Maid in Ink [PUBLISHED]

Chapter Ten

The afternoon winds down, and the sun is starting to slip into the horizon. The last few guest leave, with most of the bridal party staying. Lauren and Ivy don't stay too much longer before we say our goodbyes to them. Casey's parents stay outside with Levi's parents while the younger crowd joins in the kitchen. Casey and Levi are hugging each other and laughing about something while Anthony and Dylan seem to be whispering something amongst themselves.

My attention turns to Jack, who is picking at the leftover food. I start picking at it too before speaking to him. "Are you excited for the wedding?"

"I'm excited, but only to never hear the word wedding again," he laughs.

I feel my brows raise. "What about when you get married?"

He waves it off. "I don't think it'll ever happen. Levi has always been the romantic of the family. I'm just here to have fun and watch over him."

Well, at least he'll take care of his brother no matter what.

An arm is draped around my shoulder and Anthony's body is attached next to me. He flashes me a bright smile. "We're going out to Raven's. Wanna join?"

"Who's going?" I ask carefully.

"Just me and Dylan. Casey said she needs her beauty sleep," he rolls his eyes as he says it.

"I don't know..." I trail off as I glance quickly at Dylan who's talking to Casey. The energy between me and Dylan is weird right now and I don't want to make things worse.

"I'll be there to keep things cool," he says, obviously picking up on my hesitation. "We never hang out anymore. Just for a little bit."

He's right. I've only seen so much of him lately and he's guilt tripping me because of it. "Fine," I cave. "Just for a little bit."

We say goodbye to the Taylor's and the Harringtons before walking outside. I pull Casey aside.

"I'm going to Raven's with Anthony and Dylan. We shouldn't be out too late."

She gives me a suspicious eye before hugging me. "Be careful and text me when you're coming back to the apartment."

"Yes, mom," I tease her.

I walk over to Anthony and Dylan who are standing next to a shiny Mercedes. I raise my brow, wondering who's car this could be.

Dylan grins widely at me. "Look who's going out on the town with us."

"Who's car is this?" I ask the both of them.

"I have a client in town who's letting me borrow it for the weekend," Dylan explains. "Jump in the front with me." He opens the door for me and there's a fluttering in my stomach.

Anthony gives me no choice once he gets into the backseat. I step forward and give Dylan a knowing look as I get in the passenger's seat. He winks at me before closing the door and I turn to Anthony.

"Please don't let me do anything dumb tonight," I tell him, not fully knowing why I even say it in the first place.

Dylan steps into the car and Anthony tilts his head towards me. "Define dumb."

I leave it at that and soon we're off to Raven's.

~

We have to park across the street from how busy it is. We quickly cross the road and head for the door. We make it inside with no issue and spot a small booth in the back is open for us to sit. I end up between the two boys and Dylan offers to get us drinks.

When he's disappeared into the crowd Anthony turns to me. "You know you're both being weird right?"

"He started it," I point out. "He's giving me mixed signals and I don't know what to do."