Special Chapter I

THE AFTER-PARTY was winding down and Piper was more than a little tipsy. She leaned heavily on Jeremy, her bubbly personality even more vibrant after a few too many glasses of champagne. Jeremy sighed, his arm steady around her as he led her through the crowded room.

“Come on, Piper,” he said while rying to sound patient. “Let’s get you home.”

Piper let out a laugh as she rolled her eyes.

“Oh, Jeremy, you’re so lame! Why didn’t you drink anything tonight? There were bottles of wine that cost more than you’d make in a month! You could’ve at least had one!”

Jeremy shook his head, guiding her carefully through the doorway.

“I don’t drink much. Besides, someone had to be responsible for you,” he said in a calm voice.

She threw him a mock offended look, then smirked. “Oh, please. Responsible? You’re missing out! Once-in-a-blue-moon kind of party, and you’re just standing there, drinking water. So boring.”

He just nodded, too tired to argue. He knew she was half-joking, half-serious, but