“Rare to have a celebrity in our midst.” I scoff. “I’m serious,” Andy insists. “You’re huge. My buddy’s cousin goes to Lancaster and said it’s nuts. You’re ranked first in the country!”

“Yeah, I know,” I say as I take a long sip of my drink. His words aren’t terrible for my ego, though, especially after the past day of conversations with my family.

“Hooking up with you in high school earned me some major cool points, by the way.”

“Still a gentleman, I see.”

Andy grins. “So, what’s it like—”

“Saylor! Finally! We need you for the cake.” Hallie appears.

I let out another long breath, trying to summon some patience. “Why? Do I have to cut it up?”

Andy snorts. Hallie glares.

I down the rest of my cocktail like a shot. “See you, Jacobson.”

“I’ll save you a dance, Scott,” he calls out as Hallie hauls me off.

“Maybe there could be one part of the wedding I don’t have to be front and center for?” I suggest.

“It’s not particularly fun having to track you down for every event.”

“Then don’t,” I reply, a bit sharper than I mean to. “And don’t think I don’t know you had something to do with the dance.”

“If I don’t, then Dad will be upset. Now Sandra too. And if I’d told you about the dance, you probably would have hid in the bathroom or something.”

“Yeah. Obviously.”

We reach the dance floor, which has been cleared for the cake. It’s a massive concoction that matches the room décor perfectly, all white with flowers that have been dyed gold. Or are made of gold-colored frosting. Cressida could probably tell.

Champagne is passed around, and Sandra’s father makes a toast. Rather than the customary sip, I drain the entire glass as my father and Sandra make an impractical dual attempt at slicing through the three-tier cake.

I snag another glass of champagne as everyone oohs and aahs over the slow process.

“How many of those have you had?” Hallie looks over and eyes the glass flute in my hand.

“Not enough.” I take a sip of fizzy liquid.

“Don’t be stupid, Saylor.”

It’s amazing how, after twenty-one years, Hallie still doesn’t know people pushing me only makes me push back. Harder.

I grab another glass from the display, double-fisting champagne. Classy and contrarian, that’s me.

“Me? Act stupid? Never.” I take a sip and send her a shit-eating grin.

Hallie backs down and looks away, just like I knew she would. I also know it’s not because she doesn’t care. She just can’t force herself to engage in confrontation any more than I can walk away from one.