I couldn't remember when I had kicked off my heels, but they were laying on the floor, under a coffee table about an arm's length away from where I was collapsed on a loveseat.

Just as I was drifting into sleep, someone sat across from me with a muted whump. I squinted in the dark.

"Long day?"

"Yeah," I mumbled. It was too dark to see who he was. "I'm sorry. Who are you?"

He leaned over to help me sit up with a smile. "Hal. I'm Eleanor's younger brother. We met at your engagement party, but it's okay if you don't remember. Congratulations, by the way. On the marriage and all."

"Thank you! No!" I shook my head. "I remember you. It's just dark. Um how are you? How's the party?"

Hal shrugged. "Not really my scene, but my friends are all here tonight so." He drifted off.

"Yeah no I get it. I'm not really into parties either, but I didn't want to pull James away too early, you know?"

We sat in silence for a while, both of us lost in our own musings, and I nearly fell asleep again before Hal said, "Reminds me of high school prom."

I made a face even though he probably won't see it. "Same."

"You just feel this obligation to go."

"Yeah."

"My sister forced me to go. To prom, I mean."

"My friend forced me. Worst hundred bucks I've ever spent."

"Everyone talks about it like it's the best thing in the world."

"Right? But maybe it would've been better if I had a date."

"Yeah Eleanor went with Jaaaaaaaames." I heard Hal slap his hand over his mouth in the dark. "Sorry."

I laughed. I was too tired to even feel the envious ache in my gut anymore. "It's okay. I already know anyways."

Hal sighed and laughed nervously. "Of course, but it was still inappropriate. I apologize."

"No it's okay. From what I've heard, those two have always been really close. It doesn't surprise me that they used to date."

"Yeah they only broke up a few years ago. I was surprised they weren't endgame." Hal's eyes widened, the whites glowing in the blacklight. "No-no offense to you, of course. I don't doubt James loves you now. I mean, why else would he marry you, right--"

I cut him off with a short, mirthless laugh. "It's okay. You don't have to keep saying sorry."

We fell into silence again.

"I'll go--"

"Yeah."

But before he could, another silhouette emerged from behind the curtain. "Hey there you are." It was James. "Evening, Harry. How are you?"

"Hi, James. Congratulations. I didn't get a chance to say it at the reception."

"Thanks, man! Hope you're enjoying the night. How's Eleanor?" He asked as if she didn't text him as soon as she arrived. "Did she get to the airport okay?"

"Yeah! She's probably at her hotel by now. Look, I'm actually on my way out. It's nice seeing you both again. I'll see you around."

"Sure of course!" They shook hands, and Hal left through the curtain.

"So? You ready to go, princess?"

I nearly groaned before I remembered Hal was probably still in hearing range. "The real question is, are you ready for me?"

I sauntered up to him and laid an arm on his shoulder, making the best "sexy" face I could muster, and he growled in response. I shrieked, "No! Stop it!" But James grabbed me by the waist snuggled his face into the crook of my neck. I gasped with wide eyes, my mouth frozen in its shocked state.

Then he straightened up and pinched my cheek with a devilish smile, his other hand still resting on the bodice of my evening dress. "Come on. I saw you nodding off earlier when you were talking to Jacob Schmitt. You must be exhausted."

I was glad the dark lighting washed out my blush.

"We should've left earlier," He continued, "But I thought I had to stay the whole time. I'm sorry. I know you don't really like this kind of gathering."

The elevator dinged open, and a family of dressed in cargo pants and fanny packs stepped out. I gave James a questioning look as we entered the emptied elevator.

"What time is it?"

He stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Fuck it's five already."

"Das crazy."

"I can't believe there's still people in the reception hall. Do these people not sleep?"

"Wait then who's in charge if we're leaving?"

"Juwan told me not to worry about it, thankfully."

"Oh poor man," I rambled as we trudged down the hotel corridor.

"'Tis the life of an event manager."

I giggled as I leaned on his arm. "He's been a life saver today. Did you hear the bass actually fucking broke right before--"

The suite doors swung to reveal a path of rose petals and tea candles leading to the bedroom.

"That's terrifying."