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I laugh along, wondering what to say I guess having your entire life cruht-loss tip, but soreat," I reply instead "Ooh, look at the tiny cakes!"

I deflect conversation back to the decor, and what a great party Mindy throws, and soon they’re all distracted again I excuse ift on the table, thenshut on the high-pitched laughter and syrupy voices

I take a breath, already exhausted After the stress of packing up this ht back to Beachwood Bay and take a long bath

And invite Garrett to come join you…

"You look like you need a drink"

I startle, turning A wo back by the pantry, al to hide She looks to be in her early twenties, with red hair twisted up into a braid, wearing a beautiful blue sundress

"Suzie said there’s no alcohol," I reply, rueful "If she can’t drink, we can’t"

"I know" The other woman sends me a conspiratorial smile "But I just happened to find this bottle of bourbon sitting here…" She holds up the bottle "I decided it was divine intervention"

I laugh, offering her in drink She pours in a splash, then raises hers in a toast "Cheers I’m Alicia, by the way," she adds

"Carina So how do you know Suzie?" I ask, glad for the brief respite from all the questions outside

"I was rooe," Alicia explains "We haven’t really kept up, but I ran into them both last week, and she insisted I come What about you?"

"We’ve been friends for years," I reply Then I pause, realizing how empty those words are "At least, ere," I correct myself

I don’t knoho my friends are anyle woossiping or whispers behind ht makes me uneasy

"There you are!" There’s a cry from the door Mindyus out of the kitchen again "You can’t hide ae’re just starting the games Sit!" She points to a spot on the sofa "Now, Alexis, where’s my list?"