Page 38 of Beautiful Small Things
Callan’s mom gushes when she sees me. She always has. “James, you look beautiful, Darling,” she says, causing everyone to glance at me and smile. Everyone except for Marcus. He’s looking straight ahead and stirring his bloody mary with his celery stalk.
Unable to stop myself, I lean in a bit and whisper, “You didn’t say anything, Marcus. You don’t think I look beautiful?” I tease.
He exhales and gives me a side eye as he shrugs. “You look fine.”
“Just fine?” I ask playfully. “What about these earrings?” I move my hair behind my ear, exposing my neck.
“Meh,” he says casually, but I catch the tick in his jaw.
“What about this dress,” I ask, motioning to my lap.
He looks down but says nothing as I slowly lift the hem of the dress up until it hits mid-thigh. “I think it looks good against my tan. Don’t you?” I ask innocently, giving him a long look at my inner thigh. His jaw clenches as his eyes ignite with excitement.
“Don’t play games you can’t win, BJ,” he says through gritted teeth.
“Oh, I’ve already won,” I laugh and turn away to converse with my sister, ignoring him for the rest of the brunch.
Chapter fifteen
Tuxedos and Tension
Marcus - Age 27
She thinks she has the upper hand here. She’s lost her damn mind. I’m not falling for this little game of hers. That shit she pulled at brunch was child’s play. It pisses me off that I’ve been thinking about it for the past two weeks.
Callan and I haven’t been too involved in the wedding planning. His main job appears to be to stay out of the way, and I’m happy to help him oblige. We’ve been playing some golf and grabbing beers. It’s been great to spend so much time with him. Between his career, Colby, and me in medical school, we don’t see each other as often as we’d like.
Today, we’re trying on tuxedos. I told Colby she doesn’t need to come and babysit us, but she is convinced we will pull some shit if she isn’t there. I can’t say she’s wrong. I’d look like fucking amazing in a powder blue tux with a frilly shirt. But apparently, we are getting a babysitter, so that won’t be happening. What a buzz kill.
When we arrive at the tuxedo shop, I’m not surprised to see Colby standing outside. I am surprised at who’s standing next to her.
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, although clearly not quietly enough since Callan hears me.
“What’s up? he asks as we pull into the parking space.
“Nothing,” I reply. “Just remembered I have to do something later.”
He nods and then jumps out of the car to hug his fiancee. I’m slower getting out as I mentally prepare myself to spend the next hour with James.
“What’s up, BJ?” I ask as I approach her. She ignores me, so naturally, I go in even harder. “I didn’t know you’d be here. Guess it’s tougher to quit those old stalking ways than you thought, huh?”
Her stance changes immediately, and for a moment, I fear she might kick me in the balls. Instead, she glares at me and replies with a short-girl attitude. “Fuck you, Marcus.”
“Now, you see, you’ve already offered that, and if I remember correctly, I turned you down,” I say, my head cocked to the side.
I hear her huff, and she elbows me in the sternum as she pushes past me to enter the shop. This is gonna be fun.
James decides rather quickly on a tuxedo for Callan and me. I’m in the dressing room when inspiration strikes.
“Colby, can you send James in here? I need help with my tie,” I call out through the curtain that separates us.
James replies first. “Figure it out, Dickwad. I’m here to support my sister, not dress you.”
“That escalated quickly,” I yell from behind my door. “I really could use some help.” Now, it’s important to note that I don’t need any help. I’ve been able to tie a necktie and a bowtie for two decades. But this is just fun.
“Please go check on him,” I hear Colby say to her sister.
“Unbelievable!” James huffs in frustration.
