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Wanting to change the topic, I gesture to the bar. “Anyone for shots?”

“I’m in,” Asher says.

We both turn toward Lily and wait for her to refuse. But she just laughs. “I’m definitely in.”

“Good, I like drunk Lily.” Asher grins.

“I’ve missed this,” I confess. “We don’t go out together nearly enough.”

“I’ve missed this, too,” Asher agrees. Then he beckons the bartender and orders a round of shots, plus fresh drinks to chase them down.

We all knock them back with a grimace, and Lily and I quickly wash them down with our fresh glasses of champagne.

We’ll be hurting tomorrow.

“Ah, I remember why I don’t like shots now.” Lily’s grimace causes Asher and me to burst out laughing again.

“To the new job!” we shout.

“And drinking to the new paycheck,” Lily yells over the music.

My eyes roam back to the VIP room, hoping for one more peek of the handsome stranger, but he’s long gone.

3

Raven

Now on the dance floor,the effects of the shots are going to my head.

The place is packed for a Wednesday, and sweat-glistened bodies move all around us.

Still, we’ve created a perimeter with Asher in the middle, shielding us from the gyrating couples practically dry humping.

Silver has transitioned a lot over the past couple of years. There has always been a higher echelon clientele in the VIP areas, but nowadays, everyone in the place is swathed in high-end wear and dripping with diamonds and watches that cost more than my first car.

The club is now the hottest spot in the city.

It’s practically a speed-dating location for the rich and famous.

Luckily for us, Asher has connections.

Well, at least his family does.

He’s from a wealthy family, oozing in old money. His connections are limitless in the city of who you know. While I’d never say that to his face because he’s determined to make his own way, it’s the truth. Asher will never have to beg and plead for top positions with his last name.

Nepotism is alive and well in these parts.

“Oh, my God, Ash. Whatever you are trying to do there is not a dance move worthy of Silver,” Lily barks in laughter as he continues with his less than stellar imitation of a lawn sprinkler.

Lily leans forward in hysterics at his antics as Asher is many things, but a dancer, he is not.

“I’m going to pee. Stop it!” I yell at the moment when one song stops and another starts.

Everyone looks at me, and the three of us burst into more laughter. We’re acting like high schoolers, but it’s what I need.

Starting a new chapter in my life has me confused. One part of me is excited about the future, and the other is already disenchanted by a career I haven’t even begun. Despite Lily’s and Asher’s reassurances, I’m nervous about what’s to come Monday.

I'll be miserable if they have me running pointless errands and shut me out of the idea process.


Tags: Ava Harrison Romance