“Say it out loud,” Dad says.
I roll my eyes like I’m a teenager again. “I promise to ask for help when I need it.”
He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you. Everything will be okay, and I believe in you.”
“Yeah.” I let out a heavy breath. “Everything will be okay.”
The popular restaurant,Zesty Ziti, is filled with friends and family for Ellie and Rowan’s engagement party. I can see why they wanted to have it here.
According to Rowan, my future brother-in-law, they requested a small portion of the restaurant. But since Rowan works with the owner and they’ve become close friends, the guy decided to close the entire place for the party as an engagement present.
I’m in the wrong business.
There’s a long, glossy wooden table with a white tablecloth, covered in serving dishes of food: specialty pizzas, pastas, and salads. There are even steaks on the damn table, and they bet their sweet ass I’m taking a filet.
The wine flows as everyone mingles.
You’d think with the number of guests they have here, that it’s the actual wedding. Ellie and Rowan are known for their hospitality. So much so that they always feel the need to include everyone, even if they haven’t spoken to that person in months.
I glance over at my parents talking to Riley’s dad. Then I notice Riley’s mom on the opposite side of the room. That’s not surprising. Not seeing them together, that is. I can’t remember the last time they were standing next to each other.
A large, round table is occupied with Rowan’s dad and stepmom, along with Rowan’s mom and his aunt. The new year is starting strong for Rowan. First, he becomes engaged to the woman he’s loved for as long as I can remember, and now his dad is back in his life.
“TGIF, am I right, guys?” Beau says to me. “What a week.”
I peer at Beau’s giant frame, standing at six-foot-five. He only has three inches on me, but his build creates the illusion that he’s much taller. I’m sure I look like a stick next to Beau. I’m more of a runner, and he loves lifting weights.
“Aw, did you have a rough week cutting hair?” James, Beau’s brother, tilts his head, his bottom lip pushed out in exaggeration.
“I did. Thank you for asking,” Beau responds, taking another drink from his beer.
If a stranger came across Beau and James, they wouldn’t think in a million years that they’re brothers. Maybe cousins. The only similarity they have is the dark hair and grey eyes, with James being a year older.
All of us have been best friends since the day we could babble to each other. At this point, I consider them my own brothers.
Beau turns to Rowan, leaning his forearm on his brother’s shoulder. “How’s the engagement life treatin’ ya, bud?”
Rowan suppresses a smile but loses. This guy is so deeply in love with my sister, I’d think they’d have their own Hallmark movie. I can’t lie and say I’m not jealous. I may love attention from the ladies, but I’m a romantic at heart.
Rowan clears his throat. “It’s great. The only complaint I have is that I’ve gotta go to the gym more than I usually do since I’m eating desserts almost every day.” He places a hand on his stomach, then looks at me. “How are things at the shop? I hear it’s been a busy week.”
I run my hand through my hair, pushing it back until I hit the nape of my neck. “We’ve been slammed. The budget my dad predicted is matching up. I’ve stepped into the vendor role for him.”
James takes a swig of amber liquid. “When does he start his treatments?”
I mirror him, the whiskey burning my throat as it goes down. “Two weeks from today. They’re starting with chemotherapy and then going from there.”
Rowan clasps his hand on my shoulder. “Let us know if you need anything. Seriously.”
I raise my glass. “Will do.”
While the guys continue to talk, my attention is pulled toward a laugh that’s all too familiar, a laugh that I dream about on days when I need it most. It doesn’t take long for me to find Riley across the room. The room is lively, yet she always stands out. Her laughter is boisterous yet soft. Infectious and joyful.
Her buttery blonde hair falls in waves down her back. The gold shines under the lights. People gather around her like a moth to a flame. And the dress she’s wearing, shit, it makes me want to fall to my knees.
Dark red silk clings to her perfect curves, stopping just above her knees. It shows off her long legs that are toned and smooth. The back of her dress dips low, showing off creamy skin.
My heart speaks to me, telling me to go to her, hug her. It whispers to me that I need her. I’m grateful to have people offer me help when I need it most, but she’s the only person I trust.
