Page 59 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I offer him a soft smile. “Thank you.”
And without saying another word, we head out of the bushes and back down the path that leads to the beach, but as we walk, I notice one thing in particular. The hold on my hand is tighter, almost as if he’s telling me that despite me not wanting him to be there for me…he is.
“Team Black, I presume?” Hardy asks as I take a sip of some of the most delicious cucumber water I’ve ever tasted in my life. Leave it to the Hoppers to even make water fancy.
“Yes, and thank God, because the colorful clothes I have with me are not anything I could bounce around in.”
Hardy and Hudson both chuckle. “Haisley would have hooked you up with something, I’m sure.”
“And here I am, supposed to be helping her. I feel bad because every time I ask her what I can do to help prep for the day, she says nothing. I’ve been a bridesmaid a few times and I wrangle them all the time, so I know the responsibilities. Please tell me she’s not doing this all on her own.”
Hudson shakes his head. “No, the resort wedding planner and our mom have things handled. I truly think you just being here helps. Her best friend not being here has been pretty hard, but it seems like you guys get along well.”
Hardy nudges my shoulder with his. “We appreciate it.”
“Well, it’s my pleasure.” I glance around and see Brody staring at me,cup of water in hand as he talks to someone I’ve never met before. Must be another person from Hopper Industries he knows.
But what is the evil glare for? Is he irritated that I’m talking to the brothers and he’s not?
Ignoring him, I ask, “Do you guys do things like this often?”
“Games?” Hardy asks.
“Yeah, seems like your dad is ready to be an MC or something.”
“Oh, he is,” Hudson says as a few more stragglers join us.
It’s interesting that there’s been a mix of family, friends, and employees at the different events. Not a lot of friends, and I’m not sure why that is. Haisley seems like she’s a wonderful person. I would think she’d have more people supporting her, but then again, maybe because of her family, she’s kept her inner circle very small. I can understand that. I’m sure it’s not easy being an heiress to the biggest hotel chain in the country. She’s probably had her fair share of mean girls.
“Dad likes to host these weird tournaments at least once a year. He’ll do them at company parties, family events…andapparently weddings. But Haisley has always loved them, so it was a yes for her. Hudson, on the other hand, would rather be staring at a spreadsheet,” Hardy says.
“Says the guy who talks to his almond trees like they’re his own children,” Hudson cuts in.
“Over five hundred acres of babies. I’ve gotten around.” Hardy winks, making me laugh.
Hand to chest, I ask, “Hardy Hopper, are you telling me you’re a bit of a whore?”
“Whore for some good soil to plant my seed? I am.”
I burst out in laughter as Hudson shakes his head. “There are so many things wrong with that.”
I chuckle and glance back over at Brody. He’s now practically staring daggers in my direction. Jealous much?
I’m about to attempt to find a way to incorporate something niceabout Brody into the conversation when Reginald clinks his glass with his fork, drawing attention from all the participants on the beach.
“Welcome to The Hopper Games,” Reginald says, raising his voice over the waves surging behind him. Brody makes his way toward me as everyone lines up along the sand. There’s a decent group of people participating and plenty of spectators enjoying in the food and drinks provided.
I glance around, trying to pick out the other teams. I see the twins are together, and so are Hudson and Hardy, who I heard each have to have one hand tied behind his back to even the score. Brody and I are obviously a team, as well as Haisley and Jude, and then Beatrice along with who I’m going to assume is her husband. There are a few others, but I haven’t met them. I should probably make it a point to introduce myself, get to know as many people as possible.
“We’ll have a series of games, with a final Nerf ball match as our grand finale,” Reginald says, his voice now booming over us. “Points will be tallied at the end, and the team with the most points will win the coveted Hopper trophy.” Regina walks in front of Reginald, performing her best Vanna White as she shows off what seems to be a wooden H spray-painted in gold and glued to the base of a tuna can.
I chuckle.That is fantastic.For a billionaire family, you’d think there’d be more effort put into the grand prize, but I love how ordinary this is. Yes, Reginald was pushy and had his way with these games, but apart from that, he’s actually seemed so down-to-earth. His generosity is a byproduct of who he is, it seems, and not just there to impress others. I like him. I don’t know Regina at all, but they’ve raised their sons to be good men. I really like Haisley too.And I want to win that trophy.
Hardy leans into me. “It’s what’s inside that can that you’re going to want.”
“Oh really? What’s inside it?” I ask, leaning into him as well.
“One hundred dollars.”
