Not a Happy New Year

Lanie

“And this is my brother Damon. Have you guys met?” Matt pressed his hand gently to the middle of my back, walking me around the room and introducing me to his family and fellow artists at the party later that night.

“I don’t think so.” I extended my hand, trying not to focus on how incredibly hot Matt’s brother was. “Wait. Maybe so?”

“I think so.” He smiled and kissed my hand. “My wife Bethany is over there by the window. She’ll want to meet Erica’s best friend as well.”

“Got it.” Matt walked me over to the window, and I couldn’t help but look around the crowd for Andrew. The night was getting closer and closer to being over, midnight looming in the next forty minutes or so. I’d texted him three times, but after that, I felt like I was nagging and quit.

“Beth. This is Lanie. Erica’s BFF.” He smiled down at me as Bethany and I exchanged pleasantries. I’d met Kendal and Dana a few minutes before, as well as a million other people I could barely remember after shaking their hands.