Page 53 of Bridesmaid Undercover
“Come on,” I say, my lips twisting to the side. “As if I would do that.”
“You might,” Everly says. “People do stupid things when they’re nervous.”
“I’m not nervous,” I say.
“Yes, you are,” Brody says, completely oblivious to me trying to play this situation cool. “We were just talking about how you’re fidgety, and I’ve never seen you like this before. I think there’s sweat on your forehead.”
I swipe at my forehead with the back of my hand. “There’s no sweat.”
“I saw glistening,” Brody says.
I turn toward him. “You know, I don’t think I need you here after all. I can handle everything, so feel free to go home.”
“Ooof, I’d rather not,” Brody says. “I kind of want to watch this reunion play out. I’m invested now.”
“Jesus,” I mutter just as the door to the shop opens.
My eyes fly to the front where we all turn to watch Maple timidly walking in. Leaning in close to me, Brody whispers, “Be…cool.”
“You be cool,” I whisper back.
Everly shoots us a glare. “Both of you be cool.” Then she heads down toward the front of the shop where she greets Maple.
When she comes out of the sunlight blasting through the front windows, I get a better look at her. Still in her khaki pants from the zoo and a greenSan Francisco Zoopolo, her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail and, like always, she’s wearing minimal makeup.
She hasn’t changed a bit.
When she walks closer, I keep my eyes on her, watching how she’s obviously looking at everything but me. And when she and Everly reach us, an uncomfortable silence falls over the group.
Yup, this is awkward.
I know she doesn’t want to talk to me.
Brody and Everly know.
Maple, I believe, wants to flee the minute she comes within five feet of me.
And now I wish there wasn’t an audience for the initial greeting because I feel like all eyes are on us. Scratch that—I know all eyes are on us.
After a few seconds, Everly says, “Uh, Maple, you remember Hardy.”
Jesus.
As if we didn’t date for three years.
Of course, she remembers me.
Finally, Maple’s eyes meet mine, and I’m surprised to be greeted with a kind smile. “Yes, hello, Hardy.”
Then more silence.
More tension.
More…unbearable awkwardness.
Doesn’t help that from the corner of my eye, I can see Brody grinning like an idiot as he looks between the two of us.
This is fucking stupid.
