by A. R. Perry
“You have no idea,” I whisper.
“No idea about what?” My dad asks as he walks out of the kitchen, buttoning up his suit jacket.
“How hard it is to walk in heels.” I beam at him and watch his facial expression sour as he’s once again reminded that he has a daughter and not four boys.
“Doesn’t she look lovely?” Mom asks as she follows him out. Her eyes are glistening.
If she cries, I bail.
She manages to keep her emotions in check and turns to Spencer. “Aren’t you handsome? You two always look so great together,” she says and flattens out a wayward strand of hair at the nape of Spencer’s neck.
I have to admit, he did a good job reining in his wild locks.
“Thank you, Mrs. Everett.” His face scrunches as she gives him a quick peck on the cheek leaving behind a bright red smear.
I point to my cheek, letting him know to clean it off before turning toward the stairs. “Idiot one and idiot two, we’re ready!”
“Rylee, language,” Mom admonishes.
I shrug. “Not bad language if it’s true.” Dad tries to hide his smile behind a fist and Spencer shakes his head, opening the door in a not-so-subtle maneuver to separate himself from me before drawing Mom’s ire.
Spencer and I walk toward the driveway as Mom waits behind for Will and Ryan. It’s a family event, which means she needs to assess everyone’s wardrobe and make sure that their suits match well with Dad’s.
After all, what would happen if all of them were in clashing colors?
Pretty sure the world would end.
“So how long did this take?” Spencer grabs my hand and twirls me, causing me to dole out one of my rare squeals when I’m caught off guard.
“Hours. So many painful hours.” He tugs me to his chest and I let my hands rest on his shoulders. With heels I’m eye level and he can’t hide the ever-present mischievous glint. “You gonna save me a dance later or will you be too busy with the sad single chicks Will is always going on about?”
“The only sad single chick I want to spend time with is you.” He boops me on the nose and I resist the urge to punch him.
According to my mom, I can’t go a single day without laying into someone. I took that bet and now my allowance advance is riding on it. Well, advance times two because I forgot to mention Dad already gave me money for a new board. Oops.
Spencer takes a step backward as the rest of my family joins us. Will smirks and elbows Ryan who is too absorbed in his phone to notice the somewhat intimate embrace Spencer and I were in.
You would think they would be used to it by now. We don’t see each other that way so why would a lingering hug matter?
Dad shoos us toward his Yukon, taking the lead before Mom has a brain aneurysm. Being on time means we’re late in her eyes. To make the best impression we need to be there close to an hour early. It gives her the most time to show off her perfect family.
Insert eye roll.
If her friends saw us all in a normal setting, they might think we’ve been body-snatched.
Twenty minutes later thanks to traffic on Douglas Boulevard, which dragged out the painfully silent ride, we pull into the parking lot of the Sierra Vista Country Club. It’s got money and class written all over it and now I’m all too aware of why Mom’s been fidgeting the whole drive.
I heard her mention something about her friend’s daughter marrying into money, but I guess it didn’t click as important until now.
We all unload from the car and as we pass, she makes sure to do a final once-over, straightening Will’s tie and snatching Ryan’s phone. She’ll keep it in her purse for the rest of the day, which will surely put him into a foul mood.
As Spencer and I pass, Mom untucks the strand of hair Spencer pushed behind my ear earlier, letting out a huff and mumbling about ruining the overall shape of the curl.
I widen my eyes at Spencer over Mom’s shoulder. The only bonus to heels is that I’m taller than her. He pretends not to see me, focusing on straightening his tie before my mom can get to him.
Suck-up.
My mom gives Spencer a warm smile and a pat on the back as she passes and he extends his arm to me, readying himself to be my escort for the night. Poor sap. I don’t know why he caved so easily. I would have given my left arm to get out of this.
“You think they’re going to check our bank accounts at the door?” he whispers.
Ah. He caught it too. As if I didn’t feel out of place already. Now we’ll have to be on extra good behavior. Total fun suck. Like visiting Grandma.
“I hope so. Save us from having to sit through this.”
“Bet the food will be good though.”
“Oh, bonkers good. You have a strong argument there. This torture might be worth the food. Ugh and think about the cake. Bet it’s at least five tiers and has pearls.”
“No way. Four tiers with those edible flowers that taste like old marshmallow.”
It’s clear we’ve been roped into too many weddings together.
“You’re on.” I extend my free hand.
“Loser gets to pick the next movie and all the snacks.” He grabs my hand before I can object. He knows I hate relinquishing movie power.
Mom throws a dirty look over her shoulder as I laugh a little too loud and give Spencer a shove when he refuses to let go of my fingers. The smile drops from my face and I throw my shoulders back, putting on the perfect daughter facade I’ve perfected after all these years.
We’re led around a building and toward rows and rows of white chairs all adorned with blush pink bows and flowers.
Did my mom match me to the freaking decor?
This is a new low. Even for her.
My tight smile twitches, settling into what I assume resembles a grimace. Spencer’s hand wrapping around mine and giving it a squeeze is the only thing that stops me from going guestzilla right here in the middle of the rose-covered walkway.
The usher leads us to our seats. Right up front. No surprise there. I position myself at the end as far away from my mother as possible. If I plan on keeping it together through this whole god-awful event—and I do for future sanity sake—I need distance.
Spencer doesn’t release my hand even once we’ve relaxed into our chairs. Not that I mind much. Sucking up all his positive energy will keep me on track. He has the superhuman ability to read my emotions and stop me before saying or doing something I’ll regret. He’s the C-3PO to my R2-D2. The Silent Bob to my Jay. He’s rational when I can’t keep my thoughts let alone my emotions in check. And out of everyone, he’s very aware of what my mother does to me.
I dab my glistening forehead with a tissue I had the forethought to store in my bra. Whoever thought an outside wedding was a good idea in Northern California must have been straight out of their mind. Even in the shade, the sun tortures. It’s barely spring, but the heat has already swooped in. Though I guess I should be happy it’s not a June wedding. We would all have heatstroke by the time the ceremony was over.
Thirty tortuous minutes later the processional starts. Couples file down the aisle to a freaking string quartet. Haven’t they heard of sound systems? Boom. Press of a button and any song ever can be played. No need to go all-out and have live music. Not unless it’s a concert of course.
I’m about to lean over and tell Spencer we should up the ante because they definitely will have pearls on the cake if they are going this traditional when one of the groomsmen catches my eye. Hello, I would know those broad shoulders and scrumptious jaw anywhere. Jaxxon Lever passes right by me—so close I could reach out and touch him if I wanted— with a gorgeous blonde on his arm.
My grip must have tightened in response to my increased heart rate because Spencer’s head swivels my direction, eyebrows scrunched in. It only takes him a second to catch on and follow my gaze to where Jax now stands next to a man who bears a striking resemblance. Oh holy hell. The groom is Jax’s brother. I’d seen him in a couple of photos shared on Inst
agram.
Yes. I might have cyberstalked Jax a little bit. But only when bored because he is always doing something fun. Beach trips. Boating. Snowboarding. Never a dull moment on his page. And the fact that he is drool-worthy might be, okay, totally is the main drawing factor.
I’ve had a crush on him since freshman year when I slammed into him and nearly broke my neck. It was Spencer’s fault after all. He had challenged me to a race down the school halls with a whole month’s allowance on the line.
I’ll never forget the look of shock moments before colliding that transformed into what resembled disgust. Hey, in my defense I was a freshman and still thought it was cool to wear my older brother’s shirts that swamped my body. And I might have been going through a pixie cut phase that I upped the ante on by dying bright pink. Much to Mom’s dismay.
Obvious disdain aside, it didn’t stop fireworks from lighting my chest or the slowing of time as I stared into the most gorgeous blue eyes I had ever seen. My crush only rolled further out of control over the years as he got taller and filled out in all the yummiest places.
This is all too much. Fate is trying to tell me Jax is my soulmate. Why else would we literally run into each other twice in two years? And now he’s here.
Freaking Mom. She didn’t tell me that her friend’s daughter was marrying Zack Lever. That’s a huge detail to leave out. Their father is one of the most affluential real estate agents in the area. They live in Granite Bay in a ginormous mansion. Even though they have money coming out the ears, they never seem to flaunt it. Jax goes to Roseville High, which must be a step down from Granite Bay. Looking at the wedding with new eyes it seems as if they pulled back a lot.
No wonder Mom was on edge. Now I am.
Jax is here. We’ve never spent one moment outside of school together seeing as we don’t run in the same circles. The only thing we have in common is Will and they have more of a passing friendship. But he’s here now. And I’m here. My eyes drop to my lap. And I’m wearing a pink dress.
Thanks again, Mom.
The bride walks down the aisle. Things are said. Some sand is poured into a jar. Spencer’s hand holds on to mine, but all I can focus on is Jax’s face and the sweat that must be pooling under my armpits.
Once the ceremony ends and everyone has filed down the aisle, I jump up, dragging Spencer with me. There are drapey tents set up not far off and I can guarantee there is air-conditioning. I don’t want to look like a sweaty pig when I run into Jax. Fingers crossed it’s not a physical run-in this time.
We’re five steps away when my father’s booming voice stops me dead in my tracks.
“Rylee. Pictures. She’ll meet you in there, Spencer.”
Spencer cringes as he steps back. “I’ll snag you some appetizers. You know they’ll have mini potpies or something.”
I leave Spencer with the other guests and trek down to where I can see the wedding party taking photos. Mom is standing close to her friend Sophia, with an arm around Will and even from several feet away I can tell she’s gushing. When her eyes find me, her face lights up and she waves me over.
“Sophia, you remember Rylee.” I smile and wiggle my fingers, sliding into the spot that Will vacated in a rush. Lucky jerk. “She’s a year below Zack’s brother.”
“Oh, yes. I’m sure Jaxxon will be happy to have more people his age. I can’t imagine weddings are all too fun for teenagers.”
A breathy giggle escapes me and soon after heat rushes to my cheeks. Jax may be happy there are other people his age here, but he won’t be happy to see me. What will probably happen is he’ll spot Will and they’ll be stuck together all night. Not that I would have the guts to approach him. Secret crushes are meant to stay secret. And when I get nervous, I have a hard time controlling my mouth.
Mom and Sophia go about talking as if I’m not there. That doesn’t mean Mom releases me from my perfect daughter routine. Nope. I’m stuck to her side through one of the most boring conversations known to man and then the gazillion photos I’m forced to smile for. The only upside is the few I got to take with the whole wedding party. Even though the evil photographer placed Jax all the way on the other side where he couldn’t see me.
Who has random guests take photos with the bride and groom, anyway?
Okay, yes, my mom has been friends with Sophia for years, but I’ve said maybe ten words to her daughter. For crying out loud, I don’t know her name.
Maggie. Or Molly. It’s definitely an M name. Not that it matters much, I’m just trying to get through the rest of the night without embarrassing myself. Tall order for me.
“Did you hear me?” Spencer asks from the chair next to me.
The reception has been in full swing for at least an hour and yet, my tummy hasn’t seen any of the awesome food I was promised. Not even a mini potpie.
“No. Sorry.” I pull a funny face that gets Spencer to laugh and wipes the annoyed look away.
“I said, Ryan was mentioning sneaking away to go hit some balls on the course. Wanna join?”
I motion to my dress, then sneak a peek at my mom. She may have let me out of her sight but she’d kill me if I messed up her dress. Notice how I didn’t say my dress? Yeah, it will retire to her closet with all the other clothes I’ve worn once.
“As fun as that sounds, I’ll be dead if I got a single speck of dirt on this lacy monstrosity. Besides, I need food before I go all Godzilla on this joint.”
He holds his hand up. “I swear, there wasn’t a single passed appetizer. I’m as shocked as you.”
“What he means is that we ate them all.” Ryan leans into our conversation and smirks. “You don’t like sliders anyway, right?”
I clench my fists and want so badly to sock him in the arm. As if sensing it, Dad looks over and shakes his head.
Stupid parental ESP.
I settle for sticking out my tongue, which is rewarded with laughter from both Spencer and Ryan. You would think Spencer was Ryan’s best friend with the way they’ve been acting tonight.
“How about you two go frolic and play and I’ll save your dinner for you when it comes.”
“What you mean is you’ll eat it out of spite,” Spencer mumbles into his glass of water.
“Exactly.”
Alas, my plan never comes to pass because as soon as the word is out of my mouth, the waiters start bringing out plates of food.
I can’t tell what it is, but at this point, I would eat anything including tofu.
A few minutes later a glorious steak is set down in front of Spencer. My stomach rumbles with joy that turns into an acid shower when a salad is set in front of me.
Not even a good salad either with crispy chicken and cheese and glazed nuts. This is some vegan rabbit food that has far too many green things on it. My lips pull down into a frown, which causes Ryan to lean back with laughter.
I take back the tofu thing.
I poke the stupid thing with my fork, then whimper. This is my mother’s doing.
“Want my steak?” Spencer nudges his plate toward me.
By this time my mom has joined us at the table and judging from the arch in her eyebrow, she knows what Spencer just said.
“No.” I blow a strand of hair out of my face. “But we gotta stop by Squeeze tomorrow. I’ll need some red meat to balance out whatever this is.”
“Deal.”
With a final sigh, I dig into the salad. I guess it’s better than nothing at all.
Rylee has never looked more adorable as she scowls at the lettuce stuck to her fork. She picks the lettuce out of her burgers for crying out loud so I’m sure every bite is pure torture.
I try to eat my steak as subtlety as possible so I don’t rub it in her face more, but it’s kind of hard when every few seconds she glances my way with longing in her beautiful brown eyes.
During one of those lingering glances, her mom turns away to talk to another guest a few tables over. I take the opportunity to cut a gigantic piece out of my steak, then shove
it toward her mouth.
She lunges forward without hesitation then leans back moaning. It’s kind of loud and gives off crazy sexual vibes causing a few heads to turn to our way including Ryan who simply rolls his eyes and nudges me in the side.
“Those two smoking hot bridesmaids at the end of the table over there said they would love to learn how to handle balls.”
“You’re revolting.” Rylee crumples her napkin and throws it at Ryan’s face.
“Hey, I’m not the one who said it. Don’t shoot the repeater.”
“Not a saying.”
“Sure it is.”
I lean backward as they lean closer trying not to yell as they hurl insults at each other. It’s a common occurrence. One I’ve learned how to navigate. If I break it up too soon, one or both will seek revenge in some painful and colorful fashion. If I wait too long, fists with be thrown. A delicate balance.
Rylee reaches for her water and that’s my cue to step in.
“People are making their way to the dance floor. Wanna show ‘em how it’s done?” I extend my hand to Rylee, ignoring the overdramatic gagging sounds from Ryan.
I may have met Rylee first, but they’re a package deal and over the years Ryan and I have morphed into friends much to Rylee’s dismay. The thing is, it was inevitable. Growing up in that house meant I spent a lot of time with her brothers. They became my family too. Part of what kept me from ever admitting my feelings for Rylee out loud. Not only would I lose her, but I would risk losing three brothers in the process.
With one last glare thrown at Ryan, Rylee stands and takes my hand, igniting the familiar buzz in my chest when we touch. “Might as well make the most of our time here.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Rylee wobbles on her heels as I haul her to the edge of the wooden dance floor. Multicolored lights flash as the music picks up. I take the opportunity to whirl her around, laughing as she squeals and clings on to my shoulders for support.
“Don’t break my ankle!” she yells as I place her on the ground. “It won’t make you better than me on the rail even with a cast.”