Page 139 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I grip my hair tighter. “I mean…yes, but it’s not like a vacation thing,” I say quickly.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” he continues to yell. “I told you to leave her the hell alone. Years ago. I told her she wasn’t for you.”
“I know, and I listened,” I say, grateful he hasn’t hung up on me. “I fucking listened despite not wanting to, but then, when I saw her here, it was like all those feelings I had for her came flooding back—”
“Feelings?” he asks, his voice so confused, it’s almost comical. “You havefeelingsfor my sister?”
“Yes,” I say. “I’ve had them for a while. I’ve liked her for years and well, we ended up having to pretend we were dating—long fucking story. But we’re sharing a bungalow and well…I tried, man, I really fucking tried, but I couldn’t keep lying to myself. I like her. I want to date her. I want something with her.”
There’s silence on the other line again. So much silence that I lift my phone from my ear to see if he hung up.
“Gary, you there?” I ask.
“Yes,” he says, sounding distant. “So let me get this straight. You’ve had a thing for my sister, like an actual thing, not some stupid carnal attraction, but something deeper that warrants you wanting to take her out on a date?”
“Yes,” I answer. “I like her, Gary. I have pretty strong feelings for her,and I’m telling you because I think you deserve to know. I’m not looking for your permission or blessing because it wouldn’t matter. I wouldn’t be able to step away. There is a strong bond between us, and I want to see where that goes.”
Maggie opens the sliding glass door, wearing one of my T-shirts as she walks over to me. I take her hand and pull her down next to me before draping my arm over her shoulder.
“I… How… When? Is this real?” Gary asks.
I chuckle and look Maggie in the eyes. “It’s very real, Gary. I can fill you in on the details later, but yeah, I’m dating your sister and just thought you should know.”
Maggie smiles up at me. I lower the phone and put it on speaker so Maggie can hear too.
“That’s it? You’re not going to see if it’s okay with me?” he asks. “What about my feelings?”
“Shouldn’t your feelings not matter? Should you just be happy for your best friend and sister?” Maggie says, probably startling the shit out of Gary, which only makes me chuckle more.
“Maggie?” he asks.
“Yes, Gary.”
“But isn’t it the morning there…”
Jesus, Gary. I just told you we’re sharing a bungalow.
“It is,” Maggie says. “And if you’re wondering if we spent the night together, the answer is yes.”
“Gary,” I sigh. “I told you, we’re sharing a bungalow.”
“And we also did it four times last night,” Maggie adds.
I scowl at her, which makes her giggle.
“I…I feel like I’m going to throw up,” Gary says.
“A fair reaction,” I say. “This is probably a lot for you so I’m going to let you process and when I get back, we can talk more about it if you want, but it’s happening. I just thought I owed you the favor of telling you.”
“Yeah, thanks.” He’s quiet again and then asks in a sheepish voice, “Do you like her more than you like me?”
“Oh my God, Gary,” Maggie bemoans.
“No, Gary,” I answer. “You’re always my number one.” As I say this, I shake my head, looking at Maggie, making her cover her mouth and chuckle.
“Okay, yeah, thanks for that.” He sounds so defeated. “I appreciate the honesty. Thanks, man.”
“Of course. And hey, when I get back, let’s grab something to eat, just you and me.”
