Page 60 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I snort because the way he said it had me thinking it was one million.
But trust me, I’d do anything for one hundred dollars. Hell, even twenty would have me transform into a competitive beast out for blood. But one hundred dollars is chump change for these people, which I guess makes this that much more fun.
The Hoppers are just full of surprises.
“One hundred dollars per person, or do we have to split it?” I ask.
“Per person,” Hudson chimes in as he leans forward so I can see him.
I point at the brothers flashing two fingers in theMeet the Fockersway. “You’d better watch out then, I’m coming for the both of you.”
“Good luck, you’re going to need it,” Hardy says as Reginald starts to explain the rules to the egg toss. I glance over at Brody to see if he’s listening and from the scowl on his face as a greeting, I can immediately tell he wasn’t paying attention, but rather listening in on my conversation with Hardy.
Ignoring him, I tune back to Reginald who explains the basics of the egg toss. When he’s done, he announces, “Get into position.”
Hardy nudges me. “Watch out, Maggie, we’re coming foryou.”
“We shall see about that,” I say as I follow him, and Brody trails behind. I stand next to Hardy while Brody lines up across from us with Hudson.
Reginald walks down the aisle that we’ve created for him, and he hands the right side—my side—an egg.
“After two tosses, you’re to take a step back and then toss again. Understood? The only way you are eliminated is if your egg breaks. If you drop the egg and it miraculously doesn’t break, then you’re safe. Pick it up and keep going. May the best team score the most points. Go.”
Focusing on Brody, I toss the egg to him, and he catches it, giving it some cushion with his catch. We’re going to be good at this. I can feel it.
“Ready?” he asks, his eyes on me.
“Ready,” I say.
He tosses the egg and I catch it with both hands. “Eeep, I caught it!” I dance, shaking my booty in front of Hardy who also caught his. “Looks like you have some serious competition.”
“Yes, that first catch was a real doozy,” he deadpans.
Sure, we’re a few feet apart from our partners, but the first catch matters, as it sets the tone for success. And we’re going to have success today.
The next six catches test our ability to concentrate and communicate as a pair. Brody is soft with his tosses and his catches, whereas I’m a touch more erratic. But I’m getting the job done. Hardy and Hudson are struggling, as they’re each down to one hand, but are still in the game. So are Beatrice and her husband, and Jude and Haisley.
The other teams have scored their measly points before being eliminated and are now on the sidelines, cheering us on. And when I sayus, I mean the soon-to-be married couple. Everyone seems to be team bride and groom. And I don’t blame them. I’d be the same way if I wasn’t out to win that tuna-can trophy.
“Let’s spice this up. Everyone, take two steps back instead of one,” Reginald says.
As a group, we take two steps back and the distance seems enormous. Now I’ve been pretty positive leading up to this point. I’ve seen the potential for victory, I’ve tasted it, but two steps back is way worse than one and, as I stare down the beach at Brody, who’s getting into position to catch my toss, I have this odd feeling that this very well might be the end of us.
I think our egg might be going down.
Like I said, Brody is pretty far back, and I’m not sure I’m going to be able to toss the egg that far. Despite my competitive optimism, a part of me is surprised I’ve made it to this level at all. The first catch was a miracle, the ones after that have been a true phenomenon. An act of unforeseen athleticism on my part. Maybe it’s the juggling of brides that has prepared me for this moment, but let’s see how far it will take me.
I get in position and drum up the energy I need to make this toss. Hardy tosses first and I watch the arch of the egg fly up in the air only for Hudson to catch it. Damn it. Was really hoping they would mess up on that.
Okay, you can do this.
I cock my arm back and then, with a Herculean effort, I toss the egg high into the air and shiver as I watch it come up short. Just as I feel it’s about to hit the sand, Brody lays out his body in one of the most athletic moves I’ve ever seen and catches the egg.
The egg remains unharmed.
Not a crack, not a yolk to be seen.
“Wooooo!” I scream as I jump up and down in celebration. “We…are…amazing!” I say, fist-pumping the air, right into Hardy’s arm by accident.
