“Let’s go to Bubbles to get drinks.” It was like little light bulbs lit all their faces.

Rainy turned to Braithe. “What’s that?”

“A bar,” she said, scooting out of her seat and standing up. “And don’t worry, you’re buying me my first drink.”

Rainy would have preferred a shower and a movie in bed. Braithe must have sensed her hesitation, because she grabbed Rainy by the arm and whispered, “Please come,” in her ear as the others walked ahead of them, their jewel-toned heels snapping like fingers on the marble floor.

“Okay, but just one drink and I’m going to head back.”

“Fiiinnne,” Braithe said. They walked like schoolgirls, their arms linked as they lagged behind the others. When they got to the bar, Braithe slid into the seat next to her and ordered an old-fashioned. “What are you having?” She turned to Rainy, her chandelier earrings dancing above her shoulders.

“I’ll have the same,” she said to the bartender.

She hated the drink, but for some reason all of Grant’s friends drank them with enthusiasm. Looking around, Rainy noticed that most of the clientele were their age and remarkably beautiful.

“What is this place?” She darted her eyes around the space; it was themed, like the restaurant they’d just come from.

“It’s a champagne lounge.” Ah, now it made sense: the blush colors on the walls and the stools that resembled champagne bottles. But why order an old-fashioned in a champagne lounge?

“I really am sorry about earlier.” Braithe’s voice drew Rainy back from her thoughts. Her face was earnest, and Rainy believed her—not because of that, but because Braithe had always been honest with her. She glanced over at Tara, who was on the other side of Braithe, and saw her staring at them. Rainy looked away quickly, uncomfortable with the whole vibe.

“I was just having a moment,” Rainy said. “Forget it, it was an overreaction on my part and I’m sorry.”

Braithe smiled, tucking in the corners of her mouth and dimpling her cheeks. She’d styled her chestnut hair high on her head and was wearing a black choker. Rainy would have loved to sketch her. Their drinks arrived with lids. Even the champagne flutes had lids with little spouts to drink from. Rainy picked her rocks glass up in confusion at the same time as giant soapy bubbles began to shoot from the four corners of the room. Everyone began to scream at the same time, holding their hands up for the soapy, wet bubbles to kiss their skin. Rainy looked around, horrified, and then began to laugh as she noticed everyone holding drinks in outstretched arms as they danced around the bar, getting soapy; the sippy cups were brilliant.