Page 140 of Bridesmaid Undercover
Although, because of my negligence, what we have is slowly starting to fade anyway.
“Hardy?”
Christ, can’t a guy hem and haw over a shirt in peace?
I turn around and find Brody standing behind me.
“Brody?” I ask. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here with Maggie—we’re visiting Hattie.” While I’m in town for business, Hattie and Maggie are best friends. Hattie is the owner of The Almond Store, one of the Rowley sisters I’m meeting with. I’ve been working with both of them on a contract to resell Hopper Almonds as well as use them for their almond extract. We’ve also been working on a possible partnership, taking their almond extract nationwide and in stores. “Hattie didn’t mention meeting up with you.”
“Maybe she likes to keep her business to herself,” I say as I set the shirt down, but of course Brody notices it.
“You’re the one I croissant?” he asks while looking up at me. “Getting a little present for Maple?”
“Not so much,” I say.
“Uh-oh, why does that sound like things haven’t worked out the way you were hoping? Was it the way you fell into her breasts when you greeted her?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, and I walk past him. “Not in the mood, dude.”
“Hey,” he says, pulling on my arm. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I say. “I’m going to head back to the inn.”
“Hold on,” he replies. “I have to grab some socks because I’m an idiot and forgot to pack any. Hattie and Maggie are hanging out tonight—want to grab a burger with me? We can talk. Serious talk. No jokes.”
I look him in the eyes, anoon the tip of my tongue, but before I can change my mind, I nod.
“So,we’ve talked about sports, the weather, and cherry almond cookies,” Brody says as he picks up a fry from his plate. “We’ve also touched upon a new pair of shoes you’re considering purchasing as well as what cologne I’m wearing. Now that we’ve gotten all pleasantries out of the way, care to tell me what’s going on with you and Maple? Or do you want to discuss the difference between one button undone on a dress shirt or two?”
“Fascinating topic,” I say. “Would love to dive deep into that. You know, I’ve always thought two was kind of douchey but?—”
“Hardy,” Brody says in a stern tone, which is shocking given this guy is barely ever serious.
I sigh and wipe my mouth with my napkin before putting it on the table.
“Whatever I say, you can tell Maggie, but she can’t tell Everly, okay? I mean that, man. I can’t have this getting to her.”
“Everly?” he asks. “Did something happen with Everly?”
“Dude, just promise me.”
He nods. “Okay, yeah, I promise, it won’t get back to her.”
“And I can trust you, right? The appendix has been removed, so we shouldn’t have any more embarrassing truth moments from you, right? You’re going to be able to hold back?”
“Since I’ve had the appendix removed, I’ve actually been more polished, reserved. I think the appendix was the thing that was causing mayhem in my life.”
I eye him suspiciously because I don’t think anyone would believe that.
“You can trust me, dude,” he reassures me, and call me crazy, but from the serious tone in his voice, I think I believe him.
So, I go for it.
“Maple turned me down. Wasn’t interested in starting things up again. I don’t want to get into detail about the reasons, but what it comes down to is that our connection wasn’t as strong as I assumed it was back in college.”
“That sucks. I’m sorry, man.”
