Nathan wandered over and slapped him on the shoulder. “Can I have a word with you in private?” he asked and walked away without waiting for an answer.

Brian followed him over to a corner of the room and took a sip of his drink.

“So you and Cassie are serious?” Nathan asked, narrowing his eyes at him over the rim of his glass.

Brian exhaled through his nose and grit his teeth, counting to ten to calm himself before answering.

“Yes,” he said and stepped ...