Page 52 of Hot Set

But I couldn’t.

“I’ll buy your first round,” Seth said, nudging me in the ribs. “It’s not a good-bye party until you’re too plastered to walk.”

“Didn’t you say the same thing once about funerals?” Bioncia asked.

Seth grinned. “If you had to deal withmyfamily, you’d understand. Alcohol sadly is a must-have if you’re going to associate with most of those people.”

I shook my head. Whether or not Seth was exaggerating was impossible to tell, but regardless, I was gratefulmyfamily wasn’t like that. I felt a sudden, warm surge of affection for my mom, who’d supported me through everything—even my choice to pursue arguably the most useless, niche degree a university could offer. And finally, it had paid off.

Almost. This all felt sour, like I was trading Brandon for the FBI.

“Are they all like you?” Celeste teased. “I think we can all only deal with one of you, Seth. A whole family of you? That would drive anyone to drink.”

Seth shook his head and sighed theatrically. “The problem is thatnoneof them are like me.”

I forced myself to follow the conversation, but as the night wore on, I found myself idly toying with my glass of beer and doing very little celebrating. I ought to be enjoying myself. This was my night, my farewell party, but…

My thoughts kept drifting to Brandon, no matter the change of topic. I weighed the merits of bringing him up. I took a swig of my beer, now warm due to my negligence and gathered my courage. “So how is everyone?” I asked. “Anyone heard from Brandon?”

Seth seemed to consider me too carefully, although it was impossible to guess what he might be thinking. Maybe he was remembering my love confession and was trying to break it gently to me that I’d ruined my chances with Brandon forever. I already knew that. I was going to Washington D.C. Brandon was not. It really should be that simple.

Maybe that’s why I kept thinking about it. If I retraced those thoughts enough, they’d become true. “He’s planning somecharity thing for his father,” Seth said finally. “Really living the life.”

“At least, he’s doing something good in the world,” Logan said.

“Yeah, it’s better than being a spoiled trust fund baby,” Mark added. “Those are the worst.”

Logan adopted a look of mock offense. There was a dull thud, and then, Logan gasped. “Ow!”

Mark snorted. “Nice,” he said.

“What happened?” Sean asked.

“Logan tried to kick me under the table and hit the table leg,” Mark said smugly.

“Careful, dear,” Logan said. “I know where you sleep at night.”

“And I thought I was the only one who threatened people in their sleep,” Seth said, sounding as if he’d had some grand revelation.

Seth said something, but I missed it. My mind hadn’t quite caught up to what I’d seen. Brandon. He smiled hesitantly, almost shyly, as he crossed the bar. My throat closed up, and around me, the world seemed to stop. He’d really come here. For my last farewell. My heart hammered in my chest, so harshly that it hurt.

If he asked me to stay, I would. In a heartbeat. The realization slammed harshly into me but settled easily upon my shoulders. I would stay in Bluehaven for him if he asked me. I sucked in a steadying breath of air, but even that wasn’t enough to stop the spinning in my head. Brandon was here, really here.

“Hey, Brandon!” Seth yelled, waving a beer.

Did I imagine that Brandon’s eyes flitted to me for just the merest of seconds?

“Hey, Seth,” Brandon said, “Everyone.”

Everyone shifted, Brandon squeezing beside Seth. For a fleeting second, I wished that Seth would leave, but maybe it was for the best that he was there, between Brandon and me.Because I had no idea what to say or do with Brandon right there, right then.

A chorus of greetings followed Brandon’s, but even then, I remained silent. Brandon cleared his throat and leaned around Seth, offering me a tentative smile. “Hey, Alex. Congratulations on getting the FBI job,” Brandon said.

Somehow, the FBI job felt like a consolation prize. Knowing Brandon wasn’t going to be around anymore madeeverythingfeel like a consolation prize. I took a gulp of warm beer and forced a smile. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m very excited about it.”

I felt like my heart might explode. But that was the right thing to say, wasn’t it? I was supposed to be excited about it.

“So,” Seth drawled, his attention darting between Brandon and me, “What’s it like being part of a huge telecommunications company? It sounds torturously boring.”

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