“No, Iris. You can’t do that. Please, no.”
“That’s exactly what she should do,” Atlas insists. He pats myshoulder. “Go for it, sis. I’ll tackle him to the ground if he starts anything.”
“Physical violence won’t be necessary. I’m going to say my piece calmly and succinctly, and then walk out with my head held high.” I touch my father’s arm. “I’m not asking for your permission, Daddy. I’m giving you fair warning so you can brace yourself or choose not to walk me down the aisle, as planned.” I pull away and begin to wring my hands. “I would have told you about this last night, but since we can’t get any of your money back, I figured I’d take some time to decide what to do for myself.”
“Don’t worry about the money,” Dad mutters, still rubbing his forehead. “That’s the least of our concerns.”
My heart squeezes with affection for my sweet father. He’s not a wealthy man. Not even close. So, the fact that he said that, and with such sincerity, touches me deeply.
Dad takes my hand. “I’m worried you’re going to regret handling things in such a public way. You’ve never liked being the center of attention.”
My brother shakes his head. “If ever there was a time for Iris to get out of her comfort zone, this is it. That motherfucker deserves to be publicly shamed, Dad.”
“Don’t say that word here, Atlas,” Dad snaps. “We’re in a church.”
Atlas scoffs. “So, it’s okay for a scumbag to stand in a church and pretend to be the world’s most perfect guy, but I can’t call him out for it while standing in a hallway?”
Dad sighs. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
I squeeze my father’s hand. “Some of Brandon’s clients are here today. Don’t you think they deserve to know about Brandon’s true character? If he was willing to cheat and lie with me, then what’s he been doing with their money? There are weird bank notifications on the phone, Dad—from a bank I’ve never seenBrandon use. I don’t know what it all means, but I think it’s possible Brandon’s been stealing money at work.”
“Jesus,” Dad says, running his free palm down his forlorn face.
“Do you remember what Mom used to say about us doing things in secret?” Atlas prompts.
Dad nods slowly before whispering, “‘If you’re too embarrassed to do something loud and proud and in front of the whole world, then that’s your sign you shouldn’t do it at all.’”
Atlas and I exchange a nod.
“Words to live by,” I whisper.
Dad pauses for an eternal moment. Clearly, he’s distraught. But eventually, he squeezes my hand and says, “I’m with you, honey. Do whatever you need to do, and we’ll both support you.”
“Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Atlas.”
My brother takes my free hand. “Now, get in there and take that motherfucker down.”
Chapter 3
Roman
“Welcome to thewedding of Marco and Nicola!” my younger brother, Luca, booms with enthusiasm, and the crowd reacts like they’re once again witnessing Marco diving into the end zone at the Super Bowl.
There are about fifty of us assembled on this beachside cliff in Kauai for today’s happy nuptials. I’m today’s best man for my cousin, of course, dressed to the nines in a light blue suit that matches what Marco and all his groomsmen are wearing. Standing immediately behind me is Levi, Luca’s twin, followed by some teammates of Marco’s: a couple from his longtime NFL team and one from back in his college days.
“Eternal love and commitment,” Luca continues solemnly. “Soulmates. New beginnings.Family.These are the revered things we’re here to celebrate on this picture-perfect day in paradise.”
I bite my tongue to keep myself from snorting. Luca never talks like this. Obviously, he’s doing a bit—role-playing a wedding officiant who takes his job seriously. But come on, what the hell does twenty-six-year-old Luca Maguire know about soulmates, eternal love, and lifelong commitment? Not a goddamned thing, unless you count the lifetime he’s spent watching our parents’ happy marriage.
Granted, I don’t have much more knowledge than Luca about any of those things. I admit I don’t have the best track record for long-term commitment myself. But at least I’ve managed to fall in love a time or two in my thirty-two years, if only briefly. My brother’s an even bigger player than I was during my twenties,and that’s saying a lot. What was Marco thinking when he said yes to his bride’s request to have Luca of all people officiate the wedding today?
Mid-speech, Luca pauses dramatically, drawing out the silence for an inordinate amount of time. Finally, he scans the audience and somberly declares, “Mawwiage.”
Everyone bursts out laughing at the gag, including me. But nobody more so than the bride, Nicola. I’ve never seenThe Princess Brideall the way through. Only clips of it on the internet. But even I know that’s what Luca was referencing, to hilarious effect.
“That was for you, Nicola,” Luca says to the bride with a wink. “I know how much you love thatmovie.”
“It’s my all-time favorite,” Nicola confirms with a giggle. “That was perfect, Luca.”
