Until The Last Star Fades by Jacquelyn Middleton

Author:Jacquelyn Middleton [Middleton, Jacquelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Kirkwall Books
Published: 2018-11-07T18:30:00+00:00

A pint of Rolling Rock rose toward the ceiling. “To our class of 2018…” The Scottish brogue of Piper’s father rolled over the long communal table in Hudson Malone, a gastro-pub on East 53rd Street. The watering hole, celebrated for its old New York charm, featured libations favored by Marilyn Monroe, Ernest Hemingway, and Audrey Hepburn. “Long may they keep us entertained!”

“To Casey, Riley, and Piper!” The party of eleven clinked their sodas, beers, and cocktails, their rush upward enticing the rustic table’s candles to bow and flicker.

Riley smiled at Maggie, busy across the table sharing a memory with Piper’s mom. So far, so good. She doesn’t look too tired.

“Ahh, that tastes like heaven.” Ben nodded to Piper’s dad and wiped his lips, sweeping away foam left behind by his perfectly pulled pint of Guinness.

“Born in Scotland, raised in England, loving Irish beer…” Riley nudged his right arm and sipped her water. “Living in New York!”

“He’s an international man of mystery.”

Ben and Riley turned, following the male voice. Casey hovered over their shoulders, an iced tea in his hand. “It’s about time we met, mate. I’m Casey.”

Rising to his feet, Ben caught Piper’s eye roll over Riley’s shoulder. “Hey!” Casey, always wary of shaking germy hands, offered his fist for a bump. Ben complied. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“All good I hope?” Casey chuckled.

“Of course. And congrats—Riles says you’re headed back to NYU to get your master’s.”

“And I hear you just made an indie film in LA—and you’re bezzie mates with Mark Keegan.”

“Er, I wouldn’t call us bezzie mates.” Ben’s eyes dipped to Riley and Piper, who were listening intently. “He’s a good friend. I haven’t seen him in a while, though.”

“Oh, like since uni?”

“Oh no, I last saw him…a year back? April, I think. Yeah, we went for a quick pint in London. He’s never home, the bastard.” He glanced over at Maggie. A smile lit up her face. “His career has exploded, makes staying in touch tricky.”

“Right…” With a barely visible squint, Casey lifted his chin and nodded knowingly.

“I lose track of where he’s filming these days.”

Riley tilted her head. Hmm. Doesn’t sound like they’re close.

Casey played with his straw, plunging the ice in his drink. “I thought I saw something about him joining Full Throttle 3.”

“I saw that, too.” Piper jumped in. “Filming starts in August.”

Ben nodded. “Ah, well, like I said, he’s never in one place for long these days.”

“I hate-watch that franchise. Car chases are so dumb.” Piper chewed her martini’s olive. “But with Keegs? Sign me UP.”

Casey grinned as servers arrived with food for their table. “Ah, better get back to the folks. Just wanted to say hi.”

“Thanks, mate. Good to meet you.” Ben sat down and Casey returned to his parents at the far end of the table.

Okay, now that we’re on the topic—how well does Ben know Mark? Riley smiled. “Have you met Mark’s girlfriend?” If they’re close, you’d think Ben would’ve met her.

“Alice? No, I haven’t, actually.”

Alice? “No, I think

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