And it sucked.
His appetite waning as the uncomfortable knot in his stomach grew, Garrett pushed food on his plate, so no one noticed he wasn’t eating. He was a good person, not like other jerks in L.A. who messed around and broke hearts as if it were a game of pool. He’d never been that guy at his fraternity or in law school. Sure, he dated a lot, keeping things casual, but he respected women and never wanted karma to get him via Callie.
Flirty kisses to heated ones aside, Garrett believed he and Taryn were on the same page about what they were and weren’t in December.
His throat went from Death Valley dry to Sahara Desert parched.
He bypassed the wine for his glass of ice water and drank.
It didn’t help.
Garrett needed to take action. Taryn had sidelined him by refusing to listen. All he wanted to do was make her feel better. She would the second he explained why he’d never contacted her.
He sipped more water.
Should he let it go as Taryn wanted?
His mother held her fork in mid-air. “The meal is delicious, Margot. Thanks for having us over.”
“It is.” Callie leaned over the table. “I’m so happy you’re in charge of the rehearsal dinner.”
Brandt nodded. “One less thing to worry about.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Margot raised her glass at the couple before focusing on Brandt. “Your parents were relieved not having to coordinate something from Oregon.”
The conversation continued, but the words flew right over Garrett. Maybe he should rethink drinking more wine.
Margot eyed his plate. “You haven’t eaten much, Garrett.”
He forced a bite of the roast beef, not wanting to draw attention to his lack of appetite.
“Lawson’s Bakery makes the best bread,” his dad said, reaching for another slice.
“Everything they make is wonderful.” Callie’s face glowed—the definition of a radiant bride. “Taryn is baking our wedding cake. It’s going to be amazing. I had no idea how to pick flavors during our tasting. They were all delicious.”
Brandt laughed. “Which is why we’re having more cakes than bridesmaids or groomsmen.”
Callie made a face. “It’s called a groom’s cake.”
“One might be,” he teased. “But three?”
“Anything goes at weddings,” Margot chimed in.
“I agree.” His mom raised a glass of red wine. “Callie gets whatever she wants. That’s how weddings work.”
Margot nodded. “Hear, hear.”
“That’s why Rex will be the ring bearer.” Brandt announced with an I’m-so-in-love gleam in his eyes. “A dog in the wedding party is the perfect addition.”
His mother’s face paled. Her mouth slanted. “I—”
“Rex will be a great ring bearer,” his dad interrupted.
Way to go, Dad.But Garrett didn’t feel like laughing with Taryn still on his mind.
“Thanks, Dad.” Callie shimmied her shoulders. “You should see Rex’s bow tie. He’ll look adorable. Almost as good as Brandt.”
“I’m sure he’ll be more handsome.” Brandt kissed her cheek before looking at everyone else with an amused gaze. “I’ve accepted Rex is her true love, but I don’t mind being second. He was in her life long before I was.”
