“Any idea what was on that drive?” I ask.
“Nope. Whatever it was, it’s been burned. When are you coming home?”
“When I feel like it. Why? Can’t handle shit without me?”
“I can handle shit just fine. Sammie J was asking. Also, Imogen just got the all-clear. She’s officially in remission.”
“Thank fuck.” I sigh in relief. My little cousin has been sick for longer than I thought she would be. “You get an artist for that mural in the new club yet?”
Sammie J and CJ were looking to have an entire wall painted with poses of strippers in various stages of dance in the new strip club they’re opening.
“Not yet. Everyone we’ve looked at has been ass,” CJ says.
“I think I found someone.” I look at the paintings on the shop walls. This guy can draw. I wonder what it’ll take to get him to fly out to Vegas for a job. Everyone has a price.
“Okay, bring them in. When did you say you were coming home again?”
“I didn’t. I’m getting married in Portland, though. Two weeks.” I cut the call and message my mom, because if she hears that shit from my loudmouth cousin first, shewillkill me.
Me:
Weekend after next, I need you and Dad to come to Portland. I’m getting married.
Molly is staring at me with wide eyes when I look up from my phone. “Two weeks? You’re delusional, Alfie.”
My mom’s name pops up on my phone. “Sorry, it’s my mom. I have to take this,” I tell Molly while pressing the answer button. “Hey, Mom.”
“Don’tHey, Momme. What the hell, Alfie? Two weeks? What kind of wedding can you possibly give Molly with only two weeks to plan it? Aunt Evie and I are flying out tomorrow. But also, congrats. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. You really don’t need to fly out early. I’ll handle it.”
My mom chuckles. “I’ll see you tomorrow. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure everyone is there.”
“All I need is you, Dad, and Frankie.”
“I can hear you, asshole.” Hudson’s voice comes through the phone.
“You’re on speaker,” Mom says. “And stop tormenting your brother. You guys are getting too old for this.”
“It will never get old.” I laugh. “Hang on.” I turn to Molly. “Do you want Hudson at our wedding? Or not?”
“What?” She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.
I mouth the words, “Say no.”
“He’s your brother, Alfie. Of course we want him there.”
“See? I knew she was a keeper the moment I met her,” Hudson says.
“Fine. I guess you can come too. I gotta go. Love you, Mom.” I cut the call and pocket my phone.
“You do know we’re not getting married in two weeks, right?” Molly grumbles.
“I know that I love you and I can’t wait for you to be my wife,” I tell her.
Jude is silent as he finishes up wiping over the fresh ink and applying cling wrap over top.
“Thank you. I love it.” Molly stands and looks at me. “What do you think?”
