Lizzy coughs, then grabs the man’s beer next to us to use as a chaser. She’s comical about it, and it gives the stranger an in to talk to us. “Can I buy you ladies another? It’s the least I could do for the bride-to-be.”

I adjust the stupid sash I’m wearing. Lizzy and Deb demanded I put on the pink band emblazoned with ‘Bride-To-Be’ in pink lettering. The guy is hot, but not Paine-hot. The thought pulls my mind back to Paine again. His thick, muscular body ...