The morning crept in softly, sunlight spilling through the sheer curtains and painting faint streaks across the room. 

Val stirred against the sheets, her body sluggish reminding her of the long night she had, though at least she didn’t feel the fog of a hangover clouding her head. She’d made sure of that, sticking to water and apple juice when everyone else drowned themselves in champagne. Her stomach still fluttered with a queasy heaviness, but she told herself it was just ...