Page 117 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

She glances at me, startled, and I give her a look—a silentit’s fine, stop beating yourself up.

Chaos is practically her default setting.

I don’t want her to feel like shit because she’s drunk and messing around—this is supposed to be fun.

But just when I think we’re about to successfully steer the conversation into safer territory, Nova blurts out, “What about my brother though? Did you fall head over heels for him?”

Again, the room goes silent, except for the music in the background.

Austin freezes mid-reach for a pretzel, her eyes going wide. Nova immediately clamps a hand over her mouth, as if she can take back the words by sheer force of will.

Her gaze flicks to me, panic written all over her face.

I am going to kill her!

“I mean—” Austin stammers after a beat, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual. “I’ve been his biggest fan since he was drafted.”

She lets out a nervous little laugh, trying to cover her discomfort.

“That’s not what I mean,” Nova says, lowering her hand. Her tone is softer now, but the damage is already done.

My face burns as I glare at my freaking sister, silently screamingwhat the hell are you doing?!She winces, mouthing a quick “sorry” in my direction, but it’s too late to undo her slip.

I clear my throat, desperately trying to salvage the situation.

“Okay, let’s just pretend Nova didn’t say that,” I say quickly, forcing a light laugh. “She’s had too much wine and clearly has no filter right now.”

“Agreed,” Nova says, holding up her glass in a weak toast. “Too much wine. Blame the wine.”

Austin chuckles nervously, her cheeks still faintly pink. “Yeah, let’s blame the wine.”

But as much as I try to focus on the banter, I can’t help but feel the weight of Nova’s words hanging between us. Because as much as I’d like to believe Austin’s answer didn’t matter, the truth is, I was holding my breath for it.

We sit here for another several hours, wine bottles empty, charcuterie board dwindling, the laughter coming and going in waves. By the time the conversation finally slows, it’s eleven o’clock, and my eyes are starting to feel heavy.

I yawn.

Stretch.

“I should get going,” I say, reluctantly pushing myself off the floor. “I have to be up at five.”

Both women wrinkle their noses in unison, the distaste on their faces almost comical. “Ew,” they say at the same time.

I chuckle. “Yeah, I know.”

When I stand, Austin stands too. “Mind if I come with you?”

Of course I don’t mind.

I nod, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

“Oh, sure. Leave me here all alone!” Nova makes a half-hearted attempt at protesting. “It’s fine. I’ll just sit here and continue to be lonely.”

I chuck a pillow at her. “Drink some water.”

“Rude,” she mutters, catching the pillow and pulling it into her lap. “But fair.”

Austin steps over the remnants of snacks and empty glasses, slipping her hand into mine. The gesture sends a warmth through me I can’t ignore. I squeeze her hand lightly, grateful we’re leaving together.

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