That’s not entirely a lie. I know my dad checked on my puppy before heading out for the ceremony. It’s just, I’m done with this wedding. As a matter of fact, if I didn’t have to go to work, I’d spend the next week or two hiding in my room watchingPillow TalkorCasablancaafter all this. I’m done with people. That and I need to flee the humiliation caused by my speech. I’ve stopped counting how many people approached to tell me how “hilarious” I was or how “sorry they felt” for me.
Those aren’t the words one likes to hear in this situation, or ever. Instead, I merely want people to ignore me. Forget I was ever here. That’d be the best gift of all.
My father, bless him, turns his head and whispers in my ear for the same reason I did it to him. “You hung on longer than I thought you would. Good job, Muffin. I’ll give you cover while you make a run for it.”
I snicker softly. I love a good Irish goodbye.
“Do your brother a favor and take him with you.”
“Got it.” Poor Bobby. He’s been sitting in the corner since this thing started. “I’ll grab him on my way out.”
Kissing my father’s cheek, I stand and turn, searching for Bobby. When our eyes meet, I give him a side nod, gesturing in the direction of the front door. It’s the only signaling he needs. He’s up, out of his chair, and racing to the exit. I’d laugh if I didn’t find us both a little pathetic. Since my car isn’t here, I quickly pull my phone out of my small red clutch purse (it matches the dress), and press the Uber App on my screen adding in the information about two stops instead of one. It says it’ll be here in seven minutes. Good.
Once we’re in the car, my brother sighs deeply. “Worst night of my life.” I glance at him. Giving him a look, one he understands, he quickly corrects himself. “Sorry. The second worst.”
“At least you didn’t have to give an impromptu speech.”
He snickers. “Yeah, that was pretty bad, Mattie.”
“Shut up.” Not Bobby too. “You suck.”
For the rest of the ride to his apartment, we laugh and talk about everything except my terrible speech. While stopped in the no parking zone closest to his building, Bobby turns to me before exiting the vehicle. “Love you, Mattie.”
“Love you too, Booby.” I giggle at my own use of his childhood nickname. I’m the only one who gets away with still using it; therefore, I take advantage of that honor whenever I can.
“See you tomorrow?”
Shaking my head, I smile. “I’ve got to work.” Thank heavens. It’s a short shift, ten to one, but it happens to coincide perfectly with the bridal brunch. Score. Honestly, I’ve missed so much time this week due to wedding stuff, I can’t afford to miss another shift. That and I can’t handle another wedding event.
“ThinkIcan get out of it?” Oh, Bobby….
“Not unless you want Aunt Annabelle at your door tomorrow afternoon.” She keeps an eye out for Bobby because she worries about him becoming a hermit. Literally.
“Right,” he grumbles. “She’s relentless.”
About Bobby and me, yes. “Stop over tomorrow night. I’ll show you what Shep can do now.”
“I don’t know….”
“I’ll make meatloaf.” It’s his favorite meal of all time.
“Yeah, okay. Sure. But I’m not staying long. I’m behind on my project.”
“Great.” I wave as the car pulls away from the curb. Now I can look forward to a quiet night just hanging out with Bobby and my dad.
ChapterThirteen
Alec
I’ve spentthe last hour of this reception dodging bridesmaids and other single ladies, many of whom want to dance with me.
Ha. If that isn’t ironic, I don’t know what is.
Honestly, though, the only person I’d hop on the dance floor with is Matilda. But I lost track of her after our last short chat on the balcony. Now, I can’t seem to find her. I sure as hell hope she hasn’t gotten dragged into personal attendant duties too. I spot Buck sitting at a table with some of Vicky’s family. He’ll know where she is.
“Hey, Buck.” I give the other people at the table a little head lift.
“Oh, hello, Alec.” Buck stands and approaches. Slapping me on the back, he’s got a shit-eating grin on his face, one that tells me he’s had a couple of drinks tonight. “Beautiful wedding, right, son?”
