Killian narrows his eyes at me, but the other two don’t seem to notice because all eyes are on me—narrowed or otherwise.
“So, Ridge, Las Vegas?” I probably said that a little too forcefully. But Banks is more into the idea of a bachelor party than literally anything else right now, so I pray he’ll take the bait.
“Yeah, man! We have to. It will be so great,” Banks says.
As predicted. I zone out as Banks lists all of the reasons it’s an excellent idea. He mentions getting snazzy suits, drinking top-shelf liquor, and something about gambling inside a strip club, which apparently doubles the fun. Sounds to me like a good way to waste your money twice as fast.
Ridge says he’ll think about it, but I know it’s only to placate him in the moment. There’s no way in hell that’s Ridge’s idea of a good time.
“Also, I don’t mean to brag or anything, but I’d make a great groomsman, or even best man,” Banks says.
Something tells me he’d steal the limelight, but what do I know? Ridge rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Uh, well, I hadn’t planned on asking anyone just yet, but now that you mention it… Waylon, it’d mean the most to me if you were my best man,” Ridge says, then quickly adds, “But I want all of you standing up there with me on the day, of course.”
He looks at both Banks and Killian.
“You know I’m there for you, man,” Killian says.
“I mean, it’s not the job I wanted, but it’s the job I’ll take,” Banks says, jokingly.
“Thanks, man,” I say, clasping him on the shoulder. “I’d be honored.”
There’s a full ten seconds of silence before it’s broken.
“Enough of this feelings stuff,” Banks says. “Do you guys have a date set?”
We all take a sip of our beers, and I zone out again as Ridge tells us Darcy really wants an early October wedding, which means they either have to get married in four months or sixteen months, neither of which is ideal. And the clock is ticking.
After that, all I can think about is how I don’t want to be here. I don’t mean hanging with the guys—I love my guy time. But, as in, I wish I hadn’t canceled on Lyric and used this to do it. Because I feel bad—really bad—about the lying part.
Of course, I’m sure she doesn’t even care. She’s just not that kind of woman.
CHAPTER 15
LYRIC
I’m not mad.That would be silly. So what if he canceled plans? He doesn’t owe me anything, not even an explanation. And so what if I found out from Darcy that he went out with the guys? He’s allowed to do that. It’s not like I own him. He’s not even my boyfriend. Besides, it gives me an opportunity for a little girls’ night. And I do mean all the girls.
Darcy and Lou came over and we ordered pizza. While we’re waiting, Lou has decided she should paint our nails after we eat.
“What color would you like?” she asks me, holding open a rather large bag full of an assortment of nail polishes.
“She asked for those for Christmas,” Darcy adds.
“It’s a very impressive collection,” I say. “What do you have in the way of glitter?”
“Hmm,” Lou says, tapping her index finger to her chin. “How about this one?”
She holds up a bottle of super chunky purple glitter polish. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s been around me too long.
“I think that’s perfect.”
The pizza shows up a few minutes after Darcy selects a shimmery pastel pink shade. We eat and Lou gets the added treat of an ice-cold Coke while we all scarf down slice after slice. Say what you want, but when girls get together, we can pack away some food.
After my third garlic breadstick, I wash my hands and tell Lou I’m ready for my hand makeover.
Darcy pours two glasses of white wine and a second cup of Coke for Lou, but only after Lou swore not to tell her dad.
