The Wedding Party (Hollywood & Vine #2.5)

by Olivia Evans

  Josie gave Maddie a salute. “Go round up the girls. I need to tell Anders I’m leaving.”

  “Is he still pissed you’re not staying in the villa with him tonight?” Inky asked.

  Josie sighed. “For all the progress he’s made, he’s still Anders.”

  “So, that’s a yes?” Inky laughed.

  “That’s a yes. I’ll meet you guys there.”

  Josie moved over to where Anders stood next to Keith and Holden and grabbed his hand. “It’s late. We’re going to head to the bridal villa.”

  “Bridal villa,” Anders said, his voice mocking. “This is bullshit. We’re getting married tomorrow, and I have to sleep without you because of some old wives’ tale?”

  Josie grinned and laced her fingers together behind his neck. “One night won’t kill you. We have the rest of our lives together,” she whispered.

  “You’re damn right, we do.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I love you, Ivy.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Let me walk you to the villa.”

  Josie smiled. “Okay.” They turned and, hand in hand, made their way through their friends, telling them goodnight. They were just moving past where Greer and Walker were on the platforms beating the hell out of each other, when it happened. Greer landed a solid hit against Walker’s chest that sent him flying backward toward Anders, who was standing right next to the bonfire. Anders let out a low curse before shoving Josie out of the way and bracing for the impact of Walker’s body. They collided and stumbled back, Anders’s body heading straight for the huge fire before Keith dove and sent both of them to the ground.

  “Anders!” Josie screamed, falling next to him on the sand. “Are you okay?”

  Anders coughed and sat up with Keith’s help. “I’m okay. Shit, Keith, thank you. That idiot almost knocked me into the damn fire.”

  The three of them turned to where Walker lay facedown in the sand, his body shaking with laughter. “You guys are going to take care of that rehab thing when you get back home, yeah?” Keith asked.

  Josie and Anders both let out a light laugh. “Yeah. But we have to find one that doesn’t allow beer pong,” Josie said, standing.

  “Smart call. You kids get out of here. I’ll make sure everything is taken care of. We’ll see you two tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” Josie said, giving him a tight hug before turning and pulling Anders with her, away from the fire and to the safety of the villas.

  “This has been a fucking crazy few days,” Anders said, shaking his head.

  “So crazy.” They walked hand in hand until they reached the bridal villa, and Anders let out a long sigh.

  “I don’t know how I’m going to sleep knowing you’re so close.”

  Josie grinned. “You’re going to jack off and pass out in less than ten minutes. Don’t try to play me.”

  Anders let out a loud laugh and cupped her jaw. “It sounded good though, right?”

  “It sounded exactly like the bullshit it is.”

  Anders shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  “Never.”

  “Goodnight, Ivy,” he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

  “I’ll meet you at the end of the aisle,” she said. “I’ll be the one in white.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” With a final sweet kiss, Josie slipped inside the villa and leaned against the closed door, her heart hammering in her chest. After a quick change of clothes, Josie, Lori, Chloe, Inky, and Maddie crawled into the oversized king bed, gossiping and laughing like they were in high school. When sleep finally pulled Josie under, her last thought was of seeing Anders waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

  Chapter Nine

  “Wake up, sleeping beauty,” Maddie sang, tickling Josie’s nose with the end of her hair. Josie batted her hand away.

  “Come on, Josie. You’re getting married today,” Chloe giggled. Josie cracked a smile at that and opened her eyes slowly. Her two best friends hovered above her, their wide smiles causing Josie to let out a sleepy laugh.

  “You guys have no respect for personal space.”

  “Didn’t you make a bet about me having sex?” Inky asked. “Talk about invading personal space.”

  “In my defense,” Josie said, sitting up in bed as all her friends circled her. “I bet that you’d hold out. Just saying.”

  Inky blinked. “Really? You saw his dick, right?”

  Josie let out a loud laugh and tossed a pillow at Inky. “Does that mean I’m going to lose my money?”

  Inky rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I just wanted to make sure you knew what I was up against.”

  “Or not against,” Lori cut in.

  “Okay, now that we’ve talked about Greer’s dick for the fourth day in a row, how about we get this show on the road?” Chloe clapped her hands together and stood from the bed. “Go jump in the shower, Josie. We let you sleep in while we showered and dressed. Once you’re done, we’ll go have brunch then head to the spa.”

  Josie rolled out of bed with her stomach in her throat. She was getting married today. To Anders. Clearly, insanity ran in the family. After a quick shower, Josie piled her hair on top of her head and threw on a pair of loose shorts and a tank top. When she stepped out of the bathroom, her mom and Elizabeth had joined the group.

  “Where’s Abigail?”

  Chloe rolled her eyes. “I have no idea. I’ve tried calling her several times. I have a key to her room. We can swing by and grab her on the way. She’s probably sleeping off all those drinks she had last night.”

  “Your mom has put her liver to work this weekend,” Maddie commented. Chloe nodded.

  “She’s going to need detox when she gets home.”

  Filing out of the villa, the group made their way toward Abigail’s place, chatting and laughing about the night before. “This really has been an amazing trip. I’m so happy I got to have all of you here with me.”

  “I mean, you did pay for it,” Inky joked. “We would have been idiots to say no.”

  “You really would have been,” Josie laughed.

  “Mom,” Chloe yelled, banging her fist against the door. “We need to get going. Get up!” When there was no response, Chloe pushed in the keycard and opened the door. “Mom— Oh my God, Mom, what the fuck?”

  The hysteria in Chloe’s voice caused Josie’s heart to leap in her chest. Pushing past Chloe, expecting to find a dead body or something, Josie stopped dead in her tracks. “Abigail!”

  “That’s the limbo guy from last night!” Inky gasped before falling forward in a fit of laughter. “I can’t breathe. Oh my God. This is amazing.”

  “It is not amazing,” Chloe hissed, her hand covering her eyes.

  Josie couldn’t look away. She was pretty certain she was completely frozen. There in the bed was Abigail and, apparently, the limbo guy from the bonfire. And they were naked. In bed. Together.

  “Why don’t you girls head on to brunch? We’ll catch up with you in a bit,” Sonya said, her voice filled with amusement.

  Chloe turned to Sonya and pointed at her mother. “She’s not even sorry! Do you see that smile on her face? Do you see it? This is not okay!”

  “Of course it is,” Sonya said with a sly smile. “Maybe it’s less okay that you happened to witness it firsthand, but it’s still okay. Now, shoo. Elizabeth and I will be along soon.”

  Josie grabbed Chloe by the shoulders and guided her dumbstruck friend out into the fresh air. “Take a deep breath.”

  “I can’t believe what I just saw,” Chloe exhaled.

  “So much for that wall,” Inky said, still fighting to hold back her laughter.

  “There’s no wall. There’s only my mother naked with a guy who is probably younger than me.”

  “At least he was hot,” Lori offered, trying to find the silver lining.

  Chloe inhaled deeply and turned toward Josie, her face apologetic. “Josie, I’m sorry, but I’m going to need a dr
ink. I’m going to do my best to keep from getting drunk before your wedding. But right now, I just can’t make any promises.”

  Josie let out a small laugh and looked at Maddie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet. “You okay there, Maddie?”

  “Look, I’ve caught my parents in the act. I can’t even fuck with her about this. It’s next-level traumatizing.” Maddie looked at Chloe. “Let’s get you that drink. I’ll make sure you don’t stumble down the aisle.”

  “Thanks,” Chloe mumbled, letting Josie lead her to the restaurant.

  After ordering a round of Bloody Marys, mimosas, and a screwdriver with a splash of orange juice for Chloe, the girls settled into their seats and chatted while plates of food were brought to the table.

  “You know, I never asked what you guys planned on doing for a honeymoon,” Inky said, popping a piece of bacon into her mouth.

  “Greece,” Josie said with a smile. “It’s going to be amazing.”

  Chloe sighed. “It’s so beautiful. I told Reid we have to add it to our next tour and leave a few extra days for exploring.”

  “I concur,” Inky said. “I love that I get to freeload off you guys and see the world.”

  “You do not freeload,” Chloe argued. “You work just like the rest of us.”

  “I sell merchandise for the band. Not that I’m complaining—it's a great gig for me.”

  “I bet things will be a whole lot more interesting on this next tour,” Maddie said, cutting her eyes to Inky.

  Inky’s expression was blank. “And why is that?”

  “Don’t be cute. I bet you and Greer are going to be worse than any of the stories you told us about Chloe and Reid.”

  Inky shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh. “You guys are going to have to let this thing with Greer go. It’s unhealthy. It’s also about as likely as Walker staying sober or Owen developing a conscience. It’s like fetch. It’s never going to happen.”

  “Ladies,” Abigail said, joining the group with Sonya and Elizabeth.

  A look of relief washed over Inky’s face, obviously expecting the conversation to shift to Abigail and Chloe, but Josie wasn’t interested in more awkward conversation. In a matter of hours, she would be getting married, and her nerves were starting to take hold.

  “I can’t believe I’m getting married today,” she said, noticing the slight tremble to her voice. It wasn’t that she had doubts about her feelings for Anders or vice versa, but she was also realistic. Marriage was hard enough for normal couples, but for people like Anders, who lived their lives in the public eye, well, that added an extra level of stress.

  “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” Sonya asked, her usual teasing demeanor absent.

  “No,” Josie said with a heavy exhale. “Just, what if Anders does? Not right now, but later down the road. What—”

  “Stop,” Abigail said, putting her hand on top of Josie’s. “What-if is no way to live your life. If we all lived in fear of what might happen, then we’d never allow ourselves to experience any of the amazing, exciting things life has to offer. From someone who has done just that for far too long, trust me when I say, embrace the now.”

  Josie wasn’t sure why, but the excitement and regret she heard in Abigail’s voice caused her throat to tighten. “Thanks.”

  “For what it’s worth,” Elizabeth said, “I’ve known Anders for a long time. If nothing else, he is the most stubborn human being on the planet. He’s made up his mind about you, and nothing or no one will ever be able to change it. You’re stuck with that man for the rest of your life. Good luck with that.”

  “You sure you’ve really thought this through?” Maddie joked, making everyone laugh.

  Josie stood from the table. “He might be an asshole, but he’s my asshole. Now, let’s get this show on the road.”

  A flurry of activity followed over the next few hours. Josie, Maddie, and Chloe returned to the bridal villa where a crew had set up three stations for their hair and makeup. The rest of the girls spent the afternoon making sure the flowers were perfect and overseeing the setup for the reception. And of course, blocking Anders from his repeated attempts to sneak in to visit Josie.

  “Here,” Maddie said, passing a small box to Josie.

  Josie took the box, a confused smile on her face. “What’s this?”

  Maddie shrugged. “Tradition.”

  Josie unwrapped the box and gasped. “What is this?” Josie picked up the dainty bracelet, covered in diamonds.

  “Your something borrowed. It’s my mom’s. She wanted you to wear it.”

  Josie’s eyes filled with tears, and she had a feeling it was the first of many times it would happen that day. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  “My turn,” Chloe said, passing Josie an envelope. “Something new.”

  Josie pulled out the folded sheet of paper, her brows drawn together until understanding dawned on her and her hand flew to her mouth. “Chloe! What is this?”

  “We wrote a song about you guys. It’s going to be on our upcoming album with your permission.”

  “Holy shit, that’s awesome,” Maddie said, leaning closer to get a look at the title. “‘Hollywood & Vine.’ That’s perfect.”

  Josie mouthed the words, her heart soaring and her stomach in free fall as her relationship with Anders came to life on the page in front of her. “I love it.”

  “You’re going to ruin your makeup,” Maddie laughed, wiping the tears from under her eyes. “Quick, give her the blue before we all have to start over with our makeup.”

  Before Josie could blink, lace and silk smacked her arm. She looked down at the blue garter and laughed. “You guys are so awesome. Thank you so much!”

  “This last one is from your mom.” Maddie tossed the little box into Josie’s lap.

  Josie opened the box, and a small, nostalgic smile spread across her face. “These belonged to my grandmother.” She turned to box toward Maddie and Chloe, the tiny diamond stud earrings glinting in the sunlight coming through the window.

  “Those are perfect.”

  A silence fell over the trio as the women behind them put the finishing touches on their hair. “It’s time to get dressed, Josie,” Maddie said with a wide smile.

  “Oh my God, I’m so nervous,” Josie laughed, her hands shaking. “Where’s my mom?”

  “She just texted me that she’s on her way.”

  “Okay.” Josie stood from the chair and released a shaky breath. “Let’s do this.”

  Maddie and Chloe disappeared into the bathroom while Josie paced the room and waited for her mother. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even hear her come into the room until she felt a light touch on her shoulder. She spun around, her eyes widening as she looked at her mother.

  “Mom, you look beautiful.” Sonya’s hair was twisted up at the nape of her neck, and her knee-length green-and-gold dress was fitted and flared, accentuating all of her best features. The dress was a perfect complement to Chloe’s and Maddie’s dresses.

  “Thanks, honey. Now, let's get you in that gorgeous dress.”

  Josie nodded, her excitement spiking when her mother pulled down the zipper of the garment bag and removed the dress. “It’s so perfect.” It was one-shouldered, with golden thread embroidered into the satin in circles and swirls. The bottom was a mix of gold and white flowers sewn in delicate lace. It was simple and breathtaking.

  “Are you ready to see?” Sonya asked, fastening the final hook on the back of the dress.

  “Yes,” Josie answered, spinning around to the mirror. She didn’t even recognize herself. Her hair was twisted around the sides and gathered at the base of her neck, tiny tendrils falling along her cheeks. Even though her makeup was natural, she looked otherworldly.

  “You’re glowing,” Maddie said, stepping beside her. “You look beautiful.”

  “So do you. Both of you,” she said when Chloe stepped into the room. Their forest-green satin dresses were the s
ame color, but Josie had let them pick their own style.

  “It’s time to go,” Sonya said as there was a knock at the door. “We’ll head down to the beach and give you and your father a minute.”

  Josie hugged her mom and her best friends and waved as they left, her smile freezing when she saw her dad. He cleared his throat and blinked, but it did nothing to hide the shimmer of tears in his eyes.

  “My little girl is all grown up,” he said, his voice unsteady.

  “Ah, Dad,” Josie said, trying to rein in her own emotions. “You look very handsome.”

  Keith looked down at his tux and shook his head. “This thing is hot as hell. This ceremony better not take long, or you’re going to have a smelly bunch of guests.”

  Josie let out a loud laugh and hugged her dad. “Short and sweet. I promise.”

  He grumbled something else under his breath that Josie couldn’t quite make out before holding out his arm for Josie to take. “You sure you want to marry this clown? You know Barry James still carries a torch for you. Nice kid.”

  “Barry James from middle school? The boy who threw up on me in the cafeteria while trying to ask me to the spring dance?”

  Keith shrugged, his lip twitching. “You made him nervous.”

  “Yeah, I think I’ll stick with Anders. I prefer a guy who doesn’t puke on me.”

  “You never were one to take the easy way.”

  Josie laughed. With that, she couldn’t disagree.

  The music floated through the air, mixing with the calming sounds of the wind and water rolling onto the beach. The sun hung on the horizon, a fiery burst of red and orange caressing the sky. A large arbor covered in flowers with vines twisted through lattice sat atop a wooden platform. Flower petals covered the platform, and flickering candles lit the small path Josie would walk down with her father.

  Anders stood next to the officiant, Holden and Reid to his left. He cut his eyes to where Maddie and Chloe stood with wide smiles, their emotions written all over their faces. Gathered at the bottom of the platform, their friends and family chatted while they waited for Josie. When the music changed, Anders sucked in a sharp breath. The guests stood and turned, but Anders couldn’t move a muscle.