“Wow, crazy.”
“I know, right? I’m glad this is the only wedding I’ll ever have to arrange.”
A buzzing sound came from Megan’s pocket. She pulled out her phone to read the notification.
“Betty, the seamstress, is waiting for you in my room,” Megan informed Lucy, “I know you’re probably tired, but do you mind if we run over there? I’ll get the guys to bring over your room key when they’re done checking in.” Without waiting for an answer from Lucy, she marched over to Elliot and Jenson. Lucy could hear her barking orders at them before she spun back around, grinning, and walked over to grab Lucy by the arm.
I missed Hurricane Megan so much. She allowed herself to be swept toward the elevator and into the maze of the hotel.
The bridal suite was on the fifth floor. Introducing Lucy to the older woman sitting in the corner, Megan dragged her inside.
“Betty, this is my best friend, Lucy.” She pushed Lucy towards the older woman like a sacrifice.
“Oh, the lovely maid of honor. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear.”
The small, but round, woman walked over to Lucy, looking at her from head to toe, frowning. “This might be a problem. Your…hmm… That is to say…” Betty started walking in a circle around Lucy, the frown on her face deepening.
Lucy realized that all those burgers and fries had done exactly what she had feared.
“What’s the problem, Betty?” she asked, scared to hear it said out loud.
“Well… I’ll see what I can do.” Betty fetched a garment bag from the back of the door and thrust it into Lucy’s arms. “Try this on, dear. I’ve already altered it to the measurements Miss Megan sent me, but…”
Minutes later, Lucy’s fears were confirmed. The dress was way too tight. She mentally cursed the burgers and fries for being too cheap and convenient. Betty clucked her tongue at Lucy while Megan seemed to be torn between laughter and embarrassment on her behalf. She tried again to pull the dress up past her waist, dreading to think what trying to zip it up would be like.
“Sorry, Luce. We really want to make this dress work. I’ve got a back-up dress, but it was only supposed to be a last resort. It doesn’t look as good as the maid of honor dress. In fact, it’s kind of hideous. I’d kept it in reserve for my cousin who forgot to bring her dress, but she found something else. It’s yours if you want it.”
“I can’t make any major alterations in just one day.” Betty looked at the pair of them fiercely. “If you can at least get the dress up over your hips and zip it up, I can make some minor adjustments to make the rest fit.”
“Urgh, this isn’t working.” Lucy allowed the dress to fall from her fingers into a pool of material on the floor. “I’m sorry, Meg. I don’t want to push my luck and tear the dress.”
“It’s fine. We’ll go with the other dress. It’s not that bad, not really. Betty can take your measurements and work her magic.”
Once again, Betty clucked her tongue in disappointment, but went to the bathroom to find her measuring tape. Lucy heard the suite’s door lock disengage, accompanied by Jenson and Elliot’s voices.
“Elliot, honey. We’re still getting dressed in here. Can you and Jenson leave Lucy’s things outside the door?”
“Sure. We’ll be downstairs,” Elliot called back through the door.
Both women heard a muffled thump, followed by retreating footsteps.
“It’s nice to have good help,” Lucy quipped, making Megan smile as she looked her up and down.
“Now, where did all this come from?” She made an hourglass motion with her hands. “This wasn’t there when I last saw you, but you look good. Not all of us can be graced with natural and great curves. Matthew must count himself a lucky guy.” She paused as something occurred to her. “Oh, this is going to be Matthew and Elliot’s first meeting too. Isn’t it great that we’re all paired up now? Well, except for my idiot brother – he didn’t bring a date, and now he’s going to be our fifth wheel, but I’ve got some friends coming I’ve been meaning to introduce him to though…”
Lucy was not ready for that conversation.
After a few pokes and prods to Lucy’s body, Betty left the bridal suite, taking her notes and the dress with her. She promised to have the alterations ready for the next day.
“I just hope I can breathe in it,” Lucy said to Megan, trying to hold in a giggle.
“Betty’s a little intense, but she knows what she’s doing. Oh, hang on. I gotta take this call. My wedding favors are over there if you want to take a peek.”
As Megan answered her phone, Lucy wandered over to the corner of the room that was cluttered with all sorts of wedding prep and trinkets. She took in the boxes of gorgeous treats, champagne bottles with Megan and Elliot’s names on, and other things she’d never realized were essential to a wedding of this scale. As she gently fingered ribbons, she realized how much she’d missed out on helping with all of this. Guilt washed through her and tears pricked at her eyes.
She spotted a row of name cards, the edges burnt to make them look rustic and antique. Jenson’s name was written on the very top one in a flowing golden script. At the sight of his name, she couldn’t help but miss being around him constantly and in such a confined space, something she’d never expected to feel this time last week.
Behind her, she heard Megan ending her call. She gave her eyes a wipe and turned, a wide smile on her face.
“It’s funny, Lucy. It was so important for me to do all this stuff in the beginning, but now I’m sick of it. I can’t wait to get married and give it all away, so I never have to see it again.” She walked over to Lucy, allowing her to link their arms at the elbow.
“I’m sorry I missed so much, Meg, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get here. I should have been helping you.”
“Don’t be silly. You couldn’t help it if my brother’s rust bucket of a car couldn’t handle a simple drive.” Lucy didn’t think three thousand miles was a ‘simple drive’, but she kept her mouth closed.
“It’s just that I always thought I’d be here for… you’ve done a great job. I couldn’t have done any better.”
“I’m glad you’re here now. Which reminds me, I promised you a pamper session. The spa downstairs is open. You could do with a haircut; I have a couple of styles picked out.”
“Of course you do.”
* * *
The hotel’s salon and spa were tucked away downstairs, near the lobby. Lucy was surprised how quiet it was. Megan was soon whisked away for a facial while Lucy waited for the hair stylist. She settled into a seat as her phone buzzed in her pocket with a message from ‘Cabin Boy’
Are you alone?
I’m in the salon, waiting for the haircut your sister insists I need. Where are you?
Sitting in my room, thinking of you.
Lucy crossed her legs as a surge of heat at his words caused her stomach to clench. She tapped out another reply.
I don’t like being away from you. This is harder than I thought it would be.
You’re telling me.
Did he mean… making him harder? She really should stop now. She couldn’t do this in a public place; there was hardly anyone around, but still…
Did you hear about the party? She changed the subject, more to protect her own sanity than anything else.
Yeah. Elliot told me about it.
I guess I’ll see you there.
See you.
Lucy tucked her phone away just as Megan came back into the room, plopping herself down in the seat next to Lucy’s. Her face was covered in a mint green face mask and Megan had slices of cucumber in her hands.
“I didn’t want to wait back there all on my own. I missed you too much.”
“I’m not going to be able to get rid of you this weekend, am I?” Lucy joked lightheartedly, but also trying to work out how she could escape to spend time with Jenson.
“Not unless I’m standing in front of a wedding officiant. So, when does
Matthew arrive? I was worried he’d get here before you and I’d have to entertain him all on my own.”
From Megan’s tone of voice, Lucy could tell the idea didn’t sit well with the blushing bride-to-be.
“About Matthew… We… we broke up.”
“What? When?” Megan sat up and turned to stare at Lucy.
“During the trip. Two days ago. You were right, Meg. He put everything above me, and I was sick of it. When he called to tell me he couldn’t make it to the wedding at all, I lost it and it was the end for me.”
“I’m so sorry, Lucy.” She honestly did look sorry for her.
“Don’t be. I should have ended things a long time ago… like you said all those times.” Lucy jerked forward as Megan’s eyes filled with tears. “Hey. I thought you’d be happy.”
“I’m not, I’m pissed. I’m so angry he’s treated you like this again.”
Lucy nodded, almost speechless at the outpouring of love from Megan for her.
“This trip has taught me a lot about myself. One being that Matthew and I were never meant for each other. I don’t think, even as kids, we worked, but especially not now.”
“How did you do it? What did you say?”
Lucy winced, already knowing how awful she was going to sound.
“I did it by text. I know, not ideal, but he was always too busy to talk. I knew he’d at least check his messages.”
“How did he respond to it?”
“My phone got wet right after and it was totally destroyed. So, I have no idea how he reacted.”
“Serves him right, but I’m surprised he let you go that easily. I thought for sure he’d try calling me to get to you when you finally ended things.”
“I guess he’s resigned to it being over. He’s so focused on his career, and honestly, I’m relieved about that. It’ll make things easier when I get back home.” Megan suddenly stood up. “Going somewhere?”
“I have a great idea. We’re going to switch stylists.”
“What?”
“I met the pair who will be working on us today, and I know for a fact that one of them is single – and hot – he’s going to be working on you rather than me.”
“Meg, you really don’t have to-”
“You’re single now, and either way, you’re going to get the best haircut of your life.”
“Meg, no-” Lucy stood up, trying to grab her friend’s arm, but she danced out of the way.
“You need a rebound, Luce. This will be good for you. If not this guy, then I know plenty of the groomsmen are also available. I’ll introduce you tonight.” Lucy groaned internally. She never won against Megan. “Look out, world! My best friend is on the market and I know flexible dancers.”
Lucy watched in wordless wonder as Megan marched out of the room.
* * *
It was almost evening by the time Lucy headed up to her room. Megan had told her she needed a nap, and that she would come and get Lucy later to get her dressed up for the party. Her room was just two doors away from her best friend’s, which was pretty convenient for borrowing deodorant, but not for sneaking in a secret lover during the day. Although she was having a great time catching up with Megan, she was missing the woman’s older brother.
They’d caught up on how Megan and Elliot met, and how he proposed. Lucy had opened up about why she stayed with Matthew for so long, keeping a few certain details to herself about her feelings for Jenson. They had both cried and made promises to not leave it so long to meet up again.
Lucy sat on her bed and sighed. Being alone gave her far too much time to think about Jenson. She’d only had him to herself, in all senses of the word, for two days, and she was already completely ruined for any other men – maybe she always was. She wasn’t tired enough for a nap, but she did spy a huge tub in the bathroom. It was time to soak the road dust off her body.
She headed into the bathroom and started to fill up the tub, pausing before she climbed in. Feeling impulsive, and before she could second guess herself, she grabbed her phone and typed out a quick text.
Are you alone? She stared at the message, wondering what he’d think of it and beginning to feel stupid for sending it. Less than five seconds later, the phone rang. His voice was husky, and she could just imagine the grin on his face at that very moment.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“My room.”
“That’s a shame. You should be in mine.”
“I’m about to get into the tub.”
“Where’s your room? I can be there in two minutes.”
His excitement made her smile. She almost gave him her room number, then she remembered. “You can’t. Meg’s room is just across the hall. It’s too risky.” His soft groan sent goose bumps across her skin.
“I like risks.”
Lucy stepped into the tub, lowering herself into the water before speaking. “Well, I don’t, and I’ll be too busy in the bath to open the door for you.”
“Fair enough.”
“So, what did you do today? Anything for the wedding?”
“This and that. Mostly hung out with Elliot and his family and thought about you.”
“Oh really?”
“Really.”
“Good. I thought about you too.” She leaned back into the bath, making a splashing sound. Jenson went quiet for a few seconds.
“Are you in the bath right now, Lucy?”
“Yes.” She heard him clear his throat.
“Are you naked?”
“What kind of baths do you take? Of course I’m naked.”
“No, no, no. We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you.”
“Okay… yes. I am very much naked.”
“Are there bubbles?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m trying to visualize you, and every detail helps.”
“Oh yeah? How am I looking?” She couldn’t believe she was having a conversation like this. Matthew never brought out this side of her.
“Hot. Really hot.”
Lucy’s body flushed, and not from the heat of the water in her bath. “And, Mr. Phillips, where are you?”
“In bed.” Lucy’s mind kicked into overdrive, visualizing what he could be doing there. “Grab the soap, Lucy.”
“Why do I feel that the word ‘soap’ is another code word? This time for ‘phone sex’.”
“Because, occasionally, you’re a prude.”
“I’m not a prude-”
“Then grab the soap.”
She wondered if she had time to play along. She had to meet Megan soon. But, letting off steam with Jenson sounded more than appetizing.
“Fine. You win.” She reached forward, grabbing the small box of soap on the ledge of the bath.
“I like winning.”
“Well, it seems I like cocky men, so I guess we’re both winners. Now I have the soap, what do you want me to do with it?”
He groaned again, louder this time, sending a surge of heat through her center. She sank deeper into the bath, her head lolling back so that just the tops of her breasts were exposed to the cool air.
“Rub it between your fingers, Lucy. Squeeze it until a thick, white foam builds between your hands.”
“My hands are soapy,” she told him a few moments later, her embarrassment disappearing the more turned on she got.
“Good girl.” He paused, and Lucy could hear his breath getting heavier. “Now, place your hand at the top of your knee, at the very top, where you have that one little freckle on the left side.”
Lucy couldn’t believe he’d noticed, and remembered, that freckle. He must be the only person, except her, who knew it was there. As far as she knew, even Matthew had never noticed it.
“Now, slide your hands down, slowly. Imagine my hands with yours, sliding the slick soap all the way to your thighs. Keep going until our fingers tangle in the hair between them, until we feel how wet you are.” Lucy’s body shuddered as she touched herself,
imagining Jenson’s hand there instead. “Are you wet, Lucy?” His breathing had become ragged. “Answer me.”
“Yes. Yes, I am.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I’m imagining it’s you touching me, Jenson, but my hands aren’t the right size.”
“Oh, God…”
“I’m so wet and slick. It’s so easy to work a finger inside. I feel so empty.”
“Oh, fuck, Lucy. You wonderful, filthy girl. Tell me where you are, I’ll give you whatever you want, whatever you can take. Just tell me.”
A loud knock at the door made Lucy jump, nearly causing her to drop her phone.
“I gotta go. Someone’s here.” With a frustrated groan, she hung up and slid the phone across the bathroom floor. “Just a minute,” she called out, struggling to catch her breath.
Stepping out of the tub, she tossed on some clothes before looking through the peephole. A bellhop stood in the hallway nervously, holding onto a dolly with a familiar bubble-wrapped creation. She’d forgotten about the painting in Jenson’s car, but she didn’t want Megan to see it just yet. She let the bellhop in, who followed her instructions to store the package in the closet behind her clothes. Hopefully, Megan wouldn’t find it there.
As if summoned by telekinesis, Megan appeared at the door.
“What’s going on?”
“Just some of my stuff being brought up.”
“Oh? Sowing your oats already?”
Lucy scowled at Megan playfully as she handed the bellhop a tip as he left the room. “What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you were taking a nap.”
“I couldn’t sleep, plus I thought it would be more fun to get ready for the party together. I even brought you something to wear.”
“Is it hot and racy?” Lucy didn’t know why she was asking; it was always hot and racy when Megan was involved.
Her Best Friend’s Brother Page 15