I opened my mouth, then snapped it shut, shocked into silence.
“I’m not trying to be a dick,” he said. “Bryson has a big heart. He falls hard and he falls fast. If you’re just in this for a good time, you need to end it before you hurt him anymore than you already have.”
“You think I’m hurting him?” The words felt raw in my throat. I’d never want to hurt Bryson. He was the best guy, the sweetest, most caring,genuineperson I’d ever met.
“Yeah, and if you keep it up, it’ll only get worse. He’s been hurt before, you know? Chris did a real number on him.”
My chest tightened. “What happened?”
“That’s for him to tell you,” Branson said. “I’m overstepping enough as it is. Just…make up your mind about what you want. Bryson has a lot to offer. Hedeservessomeone who will appreciate him. If you can’t do that, then you need to let him go find someone who will.”
I nodded, blinking hard. “You’re right.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be harsh.”
I nodded again. “I should, uh, deal with that sound system. Have a great honeymoon. It was a beautiful wedding, but you two will have a great marriage.” I forced a smile. “That’s what’s most important.”
“Silas,” he said. “Maybe I shouldn’t have?—”
“No, it’s good. You’re looking out for Bryson. I’m glad he has you in his corner.” I gestured vaguely over my shoulder and wheeled to walk away, heart aching. I had left it too long to talk to Bryson. If his brother thought I was hurting him, then I probably was. That made me no better than Michael—or his ex, Chris.
There was a man who’d snap him up in a heartbeat. I’d seen him rushing in to sit beside Bryson at the head table. I’d also caught the many glares he’d sent my way, though I did my best to ignore them. What Chris thought didn’t matter. But Bryson’s opinion had become everything to me.
I approached the DJ working the sound system. “Drake?—”
“I know,” he said quickly. “I’m working on it.”
“The garter throw and bouquet toss are coming up. We want the mic to have a nice clear sound for those.”
He ran a hand over his nearly bald head. “I’ll get it fixed, Sy. I won’t be the one to fuck up one of your weddings. I want to live to see tomorrow.”
I laughed, though it sounded a little artificial to my own ears. I was still reeling from Branson’s words. “I’m not that bad, I hope.”
“No, you’rethatgood.”
I left him to his work and went to check on the status ofthe kitchen. We had to have this place cleared out by midnight. The caterers were packing up. I helped Corey lift a heavy bin onto a cart on wheels.
“Thanks. We’ve got this, though. Your suit is too nice to get leftover carbonara sauce all over it.”
“At least I’d taste delicious.”
Corey grinned. “You’re not flirting with me, are you?”
“Please, I know you prefer the pretty girls.”
He shrugged. “You’re pretty, too.”
“Um…”
He laughed. “Gotcha.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m telling your brother you made a pass at me.”
“Tattletale!”
I pushed out the door, chuckling a little at the nerve of Corey. He was settling in nicely to the catering business. I still couldn’t tell if his flirting was just him being a little shit or if he really was bi-curious, but it wasn’t my problem to figure out. I was sure I’d hear all about it from Jamie if Corey went and got himself a pretty boyfriend.
If he wasn’t careful, the Matchmaking Mamas would be dragging him into a complicated love match next. Lord knew, when I’d agreed to one single date with Bryson, I’d never thought it’d lead me tothis.
