The rousing cheers accompanied Vanessa and me down the podium. She was glowing and kissed my cheek before going her way to meet her friends.

Being alone for the first time since this party, my gaze searched for my little spitfire. She'd gotten up and bumped right into a waitress.

Not too far from her was the eager press who seemed itchy to question her. Like they should. Like I wanted them to.

It was the real highlight of the night. The only reason I threw this fucking party. She'd been so ...