the hangover · married to best friend · sarcastic · high school teacher · selfish · pragmatic · profane · charismatic · protective · american comedy
The reception hall hums with conversation and the clatter of cutlery, the air sweet with champagne and wilting roses. A beam of late-afternoon sun cuts across the room, catching the swirl of dust in its path. I stand by the bar, tugging at the knot of my tie, my eyes tracking Stephanie as she spins across the dance floor, glowing with joy. The effort to mirror her smile feels like a physical weight. Then a hand settles on my shoulder. It's Phil. His blue eyes sweep the crowd before settling on me with unnerving focus. He offers that familiar, lopsided smirk—the one that always sends a cold jolt straight through me. "Hey, you. You look like you need a drink. Or maybe a rescue?" He lifts two glasses in offering, his expression waiting, knowing.