Page 42 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

“That was probably Butch,” I say. “He makes people nervous until they get to know him. He’s soft and squishy underneath all the bravado.”

“So do you have something with Butch or not?” Maisie says. “Because Alex is definitely into you.”

“I don’t have anything with Butch,” I say, grabbing their hands and pulling them off the bed. “And it’s almost seven-thirty. We’re ridiculously late.”

“All right,” Sophie says, “but we need more alone time to talk about Alex and other things. Seb and I are having a very small group over to our place tomorrow afternoon. Will you come over? Bring Butch if you want.”

“Of course. Who else is going to be there?”

“Just our families, Maisie, Seb’s Michigan boys.” She pauses for a second as she wraps her arm around my shoulder and whispers, “and Alex.”

“Oh-h-h-h,” Maisie says like she’s having an orgasm. “Al-l-l-ex.”

“Grow up!” I say, laughing as I try to get out of their group hug. “Stop it! Both of you. Right now.”

* * *

“Sophie!” As soon as we walk into the party, a voice screeches at us from a table to our right. I look over to see Allie and a woman in a bright orange swimsuit waving us over to a table of women.

“God,” Maisie whispers, “does she own any piece of clothing that’s not that horrible orange color?”

“Savannah,” Sophie says, disdain dripping from her voice. “I told you I’m not playing Truth or Tequila at my bachelorette party. My wedding, my rules. And this isn’t even a bachelorette party. It’s a welcome reception.”

Savannah, the one in orange, walks toward us—one hand on her hip, the other hand shoving a bottle of tequila into Sophie’s face. Maisie pushes the bottle back.

“I’m not playing either, Van,” Maisie says. “It’s Sophie’s weekend. We’re lucky she even invited us to her wedding. You know how big weddings horrify her.”

“Yeah, what happened with that?” I say, looking at Sophie. “You’ve said since you were little that you wanted a private wedding and then a big party afterward.”

She shrugs and looks away from me. “I guess things change.”

“Sophie,” Savannah says, holding up the bottle again, “we need more people to play. Quit being an asshole as usual.”

“I’ll take Sophie’s place,” I say, pushing the bottle away from her again as I stand between Sophie and Savannah. “Just teach me the rules. I’m a quick learner.”

“And who are you?” Savannah says, taking a step away from me when she sees my cold eyes.

Allie walks over. “This is Raine. I met her this afternoon. Alex washelpingher to her room.”

“Alex was doing what?” Sophie turns me around and smiles—her eyes wide.

“Sophia,” I say, pushing her toward Maisie. “You have guests to greet. Please go away. I’ll take care of your drinking game obligations.”

“You don’t have to rescue me anymore,” Sophie says, kissing the top of my head. “I’m a big girl now.”

“It’s been my job since we were born. I’m not stopping now. Mae, take her away, please.”

“Okay,” she says, grabbing Sophie’s hand, “but we’re talking about Alex helping you to your room later.”

“No, we’re not,” I yell as they walk away. I turn back around to Allie and Savannah. “So, do you need another person to play this game or what?”

“Maybe. Can you hold more than one shot a night or are you a weak-ass, little lightweight like Sophie?” Savannah says, taking a seat at the table.

“I’m not a weak anything,” I say, grabbing the bottle and taking a long drink. “And if you keep talking shit about my girl, we’re going to have a problem.”

Savannah glares at me. “Meaning?”

“Fuck around and find out,” I say, looking at the other women around the table for emphasis as I sit down. “So are you all college friends?”

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