Faced with the lack of something more productive to do, she drew a heavy sip from her champagne, realizing just how long this wedding was going to be.

“Naomi, hi,” he said from over Mrs. Kennedy’s shoulder, patting her lightly on the back as they embraced. “It’s so good to see you.”

“And it’s great to see you, sweetheart. How have you been?”

It was funny seeing the response he elicited from women: Paul’s mom was a perpetual flirt, but Danial had such an overwhelming, effortless charm that it acted like a force multiplier. The two of them together were positively electric.

“Hi, Alex,” he said, pulling back from the hug. “You look”—he cleared his throat, eyes meeting her with an intensity that made her mouth go dry—“very nice.”

“Doesn’t she?” Paul asked, bumping his hip into hers. “I fear she might overshadow me at my own wedding.”

“It’s just the headband,” she demurred, averting her eyes and taking another sip of her champagne.

“Danial,” Edward interjected, accent lingering rather humorously on the y’all in Danial’s name. He extended his hand for a vigorous shake. “Good to see you, son. Are the bastards at Horace still working you round the clock?”

“Well,” he started to reply, “yes. But I’m—I’ve tendered my resignation.”

“Congratulations!” Paul exhaled in relief, nudging Alex subtly with his elbow.

“You quit?” Alex asked, eyebrows rising to the top of her forehead in shock. “You quit… your job?”

“Uh, well, yes.” Danial shifted on his feet. “I let the partners know that I would be making my transition in the coming months.”

“This wedding just got a lot more interesting,” Edward grinned, looping his arm through his wife’s and turning her toward an approaching family. “You know my offer still stands: we want more of what you’re doing at Surtech. I must excuse my family for a little diplomacy, but expect an email from me on Monday.”

“Excuse us,” Naomi purred, lingering in her observation of Danial. “Let’s go, Paulie.”

The Kennedys floated over to a group on the far end of the terrace, while Alex turned squarely to Danial in the vacuum of their absence.

“Please tell me this isn’t because of the video.”

“I—no.” His voice sounded more unsure than she’d ever heard it, stammering and sweet. “I mean, I won’t lie, it’s been an awkward few days at work: My partners follow me, and I’ve been tagged in photos with you, the producer of that video. Right? The optics aren’t great.”

Her heart sank, heavy at the thought of putting him in that position. “I’m sorry.”