Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
I can’t imagine planning my wedding without the help of my mom and sister. From what I’ve seen, I’m the only person Lottie has to help her, and I don’t think I’ve done the best job of being a good maid of honor.
I didn’t weigh in on the decision about her wedding dress in Paris because I was in awe of every dress she tried on. Tonight, I could only nod and smile when she asked if I liked each sample of champagne.
I need to step up, so I’ll speak my mind when we go to the cake tasting. I’ll do the same when we meet with the florist and choose the food for the reception. Lottie needs help, and since Randall is too busy to toss his opinion into the mix, I want her to feel less alone.
“I’m here for whatever you need.” I squeeze her shoulder. “You name it, and I’ll be there.”
“Cake tasting on Saturday afternoon and then we’ll hit up Nova for dinner if you’re up to it. They’re on my short list of caterers for the wedding.”
I tug her closer. “Me and my stomach can’t wait.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Reid
I’m ignoring the fact that I dragged Randall to Tin Anchor because I thought there was a chance I’d see Miss Starling here.
It is Friday night, after all, and I did spot her holding hands with a bartender the last time I was here.
That’s not the case tonight, though. My assistant is nowhere in sight. Neither is the tattooed bartender. I don’t take comfort in that, even though none of it is my goddamn business.
“You look pissed,” Randall points out as he samples the drink he ordered.
I opted for a bottle of domestic beer. Randall requested an old fashioned. From the expression on his face, the bartender working tonight did an adequate job.
“Tired.” I glance over my shoulder toward the entrance. “It’s been a hell of a long week.”
“I’ll say.” He leans back in the chair he’s sitting in.
I directed him to a table instead of the bar because we need to talk. As much as I want to jump head first into a discussion about Azelius, I need to get some best man business out of the way first.
“Have you given much thought to a bachelor party?” I toss the question out.
I could have taken Donovan’s advice and planned a trip to Las Vegas, but other than Randall’s immediate family, I don’t know any of the people he’s been hanging out with for the past decade and a half. Even if I wanted the bachelor party to be a surprise, I’d need his help, or at the very least, his fiancée’s. There’s a huge problem with that since I don’t even know the woman’s name.
“That’s a weird coincidence,” he comments before he sips from his glass again.
“What is?”
“I was going to talk to Charlotte about that this weekend.”
I’d ask who Charlotte is, but I’m hoping that’s the woman he’s planning on marrying. I’ll let him continue to fill in the blanks for me.
“About the bachelor party?” I ask to lead the conversation down the path I need it to go.
“Yeah.” He nods. “Remember that house in East Hampton we went to that summer when we were kids?”
I barely recall anything about that trip other than the look of pure bliss on my grandma’s face as she stood on the sand when the waves covered her feet. My grandpa had to work, so he couldn’t make the trip, but my grandma happily accepted the invitation from Randall’s folks.
The house they rented had more bedrooms than anyone could ever need, but they were all filled for those couple of weeks that July.
“I vaguely remember it,” I admit.
“You’ll get a refresher because we’re heading up there with a few of my friends for a weekend before the wedding.”
I smile because that saves me a hell of a lot of planning and money. “Sounds good to me.”
“A short break will be good,” he says. “I’ve been so busy with work stuff that I haven’t even had time to devote to helping Charlotte plan the wedding.”
From what I’ve heard, that work stuff includes selling off a company I want. I resist the urge to make him an offer on Azelius right here and now.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Charlotte,” I say, confident that she is indeed his fiancée.
“You’ll like her, Reid.” He glances at the table. “I didn’t think love at first sight existed until I met her.”
I’m a firm non-believer in the concept. I don’t see that changing.
I know I should ask about the all important first meeting between the bride and groom, but someone at the wedding will lay that out in a speech. I have no doubt about that.
That brings me to my next round of questions. “I’m new to this best man thing. Do you want me to toast you at the wedding? I can bring up some of the stupid shit you used to do when you were a kid. Best men typically do that, don’t they?”