Epilogue 2
“Welcome to Rand’s Rabbit hole, where we chase anything shiny… Oooh, a nickel!”
-Rand’s brain
What just happened?
I stare down at my hand, then up at the retreating back of Carolina Saber. I can’t believe she just ran off. Like I don’t know who she is. Like I couldn’t just track her down if I wanted to.
I work for her brother, for Crissakes.
A random thought occurs to me because random thoughts occur to me all the time. And no, my name “Rand” is not short for “random,” despite the jokes in high school.
Back to my rando-thought:Did I put deodorant on this morning?
I sniff my pits. Yep. I put some on. Or, at least the stuff I put on yesterday is still working.
By the time I finish the pit-smelling portion of my day, Carolina has disappeared into the resort.
A hand clamps down on my shoulder. “Smooth move with the ladies, Rand.”
I shake my head at Flint. “Not sure what just happened there, but perhaps it’s her Maid of Honor duties? I’ve never been a Maid of Honor, but I understand a lot is riding on the job. So many parties to arrange. Making sure the bride doesn’t tuck her skirt up into her underwear after going to the bathroom…”
Flint’s grip on my shoulder tightens. “Be careful talking about my bride and her underwear.”
“Right, right, because you’ll kick my ass.”
Flint laughs. “No, she’ll probably beat me to the punch. She’s pretty quick with the farm implements. C’mon, we need to get in place for the ceremony.”
I follow Flint down to the pagoda on the beach. It’s close to sunset, which means the sky will be the perfect backdrop for Flint and Celia’s vows. When he asked me to be his Best Man, I was stunned. I thought for sure he’d ask Luke to do it. Flint smiled and told me the “placement would be better” if I were Best Man.
No clue what he’s talking about, but then again, he’s a manhead over heelsin love.
Head over heels.
Isn’t that the stupidest phrase for being in love?Seriously. I’m head over heels right now. Walking upright. My head - over - my heels. That shit never made any sense to me, but then again, I’ve never been in love. I don’t think. Maybe when you fall in love, you start spouting nonsense like “head over heels” because you can’t string a sentence together.
Those lovebirds might as well say they’re “monkey butt red” in love or “pine tree forest” in love. It makes about as much sense.
A slap on my back brings me back to the present. All of the guests are in their seats, watching the opening of the aisle. Carolina grasps a bouquet and slowly walks toward me.
She’s tall. So tall I can almost look her right in the eye when we’re standing toe-to-toe. Her black hair is pulled away from her face in a ponytail. Her eyes are Dr. Who Tardis Blue, and everyone knows that’s my favorite blue color in the multiverse.
Carolina Saber is stunning. Even when she’s frowning. Which is what she’s doing right now as she takes her place opposite me. It looks like she’s about to say something, but our imaginary conversation is rudely interrupted by the bride walking down the aisle.
I turn to watch as Celia makes her way toward Flint. Those two look like the physical embodiment of the “hearts in the eyes” emoji. Next thing you know, Flint’s heart will be beating out of his chest like some sort of Roadrunner cartoon.
I feel like someone is staring at me, and when I glance back, it’s Carolina. Her eyes are drilling into my soul.
I know she felt the connection when we shook earlier, but she acted like I was a glitter bomb. Or, as Faylor calls it, “Craft Herpes.” That shit gets everywhere. You can’t get rid of it.
The ceremony is over before I know it, and Flint nudges me with an elbow to the gut. And by “nudge,” I mean nearly knocks me over on the beach.
“Dude, get it together. You’re supposed to walk up the aisle with Carolina,” Flint hisses.
“Oh, right!” I jump into action. I missed the rehearsal last night. I was working on logistics for Flint and Celia’snot-so-secrettrip to the bank for tomorrow. I figuredhow hard could it beto be a Best Man? You hold the rings. You sign the marriage certificate. You make a toast.
Shit on a sonic screwdriver.I forgot to write a toast.
