Page 82 of Obsessed

“I’ll take some fries too,” Rain stated, bumping Liam’s shoulder as he sat down next to him. As part of the wedding party, Liam had also been kidnapped but Marci must’ve let him out early for good behavior.

“Hello, Rain. I hear you’re the photography assistant on this job.” Liam’s eyes flicked to Owen, who winked at him.

“Yep! I can’t wait. If the weather is warm enough, I might be able to get some drone shots.” A bunch of bags hit Rain’s part of the table and he stuffed bottle openers in them.

“You can’t shoot in the cold?” Liam helped with the last few.

“Not with the drone we have but I’ll eventually get one that can.” He’d been eyeballing a few but they were pricey.

“If you do fly it at Marci’s wedding, let me know. Oh, and thank you for the gift cards and the flowers, you didn’t have to do that.” Liam blushed prettily, genuine gratitude in his eyes

“Of course I did. You’re the reason we got to keep the house!” Rain stated, like Liam was being ridiculous for thanking him for a thank you.

“I’m glad. But really, it was Ms. Chauhan who did all the work.”

“And we would’ve never had a chance with her or even known about her if you hadn’t hooked us up.” Bumping his shoulder again, Rain enjoyed the way Liam’s blush deepened and so did Owen because he drifted to their side of the table, sending the assembly line into chaos just so he could kiss Liam on the head.

“Hi, Angel. Helping out?”

“Kind of,” Liam giggled, jumping up to hug him, and Rain wished he could do the same with Mason.

As if Joyce had somehow heard his plea, the empty chair beside him filled and the familiar scent of darkroom sage teased his nostrils. Turning, he smiled, raising an eyebrow that asked Mason where he’d been, and Mason’s eyelids fluttered, which was his way of rolling his eyes.

“The bride’s mother had an extended shot list. You were better off here.”

“Oof. You poor thing.” Rain grabbed Mason’s hand in both of his own. “Thank you for taking one for the team.”

“Here you go!” Marci plopped a bunch of drinks on the table as Isaiah handed Ollie and Rain their fries, and Rain dug in, watching as Owen started and looked at his phone.

“Is something wrong?” Finn asked.

“Yes.” Owen pursed his lips in frustration, his arm around Liam. “Another candidate withdrew after talking to John.”

“Typical,” Marci huffed, hands on her hips.

“Candidate for what?” Getting back together with Mason had pushed Rain out of the loop on The Pointe’s news, and he refused to read the thousands of messages that had piled up in the group chat, so he was behind the times.

“Maître d’” Emma stated and Rain whipped his head from her to Marci.

“Are you leaving? The place will crumble without you!” he blurted.

“You are so right, hun, because it would,” Marci laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not leavingbutthere will be three rooms at The Pointe now. I could use a break and I’m going on my honeymoon soon. Who’s going to run things while I’m away?”

“I wish we could twin you,” Owen sighed.

“So does Isaiah,” she smirked as some of the table snickered. “But I get it, the job is difficult. We need someone who has managerial and hospitality experience, who doesn’t fold under pressure or large personalities, who knows how to please even the toughest customers, and on top of that they need to be super organized.”

“Not a tall order at all,” Emma stated with a wave of her hand. “I’m glad I make cakes.”

“Yeah.” Rain picked up a few more fries, grinning when he saw Mason snatch one from the corner of his eye. “Who knows somebody like that? I mean-”

Realization him like a bus and the fries fell from his hand, scattering across the table.

“Wait, I think Idoknow someone.”

“Tristan!” Rain dove across the threshold, hugging him before he had a chance to step inside.

“It’s good to see you, kid. Merry Christmas.” He patted Rain on the back and took a look around, his eyes resting on the stained glass above the door. “This is a swanky house!”

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