“Both can be true, you know,” I said, reaching for another bite of waffle.
“Good point,” Gray said, grinning. “But since the bet now includes us as part of that girls’ weekend, we’ll have to work hard to up the fun. Especially if our reputations are at stake, too.”
“Well, I’m starting with bacon,” Basia said, lifting a piece and shoving it in her mouth. “What can be more fun than bacon?”
We all laughed until Gwen suddenly cleared her throat. “Guys, I know a way to up the fun meter. I have something to tell you.”
Basia gasped, her mouth full of bacon. “OMG! You’re pregnant!”
“What? No!” Gwen nearly choked on her juice. “Please, one major life event at a time. I’m talking about the wedding.”
Basia sighed dreamily. “Oh! You found a dress?”
“Not yet, because I need my bridesmaids to do that.” She paused, nearly bursting with excitement. “I’m assembling my bridal party. And, after careful consideration, I want all three of you to stand beside me on my wedding day.”
My fork froze halfway to my mouth. It also got Gray’s attention as she slid her phone away, looking at Gwen in surprise.
Basia clapped her hands in delight. “Oh my gosh, Gwen, how wonderful. Yes, I’d be honored to be your bridesmaid.”
“I’m so glad.” Gwen beamed. “I’m thinking flowy bridesmaid dresses in a blush pink for a Valentine’s Day wedding.”
“Blush pink?” Basia squealed. “Oh, that’s so adorable, Gwen.”
“Right?” Gwen turned her focus on Gray. “So, what do you think, Gray? I know we haven’t been friends for long, but I’d really like you to be a bridesmaid, if you’re interested.”
“Wow,” Gray said, clearly taken aback. She tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. “That’s really kind of you to include me, Gwen. Yeah, I’d love to be your bridesmaid.”
“I feel like we’ve all really bonded,” Gwen said, glowing. “Like sisters. Right, Lexi?”
I only had brothers, so I wasn’t sure what it felt like to have a sister, but somehow it felt right. “Sure, like sisters.”
“And that leads me into my final question,” Gwen said. “Will you be my bridesmaid, too, Lexi?”
I appreciated her asking, especially since she knew the danger that came with including me in any activity. “Are you sure you want me in the wedding party, Gwen? You know I come with a little black cloud.”
“I know.” She leaned forward, eyes sincere. “And I don’t care. I’ve looked up to you forever. I literally created a fan club for you. I’m the original Lexicon. I don’t care about your black cloud. It would be weird without you there standing beside me and Elvis, especially since I feel like you’ve been a big part of our romantic journey.” She reached across the table and touched my arm. “Besides, if trouble shows up, I know exactly who I want on my side.”
I smiled. “In that case, of course, I’d be honored to be your bridesmaid, Gwen.”
Her face lit up even more. “Oh my gosh. It’s going to be the perfect wedding,” she said, clasping her hands together.
“So, who’s going to be your maid of honor?” Basia asked eagerly.
“Angel,” Gwen said without hesitation. “What do you guys think?”
“Awww…your baby sister,” Basia said. “That’s so sweet.”
“I haven’t asked her yet, though,” Gwen said. “I wanted to do it right now with all of us together.” She pulled out her phone, tapped it, and put it on speaker and then camera so we could see and hear Angel.
“Hey, Gwen!” Angel said. “What’s up?”
“Hi, Angel,” Gwen said. “I’m in Atlantic City with the girls. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
“Sure,” Angel said. “So, who’s there with you exactly?”
“Lexi, Gray, and Basia, of course.” Gwen panned her phone toward us and we all waved.
“Oh, good, Lexi is there,” Angel said. “Just the person I needed to talk to. Hey, Lexi, can I show you something quick?”
