Page 3 of Til Divorce Do Us Start

His eyes flash, but his expression stays maddeningly calm. “Shame your personality doesn’t match your dress.”

I blink, hard. “Shame your personality doesn’t matchanything.”

Without breaking eye contact, he picks up both remaining shots and downs them, one after the other.

I roll my eyes. “Can’t turn down a challenge, huh?”

He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and leans in just enough to make my pulse tick faster. “Seems I’m not the only one who remembers.”

Something sharp sizzles between us. I’m not stupid enough to believe it’s anything but hatred. “Oh yeah. Because remembering one of the most embarrassing nights of my life is so weird.”

“Didn’t seem embarrassing based on my memories,” he says, eyes flicking over me. “Pretty sure you’re the reason that there were noise complaints.”

My face goes red, but I narrow my eyes. I ignore the fact that my words are slurring slightly. “Well, fake moans have that effect. Something I’m sure you’reveryfamiliar with.”

“I’d let you know if I ever hear afakemoan, but that would mean talking to you.”

“Oh, you’re not enjoying this fun conversation? Is it because you can’t measure up or-”

“We need more drinks!” Trish demands even though she’s already giggling and leaning against Alex for support. “Everyone needs to wear smiles!”

I’m pretty sure Alex just ordered half the bar in shot form, but I’m not complaining. Laughing and teasing Trish is way better than arguing with Colin. We keep trying to make each other laugh mid-sip, aiming for the ultimate win: tequila through the nose.

The alcohol creeps up fast, warm and buzzy. Everything feels hazy and bright and a little magical—like the whole world is wrapped in glitter. Even Colin’s presence can’t ruin this.

“You’re so pretty with that drunk smile,” Trish teases, bumping my shoulder.

“You’regorgeous,” I giggle. “If Alex weren’t snapping you up, I totally would.”

Alex grins as he pulls Trish to her feet and twirls her under his arm. “It’s time! Ready to be my wife?”

“Yes!” she shouts, glowing from head to toe.

I push up from the booth and immediately stumble. Trish catches me with a laugh, and somehow—somehow—we make it out the door and into a cab.

I have a sneaking suspicion we owe that miracle to the hulking a-hole in the front seat, giving the driver directions in a low, slurred voice while pretending he'snotslurring. Which only makes me laugh harder.

Getting to the chapel and standing next to my best friend is a kind of blur, but once we’re there, I’m swept up in Alex and Trish’s love for one another.

I cry during the vows—of course I do. Trish looks radiant, Alex can’t stop smiling, and love always hits harder when you'rea few shots deep. I keep my eyes glued to them, refusing to glance even once in Colin’s direction. Still, Ifeelhim. That strange mix of heat and cold rolls off him like waves—soothing and maddening all at once. It makes my skin tingle, my stomach twist.

I stumble slightly, and before I can hit the ground or my pride, Colin’s hand is at my waist, steadying me. His touch is strong, familiar in a way that sets every nerve alight. For a second, I almost lean into it. Then I jerk away.

“I’m fine,” I mumble, the words slurring as a soft giggle slips out.

“Sure,” he snorts. “Depends on-on who ya ... ask.”

At least it’s clear neither of us are sober.

“All we need are the signatures,” the officiant announces cheerfully.

While Trish and Alex are still wrapped up in each other, I dart forward and scribble my name on the first line I can see. The rest of the document swims in front of me, blurry and irrelevant. I’m not about to waste time squinting when there’s a getaway kiss happening behind me.

Colin blinks at the paper, then signs below me with a sigh. “Good night... and good honeymoon,” he mutters.

I don’t look at him. I don’t say a word. But Ifeeleverything.

“The party can’t be over yet!” Alex says as he signs, wavering clearly. Colin holds his best friend up.

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