No. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to make these next few days slow down.
“Let’s go.” I paste on a bright smile as we follow the music to the barn.
Simon pulls me in close, whispering in my ear, “Did you think we’d be here after you accused me of trying to crash the wedding?”
That puts a genuine smile on my face. “I’m surprised you even talked to me after that. Can you blame me though? Who comes into a barn wearing an all-black suit?”
“Private security,” he says with a straight face.
“Yes, I’ll remember that next time I happen to run into one of you in the barn.”
“Layla!” Gemma rushes up to us. “You look gorgeous.”
I hug my sister tight to me. “Not as gorgeous as you.”
“Thanks to you.” She spins. “Can you believe she made this, Simon?”
“I can. Layla is very talented.” He squeezes my hip.
The dress I made for Gemma tonight is beautiful. The soft white lace fabric hugs her curves. It hits just above her knees. Tasteful, but simple. It’s her beaming smile that lights her up from the inside out.
It’s the look of love.
“That she is.” Gemma leans up, giving him a peck on the cheek.
“You look great,” he tells her. “Everything does.”
The ranch is done up to the nines. Two long tables are spread out underneath string lights that hang from the rafters. Flowers and candles fill the space, as waiters move between the guests delivering drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
With the actual rehearsal having taken place earlier in the day, the evening is a laid-back affair with dinner and drinks.
Simon gets pulled off to talk with Sean and Pierce while I mingle with out-of-town family members I haven’t seen in a few years.
The excitement for Gemma and Blake’s big day is palpable. It’s hard to believe that after a month of events, the wedding is tomorrow. Gemma and Blake opened the dinner to everyone from town, wanting to include them in the celebrations not just tomorrow, but tonight too.
“Layla.”
I fight the groan. Of course the last person I want to deal with tonight is here.
“Brad. What are you doing here?”
Mrs. Bush is standing next to him, a delighted smile on her face. Not something I am used to seeing from her.
“I was hoping to speak to you about Pinstripes & Push-Ups.”
“Now?” I hiss at him, dragging him away from the crowds. “It’s my sister’s rehearsal dinner.”
I’ve been trying to meet with this prick all summer and he chooses now to talk to me about it?
His face is smarmy. I can’t fucking stand it. “Time was of the essence, so I figured you wouldn’t mind.”
A few eyes are starting to dart our way. No doubt they want to see if anything happens between me and my ex.
“Fine. What is it?” I cross my arms, trying to look as disinterested as possible in this conversation. I don’t want to give these two any more leverage over me than they already have.
Mrs. Bush pulls out a piece of paper from a folder in her hand. My eyes skim over it, but they catch on the one sentence that is the most important.Permits have been revoked for the property and the business will cease to operate at its current location.
“I’m sorry, what in the hell is this?” I flash the paper in front of her face.
