Partly from the story of the flight over, which they insisted on hearing every detail of. But it was mostly their running commentary that had us in tears. My God, the things that came out of their mouths—I’m still giggling at the memory.
Since Lucy and I were the only two drinking, we didn’t stay out late. Knowing the hot tub was right outside my room, they received no complaints from me when the yawns began. No one chose to join me, so I was able to soak it in, pun intended.
Today, however, I can’t wait to hit the beach. It’s all I plan to do until the rehearsal dinner. I’ll have to get through breakfast first, though, and meet the rest of the wedding party.
There’s Cici’s brother, Jackson—the other groom; Eli’s brother and best man, Sebastian; another groomsman, Justin, who’s Lucy’s boyfriend; and last but not least, Braden—Jackson’s best friend, best man, and the guy I’ll be walking down the aisle with, who I’ve already been warned to steer clear of. Apparently, he’s hot but a total player, which doesn’t concern me after my test run yesterday. I can hold my own just fine, thank you very much.
Sure, Suit’s advances almost had me crumbling at times, but that was my body talking—my mind was in complete control and dodged him at all costs. To which I flawlessly succeeded. Okay, confessiontime. I did use some of those naughty things he said as fuel after the hot tub, because why waste that dirty talk? Having a sexy man to imagine as well? Bonus.
That doesn’t mean that I would ever give in to someone like that, though. Not a chance. This girl’s holding out for the one who earns this sacred body. The one who works for it and proves he’s worthy. Not some jerk-off whose sole purpose in life is how many women he can sink his dick into. That is certainly not the man for me.
So, yeah, I’m not worried about this Braden guy. I just hope it’s not another repeat of yesterday with the relentless effort to get in my pants. Any more of that and I’ll lose it. A girl can only put up with so much crap in the span of a weekend. Fingers crossed he’s not as bad as Suits.
Taking my time this morning while indulging in this luxurious room, I pamper myself in the bathtub. Not one bone in my body feels rushed—that is, until I look at the clock and realize breakfast ends in twenty minutes. Shit.
I quickly finish, throwing on a sundress, before grabbing my sunglasses and walking to the restaurant. It’s beautiful—sun, the ocean air, palm trees… I could easily live here. I can’t believe Cici chose Bozeman over San Diego. It’s August, and the weather is fricking fantastic.
As I reach for the door handle, the slightest flutter of butterflies sets in, knowing I’m about to meet more people, including the only single guy in the group. Although I’ve been warned, it doesn’t stop the anticipation at the slim possibility of a connection. Isn’t that what everyone hopes for when meeting a sexy, available man? I can’t be alone in that.
“Poppy, there you are! Come meet my brother and parents.” Cici calls out and waves me over as soon as I enter the dining room.
Heading over, I scan the room, smiling at Eli, who’s with Lily, and I’m assuming her husband, Sebastian, Eli’s twin. The man next to Lucy is probably Justin, her boyfriend, and since Walker’s the only other onehere, the third groomsman must be missing. My shoulders instantly relax, making me realize how nervous I actually was to meet him.
Cici hugs me before making introductions. “Poppy, this is my mom, Hazel, my dad, Jack, and that’s my brother, Jackson. Oh, and that’s Mia’s mom, Sofia. Everyone, this is Poppy, my best friend from Bozeman,” she says with a big smile.
I greet each one with a hug, along with Mia and Walker. We chat for a while, and it’s nice how they all thank me for taking care of Cici during her pregnancy. None of them knew she was pregnant until she was almost seven months along. Miss Independent couldn’t be talked into spilling the news. And not from the lack of Lily and me constantly trying.
After a few minutes, Cici tugs my arm and pulls me toward the other group.
“Guys, this is Poppy. That’s Sebastian and that’s Justin,” she says without explanation, having already given me the details on everyone.
Justin runs a security and PI company that they’ve all used for various reasons and has become good friends with the guys. His girlfriend, Lucy is Sebastian’s assistant and has become good friends with Lily and Cici.
“Hey, Poppy, it’s good to see you again,” Eli says in greeting.
After shaking hands with the other two men and hugging Lucy and Lily, I turn to Cici. “Braden isn’t here?”
Justin hears the question and provides an answer. “Braden had to work. He just landed a new client and had to start on the case before the weekend. He’ll be here tonight, but he wanted me to tell you he’sreallylooking forward to making your acquaintance and sorry it had to wait.” Justin shakes his head, then directs his attention to the guys. “Since he can’t do his job without me, I’m taking off for a quick meeting at his office, but I’ll see you at the shooting range.”
The message from Braden was loud and clear. He sounds as equally douchey as Suits. And judging from the chuckles all around, it’s typical behavior.
It’s nice getting to know everyone. I’m still stunned Cici choseto leave such a great group of friends, but I suppose since I’ve never fought with my parents, I wouldn’t understand, since that’s why she left. I’m glad they’ve reconciled because it’s easy to see how much they love their daughter.
Not long after brunch, all of us ladies and Walker are happily in lounge chairs on the beach, while the guys went to do manly things. I think it had something to do with a shooting range. This right here is precisely where I wanted to be today.
“So, are either of you nervous about tomorrow?” I ask Cici and Mia.
They answer at the same time, making us all laugh, before Cici goes first.
“It was so hard to make it to this moment, and now that it’s here, I’m a nervous wreck. My heart wants this, but my mind tries to play tricks on me sometimes. Y’all will have to keep me in check to make sure we don’t have a runaway bride on our hands.” Cici laughs nervously.
“I’ll chain you to the altar if I have to,” Lily says. “Just remind yourself that you’re only marrying him so we can be sisters and you’ll be fine.”
Cici swats her on the arm. “You’re terrible. But seriously, I can’t believe our kids will be cousins. Who would have predicted that you and I would marry twin brothers?” They both squeal as my heart swells with happiness for them.
Lucy and I continue to enjoy our Peachy Bottom cocktails. We’re off the hook as bridesmaids, since Lily and Walker share the important maid of honor duties. Fortunately, one’s pregnant and the other isn’t old enough to drink, so everything’s responsibly covered. I can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a mini vacation with my BFF and new friends.
“What about you, Mia? How are you holding up?” Lucy asks.
