Page 19 of One Last Time
My brows raise, and she thrusts a glass into my hand. “Who are you, and what have you done with my bestfriend?”
Her gaze drops to the floor, and when she looks up, a tear forms. “It’s two years today...since I losther.”
She doesn’t have to say another word. I pull her into my arms and rub her back. “Oh, Heather. I’msorry.”
It’s hard to believe that she lost her sister two years ago. It feels like it’s been so much longer. There’s nothing to say to ease her pain, but I wish I could. Stephanie was more than a sister to Heather. She was like adaughter.
“I’m okay,” she says as she pullsback.
“Today is a shitty day all around.” Ishrug.
“Scott?”
“Yup.” Then, because there isn’t anything she can do to make it better, I shrug again. “You know . . .exes.”
“All too well, my friend.” Heather laughs and takes a sip of her drink. “Now, drink so I can bring you out back. Eli and Noah are both in the pool.Shirtless.”
Maybe a little alcohol will make me not such an awkward turtle. I follow her advice and take a gulp, shuddering as the alcohol hits me. “Holyhell!”
She wasn’t kidding about the drinks being strong. I don’t know that I can taste the mix. It’s basically straight tequila. I take another gulp and look out the backwindow.
The back wall of the house has the best views, though. The sun is setting, giving the sky a pink and yellow hue, but that isn’t what my eyes are fixedon.
Standing on the edge of the pool is the most gorgeous male specimen I’ve ever seen. The photo of Noah Frazier is absolutely nothing compared to the living version. He’s taller than I imagined with a wide frame and tanned skin. His hair is wet, appearing almost black, and little drops of water fall from the tips, sliding down his perfect body. I watch the rivulets slide from his chest and then lower as they follow the ridges of his six-pack.
I grip the counter to stop from falling over. “Oh my God,” I say, barely breathing thewords.
Heather’s head twists, and when she looks back at me, her grin is wide. “Yeah, God definitely madethem.”
“I can’t go out there,” I stammer. “I’ll never be able tospeak.”
There is not a chance in hell I won’t make a total fool ofmyself.
“You have to!” Heather grips my hand. “He’s expecting a reporter friend to interviewhim.”
My stomach drops. No, no, no, shedidn’t.
“You told him?” I scream thequestion.
She laughs and drains her glass. “Of course we did. Trust me, it’s better he knows. We explained you’re one of my best friends and that you wanted to talk for a bit. Eli said he was more than happy to do the interview foryou.”
Jesus. I’m going to killher.
I grab my drink and throw it back. My throat burns, and I cough as the warmth starts to flow through myveins.
“Easy!” She warns while slapping myback.
“This is going to be so embarrassing,” Iwhine.
Heather laughs as she pours another drink. “Yup. Yup it is, but oh soentertaining.”
Maybe I can duck back out and no one will ever know. There’s nothing saying I have to do this. My boss is, like, twelve, I’m sure I can come up with something plausible. Celebrities aren’t known for beingreliable.
Ugh.
I need this job,though.
Before I can make a move either way, the glass door slides open and Noah walks through thethreshold.
