“How about this one?” Tyson points to a cabernet.
“Unless you have something even better? Something more special?” Lainey chimes in, looking up at our server. “We’re celebrating—and really want to splurge!”
She tells Lainey she’ll check with the sommelier.
“Perfect. And please also bring us your best champagne! We’ll open both right away!” Lainey says, making a ridiculous double-fisted drinking gesture.
“I’ll also take a Jack and Coke,” Grady says.
“Oh, c’mon, Grady, you can do better than Jack Daniel’s!” Lainey says. “We’re celebrating here! My treat!”
Grady smiles, nods, then looks up at our waitress. “Make that a double of your best bourbon. Neat.”
“Attaboy,” Lainey says, leaning over to give his arm a playful punch.
As our waitress departs, Grady turns to Lainey and says, “So how’s showbiz?”
“Great! Never been better! Having the time of my life.”
“That’s awesome. I’m sure Hannah’s told you—we binged your series. It’s so good—and you’re hilarious.”
“That’s very kind,” she says. “Thank you.”
“So I gotta ask. What’s Emma like in real life?” he says, referring to Riley Evans, the hottest girl on the show.
“Riley’s a sweet girl, but very self-absorbed.” Lainey glances at me with a glint in her eye. “Her Instagram is one big brag fest. Like—‘look at me and all my designer shit.’ ”
Grady laughs and says, “Yeah. I know the type.”
“I’m sure you do,” Lainey says.
I give her a horrified look, but there is no stopping her.
“Who’s that influencer you follow here in Atlanta?” she asks me. “I think her name is Munich?”
“Munich?” Grady laughs as my heart stops. “What kind of name is Munich?”
“I think she’s talking about Berlin Beverly,” I say as nonchalantly as I can.
For one second, he looks stunned. But he quickly recovers. “So. What looks good to everyone?” he asks, glancing down at the menu.
“Everything looks amazing!” Lainey says. “I’m thinking about the lobster. Is it good here?” She turns to Grady, wide-eyed and innocent.
“I’m sure it’s great,” he says. “But I’m allergic to shellfish.”
“Oh, my,” Lainey says. “What would happen if you ate it? Would you die?”
“I could, yes.” Grady nods somberly.
“What if I ordered the lobster?” she says. “Would that pose a threat to you?”
“Nah,” he says. “As long as I don’t eat it….”
I tune their conversation out and feel relieved when our drinks arrive. I numbly watch as Tyson does the wine tasting and Lainey samples the champagne, both nodding their approval. After our glasses are poured, the server asks if we have any questions about the menu.
“No, I think we’re ready!” Lainey says.
We give her our order, then Lainey asks for “all the sides,” announcing that she wants the meal to be lavish and festive. She then lifts her champagne glass.
“How about a toast? Tyson—will you do the honors?”
“I think you should do it, Lainey,” he says.
“Okay! My pleasure.” She smiles, then pauses dramatically. “Here’s to my best friend, Hannah. I don’t know a kinder, more loyal, more amazing woman in the entire world. Grady—you’re a lucky man. Don’t screw this up or I’ll have to kill you! With lobster—”
“Okay! Hear, hear!” Tyson says, cutting her off and raising his glass.
Grady does the same, making eye contact with everyone before sipping his bourbon. I take a hurried taste of champagne, then decide I can’t take it another second.
“Lainey. Tyson,” I mumble. “Could y’all excuse us for a moment?”
“Sure thing,” Tyson says, immediately leaping up from his chair. “Let’s go check out the bar, Lainey.”
Lainey stands, picking up her glass. She gives me a final nod of encouragement, then turns to follow Tyson.
“What’s up? Are you okay?” Grady asks as I meet his gaze. He’s smiling, but I can tell he’s at least a little worried.
“Not really,” I say, shaking my head.
