ONCE MORE, WITH YOU

XVIII

Summer Preston

A/N: Merry Christmas Eve!

After what felt like a lifetime of small talk with strangers, I finally spotted Adrianna and Nolan at the bar.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," Adrianna quipped, sipping her martini with a smirk.

"You look exhausted," Nolan added, giving me a quick once-over.

"That's because I am," I sighed, signaling the bartender and ordering a Hennessy on the rocks. The moment it was placed in front of me, I took a generous sip, savoring the warmth as it burned down my throat.

"Going hard already, huh?" Adrianna teased.

"You have no idea," I muttered, setting the glass down. "Do you know how many times I've been asked the same question today? I could recite the answers in my sleep."

"Repetition means you're doing something right," Nolan said, nudging my shoulder. "Success isn't for the faint of heart."

"Grateful, sure," I replied, "but I'd trade all the press interviews for an extra hour of sleep."

Nolan grinned mischievously. "Come on, let's hit the 360 camera. That'll cheer you up." Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed both Adrianna and me by the hand and led us across the room.

Adrianna leaned in close and whispered, "He just wants to use it again. This will be, like, his sixth video tonight."

I couldn't help but laugh as we stepped onto the platform. Adjusting my dress, I pulled a lip gloss tube from its hiding spot.

"Wait, let me touch up real quick."

"Did you just—was that in your bra?" Adrianna asked, eyes wide.

"Obviously. My purse is checked in, I can't risk crusty lips," I replied, expertly applying the gloss and blending it with my liner. "How do I look?"

"Like a bag of money," she said, smoothing a strand of my hair.

The camera spun around us, and we immediately struck our best poses. Nolan flexed his chain, Adrianna flipped off the lens, and I finished with my signature move—a kissy face with a peace sign.

"That was way more fun than I expected," I admitted as we headed for the photo booth.

The three of us crammed into the tiny box, striking a mix of silly and serious poses. When the pictures printed, I pulled the strip from the slot and held it up. It was styled like a vintage film reel, complete with the event's colors and the movie's title in elegant cursive.

"This one's mine," I declared, clutching it to my chest.

"Not fair! I want one too," Nolan whined.

"Same here," Adrianna agreed.

Naturally, we did two more rounds so everyone could have their own.

Checking my watch, I realized it was almost time for the movie. "Give me a second, guys," I said, heading to the stage.

Scanning the room, my gaze landed on Solené, who was laughing a little too hard at something with another woman near the cookie skillet bar. The stranger's hand lingered on Solené's arm, her head thrown back in exaggerated laughter.

I didn't know a cookie could be that funny. Calm down.

Grabbing the microphone, I cleared my throat, and the room quieted. Plastering on a polite smile, I began, "Good evening, everyone! I hope you're all having a great time." Cheers erupted, drinks raised in celebration.