s this one?” she asks as she takes one of the glasses.

“Marasca fizz. It has cherry liqueur, bitters, a pinch of brown sugar, and maraschino cherries with champagne. Or, in this case, prosecco.”

She takes a sip.

“Damn, that’s good,” she says.

“Right?” I say as I claim the other glass.

“That’s it. You have a standing invitation. Parker or no Parker,” she declares loudly.

“Hey,” Parker shouts. “I heard that.”

“Sorry, handsome. If I have to choose, I’m keeping Audrey,” she calls and winks at me. “Hopefully, you’ll win her over, and it won’t come to that.”

His eyes come to mine. “I’m trying.”

The glass doors that lead to the deck open, and Avie steps in.

“Lennon turned the hot tub up. It’s perfect now. Grab your glasses and come on.”

Amiya follows her, and I quickly mix another round of fizzes. Then, I grab the shaker and my drink.

“Need some help?”

I look up, and Parker is beside me.

“Can you carry the ice?”

He picks up the bucket I filled and opens the door for me. Avie and Amiya are already climbing into the steamy water.

“Hand me my glass,” Amiya calls.

Parker sets the ice bucket on the table by the tub and fetches her cocktail from where she left it.

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