Page 34 of Since Always

We greet guests as they arrive a few moments later, and I am happy to find myself surrounded by friends and acquaintances. We have run across many of them in the past week around town, and on the slopes, but there are several I didn't even know were here. The relief of having people here to talk to, and get me away from Cassidy, Cassidy's dress, and my inappropriate thoughts about Cassidy and her dress, is immense.

After a bit of mingling, Jessica herds people into the large main room. Twinkling lights are now draped across the ceiling, lighting up the seven round tables below. I excuse myself from Colin Jenkins, the former Secretary of Defense and his wife, and make my way to the head table.

I am seated between Cassidy and Chris at dinner. Cass is either relaxed, and over our conversation from earlier, or putting on a good front because she seems fine. Much more so than I am. I can compartmentalize with the best of them, but right now I can't focus at all. Every time she speaks, my gaze is drawn down to her cleavage or the curve of her lips. I am lost in her, and I struggling to stay present at the table.

"You alright?" Chris whispers at one point when everyone around us seems engaged in other conversations.

"Yeah, I think I drank a little too much earlier. Feeling a little off now."

"Only one cure for that," he says, lifting his wineglass for a toast. I grab mine and clink glasses with him, taking a small drink. I have to hold steady to my plan to not drink too much tonight. No part of me thinks it would be a good idea to lose control.

Stephanie sits on Chris's other side. Chris has strategically placed her as far away from Jessica as she can be. She leans in to speak to us.

"Owen, I have some girlfriends coming later. One of them is single and an attorney. Her name is Liane—"

Cass has not indicated that she has been listening, but now her face whips around towards Steph.

“I actually think you would like her. She lives in Denver and works for Cavanaugh and Smith downtown. I think she's 32 or 33?"

I hold my hand up to stop her. "Thanks, Steph. I appreciate it, but I'm not looking to be set up."

"Why not?" Chris asks. "Give her a shot. Meet her, at least."

Cass's eyes are boring into the side of my face, but I refuse to glance at her. I do not want to give anything away to the man sitting next to me, who knows me all too well.

"I appreciate it, I do. I just really am not in the game right now."

"Did you invite that chick from the other night?" Chris asks.

"Oh, there was chick the other night?" Stephanie says, smiling.

"No," I say. "I mean, yes, there was a woman the other night, but no, that was a one-night kind of thing."

"Well, just say you will meet her. No pressure, I swear. She's nice."

"Jesus Christ, I wish everyone would get off my back about my love life.

I catch Steph recoiling from the sudden outburst. Chris bristles between us.

"Hey, man—“ he starts.

"I'm sorry, it's not... That wasn't aimed towards you, Steph. I just,” I rub my temple, “I feel like I must have hit the age where the only thing people care about is who I'm dating."

"How nice for you, that it took until almost forty," Cass says beside me. "When you are a woman, that age is 16. Right, Steph?"

Stephanie sits straighter, probably happy Cass has included her at all.

"Yeah, that sounds about right. And I'm sorry, Owen," Stephanie says. "I didn't mean—"

"No, I know you didn't. I didn't mean to snap. Thank you for thinking of me, and yes, of course, I will meet your friend. If nothing else, I can use all the lawyer friends I can get," I say.

Cass grabs her wine and takes a drink, saying nothing.

The surrounding conversation seems to have moved on. Stephanie chats with the Dickinsons beside her and Cass turns towards her mom's conversation.

"Okay, what the fuck is with you?" Chris says.

"Nothing. I'm sorry, man."

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