Page 118 of Bridesmaid for Hire
Maggie laughs. “Strange things are already happening.”
Is she talking about my confession? Because there’s nothing strange about that conversation. It’s from the heart. It’s what I’ve felt for years.
It’s been coiled in my goddamn soul, straining to escape.
Although, I could see her using it as an excuse, claiming I’m on these fucking pills and saying weird things I don’t mean.
“Well, if you’re feeling a little better, I was hoping I could steal Maggie away. We have some wedding things I need help with. Would you mind?”
“No, he’ll be great on his own,” Maggie says as she pulls away from me.
Fuck.
“Great. Thank you.” Haisley points toward a grouping of palm trees. “The boys are over there if you want to hang out with them. Not sure what they’re talking about, but it might be interesting.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say. “But you girls have fun.”
“Thanks,” Haisley says and then she and Maggie walk off, down the beach.
Defeated, I drop down on the sand and stare out over the water, the gorgeous, endless blue doing nothing to lift my mood.
Well, just like the rest of this vacation, that went horribly wrong.
“Hey, Brody,” Hardy calls out as he jogs up to me. “How you doing?”
I flash him a grin. “Good. Much better.”
Why does it look like he has two heads?
“Great.” He waves at me to come with him. “Then let’s go.”
“Let’s go?”
“Yeah, we’re going to do some spearfishing.”
“Spearfishing?” I ask. “Uh, sorry to say, good sir, but given my track record this whole week, taking me spearfishing is just asking for a spear to end up in your rear.”
Hardy chuckles. “I promise, it’s all very…authentic. The captain is a master at it, and he loves giving us lessons. The fishing is all done by hand, nothing electronic involved. So, if you end up with a spear in your rear, it had to be pre-planned by the person throwing it.”
Bet Daddy Reggie would want to spear my rear.
I eye him. “Still seems dangerous, and I’m on those seasick pills.”
“You’ll be fine. If anything, just come watch.”
Well, as a spectator, we’re out of harm’s way. I don’t think anything could happen if I just watch…
I gather my shirt, towel, and sandals. “Okay, but if something happens to me, it’s all your fault.”
He holds his hands up in defense. “I’ll take the blame. Promise.”
Well, if he takes the blame, then I should be good, right? Only one way to find out. I rise from my spot on the sand, grab my towel, and we walk down the beach. Well, Hardy walks, I sort of stumble in his wake.
I like Hardy and Hudson—they’re really good, down-to-earth guys. Which is odd given the prick that their father is.
Ooops.**Inwardly chuckles**Did I just call their dad a prick?
Did I say that out loud?
