Page 24

Yes, obviously. What’s your address?

“Is this why you’re behind on my possum house?” I say, picking up the end of one of the gorgeous wooden tabletops Thor built for Kelly and Logan’s wedding. There are six total. In order to transport them, we’ll be assembling the legs on site.

“Nuptials before marsupials,” he says with a shrug.

Thor picks up the opposite end and we walk it off the truck to the empty lot where her old house once stood before it burned down. There’s a gnarly tree toward the back of the property, still charred and looking like it grew out of Ray Bradbury’s wet dream. Even in daylight, the shadows it casts give off a creepy vibe. That tree has fuckin’ attitude. Logan had been pining for Kelly so long, it’s hard to believe their wedding is already here. He’s directing Thor and me on where he wants everything.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’m adding a plus-one to my RSVP,” I tell him.

Logan throws his arms up. “You can’t just add a plus-one the day before the wedding.”

“Sure I can.” I knew I could get Anna to agree. With the right motivation, I can be quite charming. Thank God I did it before having to go through another pole dancing class to snag a date with her; my muscles still haven’t recovered from the first one. Though I had a routine prepared just in case I needed it.

“Did you clear it with Kelly?” he asks, nodding toward his beloved, untwisting strands of outdoor lights next to the tree that looks like it spent a month in the burn ward.

“Kelly!” I shout, getting her attention. “Can I bring a date to your wedding?”

She doesn’t even look up. “Sure.”

I beam at Logan. “See?”

He rolls his eyes.

“Okay, Groomzilla. Let’s bring the blood pressure down.”

We set down the table and return to the truck for another one.

Logan hops up into the bed and helps us unload. “Groomzilla? Seriously.”

I nod. “Like a bridezilla, except for the groom.”

“Yeah, I understan—” He exhales some of his frustration as Thor and I grab the ends of the next table and begin walking it back.

“Who are you inviting?” Thor asks.

“Anna.”

“Kucera?” Logan snaps.

“Yes. As a friend.”

Logan quirks his lip. “Do you need a handler?”

Thor laughs.

I don’t see what’s particularly funny about that. “What?”

He shakes his head. “All I’m saying is if you start dating her before the piece on her back is done, and you screw this up, she’ll never be able to finish it. No artist is going to finish your design for her or take over the work. So, ya know, don’t be an idiot.”

My mouth drops open in offense. “I have never done a single idiotic thing once in my entire life.”

“You’re a liability,” Logan mutters under his breath, and points to a spot in the yard. “Set it down there, and then let’s arrange the other four tables in two rows behind them.”

“True,” I agree. “However, she needs to get out of the house. I think she could use a friend.”

“So, it’s charity?” Thor asks.

“No,” I blurt.