Page 112 of Harrison's Wedding

The food is as good as it always is, and I have another drink as well. I can almost forget everything while we eat, but when we get outside, there’s even more paparazzi than when we came in.

I manage to keep it together, and don’t have a meltdown this time, as they call out questions about my relationship or lack thereof. They also speculate heavily about where Heather was going with Sebastian. There's a repeat of the process when we get to the club.

“So, how long exactly has Sebastian been sleeping with Heather?” someone calls.

My nostrils flare, and I try to maintain my temper, but it’s difficult. I think the alcohol has well and truly kicked in. The people in the line to get into the club are all staring at us.

When I don’t respond, the same person calls, “I mean, theyarefucking, right? Has he been doing her the whole time you’ve been together? Or do you share her?”

Hayden tenses next to me, and I sense our bodyguards get on edge as they lead us to the club’s entrance.

As the bouncer lifts the rope for us to enter, someone yells out, “Come on, Harrison, we just want to know how much of a slut she is.”

My entire field of vision is bright red, and I’ve never in my life wanted to punch someone as much as I want to do it to this person.

Hayden grabs my arm and pulls me further into the club. “Don’t do anything stupid. They just want a reaction.”

“That motherfucking cunt can go to hell,” I snarl.

Hayden has a scowl on his face and he says, “I agree. Just don’t give them the satisfaction of responding.”

I stand where I am, breathing heavily as I try to let the rage go. The music is pounding throughout the club, and it feels like it’s fueling my anger.

Finally, I manage to nod at him. “You’re right. Let’s go get drinks.”

I get a double shot of whisky and we go to the VIP area of the club. People are looking at me, whispering to their friends, and then looking back.

Hayden leads me over to a blonde woman and her friends, saying loudly, “April, how are you doing?”

She turns to look at us and smiles brightly for a second, before she looks at me and her smile slips off her face. “Hey, guys. How are you doing?”

“We’re good,” Hayden says and gives her a hug.

She hugs me and gives me a sad smile before saying quietly, “I saw the pictures this afternoon. Is everything okay with you and Seb?”

“Don’t believe everything you read, April. Do you really think Sebastian and Heather had an affair?”

April looks abashed and says, “No, of course they wouldn’t. Sorry.”

“Not the worst thing I’ve been asked this week, trust me.” I smile at her.

April introduces us to her friends, and we sit with them while we drink for hours. I laugh and try my hardest to forget my life.

Later in the evening, Hayden takes April to dance and I’m left with some of her friends. One of them has long blonde hair and blue eyes. She reminds me of Heather, and I’m sad.

“So, are you looking forward to the wedding?” she asks me with a polite smile on her face.

Even though I’ve had way too many drinks tonight, I can recognize that she’s trying to get information out of me.

“I’m drunk, but I’m notthatdrunk. You just want all the gossip,” I slur, then laugh. “Okay, maybe I’m that drunk. What wedding do you mean? The royal wedding? Is another prince getting married?”

“Your wedding, silly,” she says and hits my arm.

“Oh,thatwedding. It’s going to be amazing. Everything’s booked, and we’ve been planning it for months. Heather’s very sophish—sophics—” I frown and then laugh, “—she’s very stylish. That’s why she’s a fashion designer.”

“I can imagine. I can’t wait to see the pictures,” she tells me.

I try to focus on her and see if I can recognize her. “What’s your name again?”

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