“We should knit lace doilies and then go to one of those paint-by-number places where they serve wine.”
“I’m in.” Eli jerked his chin in their direction. “It’s either that or we head back to your apartment and play drunk Pictionary.”
Brek grunted in reply. He flagged the waitress for another round.
“Why are Velma and her friend over at the bar?” Dean slid into the booth across from Brek. He grabbed his beer and took a slug.
“’Cause Velma and Brek are having a tiff.” Jase leaned forward, apparently ready to dish.
“What’re you two fighting over that’s making the boys and girls separate like a middle school dance?” Dean wore theBuy Me a Shot, I’m Tying the KnotT-shirt Velma had bought for him.
Claire had a matching pink version of the tee, along with a rhinestone tiara and black sash that readBachelorette.
Velma hadn’t stopped there—the rest of them got sashes that read “I Do” Crew. They’d all actually worn the damn sashes, too. Jase, ’cause he was Jase. Brek, ’cause he didn’t want to hurt V’s feelings. And Eli, ’cause everyone else was.
“Oh. My turn to tell.” Jase waved for everyone to lean in closer.
This ought to be good. Brek scooted forward.
“See, Brek missed an important dinner.” He was right so far. “Then Velma fell on her ass and got hit on by a cop.” Still accurate. “Then Brek’s sister had her baby.” Also correct.
Well, that was the drunk CliffsNotes version of events.
Velma had been tense since he’d asked that she stay away from Wayne. He got that she didn’t want to be told what to do. What he didnotget was why this Wayne idiot remained so important to her. The dude was a first-class, grade-A prick.
“I’m going to go dance with the pretty bridesmaid talking to Velma.” Jase scooted out of the booth and headed for Velma’s friend Heather.
“Seriously, what’s going on with you two?” Dean squinted at Brek.
Dean had been busy with all the wedding stuff, and given he’d be Velma’s new brother-in-law soon, Brek was keeping his lips zipped when it came to their relationship until he figured out what he was going to do about everything.
“I’m in love with her.” There. He’d said it out loud to someone who wasn’t Velma. She knew. The rest of the world might as well know, too.
Brek should’ve had his camera ready to capture Dean’s shocked expression.
Dean paused. “I don’t think that means what you think it means.”
“I know what it means, jerkwad.” Brek replied.
“She love you?” Eli asked.
He’d bet money she did, but she hadn’t said it. Here he was working on a plan to stick around Denver, and she hadn’t even said the words. “Pretty sure she’s getting there.”
“Then I’m happy for you two.” Dean clinked his beer bottle against Brek’s. “Here’s to the Johnson women.”
“What’re you going to do about the tour?” Eli asked.
That was the shit of it, wasn’t it? Brek had to leave soon.
“I’ve gotta go. But I’m working on plans so I can make Denver my base. Travel less. Stay with Velma.”
“Does she know?” Dean jerked his chin toward where Velma and Claire stood together by the jukebox.
He hadn’t told her. Not yet. “I’ve been waiting until I get everything sorted before I bring it up.”
“My advice? Don’t wait too long.” Dean stood. “I’m going to go dance with Claire.”
“His advice is good.” Eli followed Dean out of the booth. “Communication is a good thing.”
