The first night in the Nashville loft is amazing. Vi’s sister Iris was already at the house waiting for us when we arrived, cocktails in hand.
Vi’s other three bridesmaids join us shortly. Her bridesmaids consist of Hallie, a friend she met through Phoenix. Maya, a friend of Vi’s from college. Rounding out the group is Iris and Vi’s cousin Nia.
We are laughing on the huge white sofa, still unpacking, three bottles of wine deep, when my phone buzzes with a text from Archer. I grab it, already smiling.
Man Giant: Just landed. Tell me you aren’t doing the cowboy show without me.
Man Giant: Kidding, mostly.
I type back a quick, sassy reply before he calls. The screen flashes his name, and I excuse myself into the sleek minimalist kitchen, turning away from the girls’ noise.
“Hey, handsome!”
I can hear his smile through the phone. “Hey hot stuff, how’s your night going?”
“It’s been a blast!” I slightly slur. “What’s up?”
“You know I told you about that mandatory QB Leadership Summit they hold every year? I have meetings all day tomorrow. They booked the whole thing in some terrible Marriott downtown.”
“Wait, where?” I ask.
“Nashville.” He replies. “I flew in tonight beforetomorrow’s meetings.”
“Nashville?” I repeat. I love Archer, but this is supposed to be a fun girls’ trip. No boys allowed. Plus, any bar that Archer Bell goes to is going to be packed. Damn it Arch. Hopefully his football thing will keep him busy all weekend and away from the bars we want to visit.
“Yeah, I know you’re with the girls, so I won’t keep you long, and I still have to unpack. But I wanted to tell you I love you, and I hope you and the girls are having the best time. I won’t interrupt you. I promise. And I promise not to crash the cowboy show.”
I relax completely at his easy assurance. He is respecting the boundary, despite the bizarre coincidence.
“Good boy. I love you too. Now go learn how to football.” I joke before hanging up.
The first night in Nashville is low-key. We spent it inside the house drinking and eating pizza we ordered. Resting up for tomorrow, which is the main event. The Giddy-Up Gentlemen. The remainder of our trip will be filled with bar hopping and general bachelorette shenanigans, leaving us Sunday to drive home.
???
I’m on my second drink of the night as I check myself out in the full-length mirror. Vi asked us to do the traditional black outfit routine while she wears white. I’m in a sequined black dress, a splurge worth the cost because damn, I look good.
I meet the rest of the girls downstairs, all of us in black, save for Vi, who shines in her white two piece and glittering cowboy hat.
After what seems like a million pictures we all climb into the back of an uber that takes us to the Giddy-Up Gentlemen.
Chapter 63
Archer
Istare at the image of Elle. She looks stunning in her dress. She’s posing with Vi, foot popped to show off the high heels, and a drink in her hand.
Ellie: Heading out for the night! Love you!
Elle looks phenomenal in her black sequined dress, it makes her tits and ass look fantastic, but the destination hits me like a physical blow. Old insecurities come back and hit me like a truck.
“Dude, you have been staring at that picture for five minutes. She is just having fun. It’s Vi’s party. Let her live!”
I try to keep my cool but fail my insecurities showing their ugly faces. I jump up and immediately start pacing. “No, Ty. You don’t understand. She is on the way to a strip club. She’s going to be getting lap dances and hit on by naked cowboys at the Giddy-Up Boys!”
“It’s Giddy-Up Gentlemen.” Ty corrects. He sees I am not amused by his antics. “Well then.” He sighs. “Let me play Devil’s Advocate.”
My heart pounds against my ribs as Ty continues. “We are in the same city. We know where she is. We buy tickets, we show up, we get the lap dances, we buy Vi and all the girls drinks, we ensure they still have a good time.” He levels me with a look that says, it’s not the worst plan but it’s also not the best.
