Page 90 of Life of the Party

She blew her smoke out the open window.

“Don’t mention it, Mac.”

My parents had rented the entire private room of a restaurant in the city, La Grille, some fancy steak house, for Marcy’s rehearsal dinner.

Charlie and I sat at the private bar, our backs to the room. I could feel the cautious eyes of my parents on us, like we were ticking time bombs, volatile, liable to explode at any minute. When they weren’t glaring our way, Mom and Dad were simpering with pride, mingling with guests, ever the polite, charming hosts. Now and then, they’d glance over to smile at Marcy and Blake, the golden couple, practically shining from all the attention.

We were just about to sneak away for a cigarette when a tall, fairly handsome, but obviously rich and snobby type came and stood next to me at the bar. He ordered a cognac—what the hell was that anyway—on the rocks.

“You must be Mackenzie.” He turned to me then, his voice polished and arrogant, as rich as his suit. I smiled politely up at him.

“Yes, and you are…?”

“Smitten.” He smirked, raising his eyebrows at me.

“…Okay.” That was officially my cue. I grabbed Charlie’s arm and started for the exit, pulling her along behind me, giggling. When I looked back, he was watching me, unfazed, a cocky smirk set on his face. I rolled my eyes and headed out the door.

We found a picnic table in the alley of the restaurant. I climbed on top of it and lit a smoke as Charlie leaned against the brick wall beside me.

“Can you believe that guy?” I chuckled. “I can’t believe those cheesy lines actually work on some women.”

“He was pretty cute.” She shrugged. “I bet he doesn’t get denied very often.”

“Are you kidding? I’m probably the first one who had the audacity.”

“Probably,” Charlie laughed.

“It’s your fault he tried to pick me up. You’re the one who made me all pretty.” I decided, looking down at my tight, dark blue skinny jeans and high, black peep-toed shoes. I wore a black scooped-back halter top, my hair was in a high ponytail, and my dark curls cascaded elegantly down my back.

“Well, I’d tell you to go for him, but I don’t want another Brad incident on my hands,” Charlie admitted. “He is really cute though. And obviously rich.”

I shook my head. “No way. I’d never go for someone like him. Even if Grey and I weren’t…” I trailed off, my words suspended in the air. I didn’t know how to finish my sentence. I didn’t know what Grey and I were anymore.

“Anyway, I’d never go for someone like him.” I stamped my cigarette out on the table and dug through my purse until I found what I was looking for. What I needed desperately. I brought the scoop to my nose and did some cocaine, super quickly—I was such a pro now it barely took any effort.

“Are you sure you should be doing that, Mac?” Charlie wondered skeptically.

“Yes.” I snorted deeply. “Want some?”

She shrugged and took the coke from my hand.

When we went back inside, it was time for us to eat. I was feeling pretty good by then; I had a nice combo of wine and blow going for me. There was an actual smile on my face as I took my place at the head table next to Whitney and Marie.

They were sizing up the groomsmen, trying to decide who they’d be paired with at the wedding. I leaned forward curiously to look; I hadn’t even thought about that awkwardness yet.

“Maybe I’ll get Colin,” Whitney whispered. “I hear he’s going to be a surgeon.”

“I think you will. I think Derek is my partner, the married one.” Marie frowned.

“Who’s mine?” I interrupted.

“Oh, um,” Whitney glanced over. They were still kind of awkward around me since the big fight. “You’re with Blake’s brother, Jake.”

“Blake’s brother’s name is Jake?” I giggled.

“Yeah. Why?”

“They rhyme.” I laughed. “Don’t you find that funny?”

---