Page 32 of Dangerous Encore
I don't wanttoknow.
Mal steps up to the front of the table. He looks around the room then his gaze focuses on Violet. "I remember the first time you came over. I thought, fuck, that girl is way too cool forEthan."
Everyonelaughs.
"I kept wondering when you'd realize it and dump his sorry ass. But you never did. And, after five years, I think it's safe to say you never will." He holds up his glass of champagne. "I know we've had our words, Vi, but I think we have thesamegoal."
"Make Ethan miserable," Joelteases.
Mal chuckles. "I wouldn't trust anyone else with him. Take care of him, allright?"
Violet nods. "You too. You have him as much asIdo."
Malnods.
Violet holds up herglass.
The two of themdrink.
Everyone elsefollows.
Mal goes around the room offering refills. Slowly, he works his waytous.
"I mean it. Congratulations." He leans in to whisper something inViolet'sear.
She laughs and whisperssomethingback.
"Do I want to know?"Iask.
Violet laughs. "Nothing like that." She smiles back at Mal. "Thanks."
"You too." He nods to her then moves on torefilling.
Violet turns to me. "He's sweet,deepdown."
"Incredibly deep,"Isay.
"I think we're good now." She leans in to press her lipstomine.
Her glass clinks against mine. Champagne pours over the sides and onto thehardwood.
She laughs as she pulls back. "I guess I better finish this." She locks armswithmine.
We tilt our heads back to drink from each other'sglasses.
"God, they're so cute it hurts, huh?" Pipersquees.
"I know. It's disgusting." That's Athena, Violet's best friend. She moves in to take Violet's hand. "This was really nice, really beautiful. But it's time for more importantthings."
"Oh no." Violet's eyes go wide. "Don'ttellme—"
"I won't tell you, but that won't change the facts." Athena turns to Joel and motionscomehere.
"Not strippers." Violet shakes her head, but she'ssmiling.
"So many strippers." Athena looks to me. "I promise to bring her home at a respectable time. And not too drunk either. No one likes a hungover bride. And it's not just because the strip club doesn't servebooze."
"I have to do this sober?" Violet shakesherhead.
