Page 160 of Champagne Fizz

“Let’s find Mason,” Connor says, scanning the room for his buddy. But when our eyes find him, Mason is out on the patio talking to Naomi and throwing back a full glass of champagne. Connor and I exchange a glance and know he’s out of the question.

“Screw it. I’ll drive you,” I say, not liking the idea of leaving Flambé. Ironically, one of us—me or Arie—is always here when we’re open. It feels weird to abandon ship when the party is still raging.

“If Arie stormed out, she won’t want to see you,” Connor notes.

“That’s fine,” I agree. “I’ll drop you off and leave. I don’t want her alone, or going out and doing something crazy.”

“Crazy?” Connor asks pointedly, giving me a glare. “Crazy like selling her half of the business she created?”

I frown at him, taking that verbal punch and pointing to the exit. “Are you sure she’d go home?”

“No,” Connor admits, “but it’s a good start.”

“Okay, let me make sure Kendall has everything under control here.”

Connor grimaces, making it clear that he thinks my allegiances are in the wrong place.

“Hey!” I snap. “Arie left, you’re drunk, and I’m about to walk out of my restaurant while there’s still an event happening. Someone still has to be responsible.”

“We have managers,” Connor garbles out.

“Yeah,” I agree, “and one of them is the bride. So, I’m going to check with thewedding plannerbefore we go.” I emphasize Kendall’s job so he gets it. I push him towards the door, catching Kendall’s eye and motioning for her to come over.

The three of us step out onto the patio, and Kendall looks between me and Connor with a concerned frown.

“Is everything okay?” she asks tentatively.

“Nope,” I admit. “Arie just left.”

“What did you say?”

“No,” I clarify. “She just left. We didn’t say anything. She wouldn’t even talk to me.”

“Really?”

“What happened, exactly?” Connor asks as we head for the elevator.

“I’ll catch you up in the car,” I tell him, before turning back to Kendall. “We think Arie went home, and I’m driving this drunk fool over there to babysit. I’m pissed beyond belief at her right now, but she probably just needs time to think about everything you said.”

“Can’t take her own medicine?” Kendall gripes, which makes Connor tense up like he might start throwing down.

I stick a finger in Connor’s face. “After the wedding, right?” I snap. “Don’t make a scene.”

“Sorry,” Kendall apologizes, even though she’s right. Arie is being a baby. “You’re a good friend, Simon.” I shake my head, not sure if I’m just making excuses for her again. “You’re a really good friend,” she insists.

“Look, I need you to be in charge of the wedding,” I say, making a motion to the reception.

“Of course,” she nods. “Not a problem. It’s my job after all.”

“I’ll call Esme on the way over in case we need back up, or there’s a problem. She can always take a cab over,” I explain as the elevator doors open. “You make sure Ned and Olivia don’t catch wind of this, and I’ll be back later to help you clean up.”

“Okay.” Kendall nods as I help Connor into the elevator. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause drama, I wasn’t trying to ruin—”

I step forward and kiss her, causing the elevator doors to catch on us. I kiss her deeply because I don’t want her to think any of this is because of her. She’s not the problem.

“You’re amazing,” I say when we release. “You created an incredible wedding. Please enjoy it. I’ll be back soon.”

She nods and steps back, letting the elevator doors shut.

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