“Then do it your way,” he says. “But do it for real.”
After coffee, I go back to my office and close the door. I don’t have a lot of work to deal with this afternoon, but I really just want to be alone. If Andrew is right about anything, it’s that all of this is happening really fast. Obviously, that’s a good thing; it’s what we wanted. But that was before I realized how I feel abouther. And even though neither of us confessed, I’m pretty sure she feels the same.
I open the browser on my computer and searched for beachfront wedding locations again. As I click on the gallery and the wedding packages, it feels like there is a weight in my stomach. Because I don’t want to go to a courthouse, and not just because my dad wouldn’t buy it. But because no one would buy it. I wouldn’t even buy it. I want to give her more than that.
Suddenly, I realize what I want to do. I send an inquiry for one of the simpler packages. Not because I don’t want frills. I do. Mila deserves frills. And she’s going to get them. But not for the wedding. Not this one, anyways.
After submitting the request, I open a new browser–all-inclusive honeymoons. Maybe we have to see the arrangement through, but it doesn’t mean I can’t wine and dine her afterwards.
I think a week long getaway in Tahiti will work nicely. It will also work nicely as the location where I will get down on one knee for real.
Chapter 35
Mila
“Well, look who it is,”Niko says as I walk into the Cockpit. “The Bride to Be of Beverly Hills has decided to grace us with her presence.”
I smile and wave at everyone as they rush over to me. I hug the waitresses and even Niko when he walks over with a cocky but genuine smile.
“And here I thought you’d forgotten about us little people,” he says.
“I could never,” I tell him. “I’m still one of you.”
“Bullshit you are,” he says with a haughty laugh, and my mouth pops open.
“Lainey, are you hearing this?” I ask as she walks out of the back to hug me.
“I am. And I call bullshit too,” she says and gasps. “That rock on your finger says differently,” she adds, giving me a knowing look.
“Yeah well, I’m not like that. Just because I have a ring on my finger–”
“A rock,” she corrects me.
“Doesn’t mean I don’t love and miss you guys,” I go on. “Which is why I came in to have lunch with you,” I tell Lainey.
“My break isn’t until after Brynn’s,” she says, looking at her phone. “Another hour.”
“I bet Niko could do something about that,” I say, batting my eyes at my ex-boss.
“You want me to switch Lainey’s break with Brynn’s?” he asks as he types something on a tablet. “I don’t know how the Queen is going to feel about that.”
“I stayed late last night polishing silverware,” Lainey reminds him. “And rearranged the liquor bottles by spirit and price.”
Niko turns and squints his eyes toward the bar. “That you did. Alright. I’ll let her highness know. Take your break.”
Lainey and I both jump for joy and head towards one of the booths in the back where we can be alone.
“I have so much to tell you,” I tell her.
“What kinds of things?” she asks.
“Something happened the other night,” I say.
“You mean after yourfiancégrabbed you before a match with his biggest rival and the two of you disappeared into the night?” She asks, and we both giggle.
“Mila?” Brynn’s voice comes from across the bar, and Lainey and I both stop just before sitting down. “Mila, I am so glad you’re here.”
“Hey,” I say with a confused smile. I don’t even have to look at Lainey to know she’s not smiling. I’m not naïve. I know that I’ve been blowing Lainey off a lot recently and I really miss her. Not only that, but I have to talk to someone about everything that’s going on. Everything I’m feeling. From the night I had with Dominic to the pregnancy.
