Page 34 of After You Returned

“If you want to treat us, order us some Smuggler’s Martinis. Not a bottle of moonshine.”

“You’re right. I apologize. Three Smuggler’s Martinis coming right up.”

To my surprise, Miles rushes to our table and nabs the bottle of moonshine before making his way to the bar. I return to the table where Scarlett and Sadie are sitting with their mouths gaping open.

“What?”

“You refused free moonshine.” Sadie reaches across the table to place her hand on my forehead. I slap her hand away.

“We’re getting Smuggler’s Martinis instead.”

“I haven’t had a Smuggler’s Martini in forever,” Scarlett says.

Alaia returns carrying a tray filled with martinis. “Three Smuggler’s Martinis for the Harris women.” She hands out the drinks and tucks the tray under her arm. “Remember. These look innocent but pack a serious punch – just like a true Smuggler.”

Sadie raises her glass in the air. “Smuggler’s Martinis. Perfect for people who enjoy their secrets shaken, not stirred.”

I sip on my drink and nearly choke. I forgot how potent these drinks are. Two shots of moonshine and one shot of coconut rum is no joke.

“What secrets are you shaking and not stirring?” Scarlett asks Sadie.

“None,” Sadie squeaks. “We’re next.”

She stands and grasps my hand. I try to tug my hand free but she holds strong. “I’m not singing.”

“You have to. It’s our turn.”

“I’ll sing if Scarlett does.”

Scarlett hates singing in front of crowds. But, to my surprise, she sets her drink down and stands. “What song are we singing?”

Sadie raises a fist in the air. “Yes! The Harris girls are on fire tonight.”

The music begins and I groan when I hear the bright, sparkly synth glissando, followed by energetic and fizzy synths designed to create a feeling of excitement.

“I am not singing ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’!” I shout at Sadie.

She slaps a microphone in my hand. “Yes, you are.”

I retreat toward the back of the stage but Scarlett grabs my arm and pulls me to the front. “I’m not doing this alone.”

“We wouldn’t have to do this at all if you didn’t stand up!”

“What fun is sitting in the corner? Are you a smuggler or not?”

I glare at her. Did she forget I can’t back away from a challenge? She smirks. She didn’t forget.

The lyrics are displayed at the bottom of the monitor and I begin to sing. I scan the crowd. Everyone in here is going to be talking about how bad the Harris girls are at singing tomorrow.

I spot Miles and he gives me a thumbs-up as he maneuvers toward the front of the stage. He dances to the music as he mouths the lyrics. He looks ridiculous. I can’t help but laugh.

“Hazel! Hazel! Hazel!” he chants as he raises his phone in the air with a picture of a flame on it. He sways from side to side as he switches from chanting to singing and back again.

“Holy mermaids. Stop!” I shout but Sadie elbows me and points to the lyrics. Ugh. This is why I don’t do karaoke.

The song finally ends and Miles breaks into applause while whistling. “The Harris girls have got it going on!”

“You’re ridiculous.”