270 Hen''s Night (Winona)


    The music is loud, vibrating through the walls of the club as Lisa pulls me by the hand,ughing like we''re back in college. She''s always been the life of the party, and tonight is no different.


    I''m trying to get into the swing of things, but my mind keeps wandering back to Cass. She isn''t here but she should be.


    The text she sent earlier still feels a little off. I mean, Cass loves hiking, sure, but why now? Especially with my wedding just two days away. I shake my head, pushing the worry aside. I''m overthinking it. Again.


    Cass wants her freedom. I have to give it to her.


    "Babe, stop frowning like you''re solving world hunger. It''s your hen''s night!" Lisa shouts over handing me another cocktail. "You''re supposed to be having the time of your life."


    I take the drink, forcing a smile. "You''re right. I''m here to have fun."


    That''s my girl!" Lisa beams, raising her ss. "To getting you married off... finally!"


    the music.


    We clink sses, and I take a long sip, letting the alcohol smooth out the edges of my worry. This is my night. A night for me to enjoy before the whirlwind of the wedding takes over. I can deal with Casster.


    She said she''d be back by Saturday night, so no point freaking out.


    Lisa and I join the rest of the girls on the dance floor, where the lights are low, and the energy is electric. Strippers are doing their thing on the stage, and everyone''s cheering.


    The ce feels like one big, rowdy celebration for me.


    I let the music pull me in, swaying to the beat, feeling the tension in my shoulders start to melt away. For now, I''m just going to have fun.


    This is the third club the mystery limo tour has brought us too. It''s like midnight already. My Bride To Be sash has had me all sorts ofp dances and stripper attention. I''ve been in the thick of it.


    But to finish the night I feel like a little nostalgia is in order.


    I tell the limo driver to take us to ourst stop for the night and to take everyone home as they needed after that. The club we spent so much time in as college friends and workmates is where I want to end this night When we walk in it feels like afortable old nket.


    "Okay, a little quieter but we''re fine." Lisa says as she slides into our usual booth.


    "It''s the end of the night. I''m beat. It''s been a massive week."


    "You better make sure Hall Pass week ends up with a bang. Literally." Lisaughs. 2700 Men''s Night


    If I had the energy even. I''m happy to start being old and married right now."Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    "I''m going to the bathroom then we''re dancing."


    "You''re killing me." I grin.


    Lisa sticks her tongue out as she leaves the booth.


    But then Gus shows up, casually sliding into the club like he belongs here, which is, let''s be honest, hrious. He''s always so serious, so put together.


    Even now, in the middle of a room full of screaming women and half-naked men, he''s got thisposed look on his face, like he''s just here for a business meeting


    He''s looking around and he spots me and strides over,


    "Gus? What the hell are you doing here?" Iugh as he walks up to me, dodging a drunk couple.


    "Didn''t mean to interrupt your night," Gus says, his voice just barely above the noise, "but I wanted to catch you before I head out. I''ve got to fly back to Europe for some urgent business in a few hours." I raise an eyebrow. "Europe? When did thise up?"


    "Yesterday." Gus shrugs, looking around the club like he''s searching for the nearest exit. "Have to be there for somest-minute deals."


    "Did you get a chance to talk to Cass?" I ask, shouting a bit over the music. "She texted me, said she was heading out to go hiking and that she might be out of range."


    Gus frowns, his eyes narrowing a bit. "Hiking? She didn''t mention anything like that to me. When I saw her yesterday, she was still nning on being at your hen''s night."


    My stomach drops a little, but I keep my face neutral. I don''t want to worry Gus if there''s nothing to worry about. "She changed her nsst minute. Did everything seem okay, I mean with her and Gabriel?"


    "I think Gabriel was less than impressed to see me there with his mother. Things were a bit tense. But nothing to worry about. I bet they are just seeing some of that amazing South American wilderness." "It is something Cass was excited about. She''s busy being a tourist."


    "Anyway, just wanted to check in. Say good luck for the wedding. Give Jayden my regards." He looks momentarily crestfallen. "You have fun tonight, alright?"


    I smile, giving him a quick hug. "Thanks, Gus. Have a safe trip."


    Lance materializes out of nowhere, sliding into our booth beside me with his usual cocky grin. He''s wearing that look, the one that says he''s up to something. "Look at you," he says, his voice low in my ear. "Queen of the party,"


    Iugh, pushing him lightly. "I think this party is done for tonight. I''m just reminiscing and winding down. Lisa is in the bathroom."


    "I''m actually here to see you."


    "Okay fine. Here I am. Ta daa!" Iugh.


    270 Hen''s Night


    nce and I have always had this easygoing friendship, the kind where we can tease each other and flirt without any of the weirdness that usuallyes with guys and girls.


    He pulls me in a little closer, his hand settling lightly on my waist. "You know, Winona, if you really want to know what you''ve been missing out on... you should spend the night with me."


    I blink, caught off guard. "What?"