I know exactly who to ask, and I do it on Sunday after the game.
We traveled for this one, so we’re on the plane back to Tampa when I turn to the guy in the seat beside me, closest to the window…my closest friend here in Tampa.
“I have a question for you,” I say to Cole.
He narrows his eyes at me. “You wanna go outtonight? I’m beat after that game, man, but I guess I can force myself to—”
I hold up a hand. “No.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Okay. Then what?”
“I’m getting married, and I was wondering if you’d be my best man.”
His eyes go from narrowed to wide so fast that I think they might pop right out of his head. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“When?”
“Thursday.”
He chokes. “Thursday, like as in four days?”
I nod.
“New Year’s Eve. There better be some premium pussy there for me to give up my plans for this shit,” he mutters.
I laugh. “You don’t have to give up any plans. I just need you for an hour to witness. Then you can be on your way. We’re not doing anything over the top.”
“I didn’t even know you were seeing anybody, let alone serious about somebody,” he says.
“Her name’s Tatum—”
“Wait a minute. Tatum? I saw the viral video, but I figured it was AI or some shit. Wasn’t your brother serious with her like five minutes ago?”
I grimace, and he lets out a low whistle.
“Premium pussy,” he murmurs.
“Huh?”
“It’s the only explanation.” He shrugs as if it all makes sense.
“I mean, yeah. It’s premium. Definitely. But there’s more to it,” I say.
“Of course there is.”
I’m quiet as I debate how much to give away.
“Well, out with it. What am I agreeing to here?”
Fuck it. I decide to tell him everything. He’s an impartial third party, so maybe he’ll have some insight I haven’t thought through yet. “I love her, and I think she loves me. But there are reasons we decided to fast-track this.”
“She’s pregnant,” he guesses, his voice flat.
“No! I haven’t even fucked her yet.”
He makes a face of horror. “And you’remarryingher? Are you saving yourself for marriage, Bradley?”
