Chapter 28

The lounge next to the pool was glowing under blue glittering warm lights, the air rich with laughter, the clink of bottles, and the pounding rhythm of music spilling from the tannoy speakers. The table Adrian, Vivian, Leonard, and Jakes occupied was littered with bottles, some empty, some half-filled, others barely touched. Disposable cups were scattered about like casualties of a good night.

Adrian leaned lazily into his chair, his arm slung around Vivian’s shoulders, his laughter bubbling uncontrollably at something Leonard had just said. Vivian swatted him playfully, giggling herself, her cheeks flushed from the drinks.

“Gentlemen!” Leonard raised his plastic cup like it was a goblet of gold. His words slurred slightly, his grin wide. “And… and lady Vivian, of course. Tonight, we celebrate… because… what are we celebrating again?”

Vivian burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.

“You… you don’t even know what we are celebrating!”

“I do!” Leonard pr