Free Destined To Fall by Tamsyn Bester Page B

without the courtesy of another mini breakdown. You’ve
got this Cass, I remind myself. I step into the hallway, making my way back
towards the banquet room, and find Quinn arguing with Jarred. Her hands
flap around, making dramatic gestures that only Quinn can, while he stares at
her angrily, hands on his hips. They haven’t seen me yet, so I take a step closer
in the hopes that I can hear what’s going on without getting caught.
“I can’t believe you’re defending him,” she snaps angrily. “After he’s been a dick
to her all night.”
Jarred sighs, clearly exasperated with their argument.“He’s my brother, Quinn.
And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Quinn huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. It’s the stance she takes when
she’s really pissed. “And she’s my best friend, Jarred. Do you think I didn’t notice how he ignored her in company? Or how he didn’t say anything after that
shit your mother pulled? I won’t even mention the fact that he insulted her
earlier this week by referring to her lack of money!”
Jarred frowns. “What shit?”
“Oh for God’s sake! Just never mind. Your brother is a total douchecanoe and
I’m so done with this conversation.”
I take that as my cue and walk up to them as if I didn’t just hear their entire
argument. I didn’t realize Quinn was close enough to see what happened with
Drew’s mother, or how he’s been treating me this entire evening until now.
“Hey guys,” I greet, trying for nonchalance. They startle and both look at me
like deer’s caught in headlights. Quinn scowls at Jarred one last time and then
hooks her arm in mine. “I need a drink,” she states. We make our way to the
bar and order two shots of tequila and two whiskeys on ice. We wait for the
barman to get our drinks.
“What was that all about?” I ask her casually.
“Nothing. Jarred got upset because I almost lost my shit with his brother. If I’d
known he was going to treat you so poorly I would have never encouraged you
to be his date tonight.” Her eyes meet mine. “I’m sorry, Cass. I can see you’re
not having the best time.”
I shrug. “I didn’t know you saw what happened with Drew’s mother.”
“I was walking past, and even if I hadn’t seen what she did, I would’ve wanted
you to tell me. I seriously wanted to kick Drew in the nutsack for not saying
anything to his mother.”
“It’s fine, it’s not like I have to see any of these people ever again. Except your
parents.” I chuckle. “But at least they like me, poor girl status and all.”
Quinn smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s the only person I’ve ever
told about the kind of life I really lived before college. I don’t think I could’ve
found a worthier friend in this city, even if I wanted to. We are more than best
friends. We’re sisters.
The barman places our drinks in front of us and we grab the tequila shots first.
“To douchecanoes and mamma’s boys!” I say, lifting my shot glass.
My Southern accent rears its head at the end and Quinn chuckles. We tilt the
glasses back. The hard liquor burns all the way down my throat and warms my
belly.
“I have no idea why you hide that accent,” Quinn remarks. “It’s sexy as hell and
I bet you’d be reeling guys in once they hear you talk.”
“I didn’t think people would take a small town girl from Georgia seriously if I
sounded like a hick. So I decided to work on making it less obvious.”
Quinn takes a sip of her whiskey. “Whatever, Cass. I think you should use it to
your advantage. I’m sure you can use it to find a willing man, just for a night.”
I roll my eyes. “We’ve already spoken about this, like a million times! I don’t
think I can do a one night stand.”
Quinn stands, fixing her dress and picking up her clutch from the bar. “All you
need is a man that interests you,” she pauses. “And it doesn’t look like you’ll
have to search far.”
I turn