It’s a week since we met Margot.
When I announced in our friend group that we were getting married, Grace and Zoey were flabbergasted. I’m expecting them to grill me about this sudden change in my status.
Phe, on the other hand, decided to organize a mini-bachelorette party for me.
I begged her to keep it simple. Late-night drinks at a quiet bar instead of the kind of spectacle involving male strippers, glittery sashes declaring Bride, or something equally horrifying.
She reluctantly agreed.
I’m exhausted from long days at the restaurant and have no desire tospend the night doing something that will drain what little energy I have left. And given the circumstances surrounding this wedding, celebrating it in the 'traditional' way feels… wrong.
“I think there are a few people at the other end of the bar who couldn’t hear you." I roll my eyes, then slip into the chair between Zoey and Phe.
"Oh really?" Zoey jumps up with a wicked look on her face. She cups her palms around her mouth and begins to yell, "Guys, today is my friend Harper’s bachelorette party and?—"
I grab her waist and pull her down. "Shut up already."
She overbalances and sits down next to me, grinning widely. "Hey, don’t spoil my fun. It’s an occasion for celebrating, after all."
"Doesn’t mean you have to announce it to the entire world." I scowl.
Grace, ever the journalist who looks for hidden meanings in everything around her looks at me with speculation. "So, you and James Hamilton? The Ice Commander? Your bosshole whom you hate. You’re marrying him?"
Jeez, nothing escapes her. I’m not comfortable with her disbelieving tone. I can’t tell her entire truth. Can’t tell any of them the real reason I’m marrying James. Which is not a great feeling. But I’m sure if they knew why I agreed to this arrangement they’d support me.
"I know it feels a little sudden?—"
"A little sudden? Woman you met him three months ago and now you’re tying the knot with him," Zoey bursts out.
I’m going to have to find a way to convince them that this marriage is real without sharing all the details.
Luckily, Phe comes to my rescue.
"I walked in on the two of them in James’ office, and whoa, did they look cozy." Phe’s smile is wicked.
"You were making out with The Ice Commander in his office?" Zoey’s eyes round. I think she’s going to question me further, but she holds up her palm. "Good for you bish. At least you’re getting some action."
"Umm, it was just a kiss," I explain.
"Still more than what I’m getting." Zoey rolls her eyes.
"I still can’t believe my favorite oldest brother is going to be your husband." Phe claps her hands together
Husband.
James Hamilton is going to be my husband. I know that. I signed the contract.
But hearing someone else say it out loud does something strange to me. My insides churn. My chest tightens.
The word lands differently when spoken.
More real.
More frightening.
And somehow…more romantic.
I look around the table and point at a margarita. "Is that for me?"
