Page 80 of Crazy for You

“Great.”

Mark ordered a beer, and the conversation turned to Off-the-Grid’s upcoming obstacle course race, the Adrenaline Rush. It wasn’t too much later when Ethan and Gabby arrived. They ordered a fresh round of drinks for everyone.

Emma leaned in to whisper in Ryan’s ear, “This is great, right? It almost feels too good to be true.”

Emma was feeling pretty giggly by the time she’d polished off her third Celtic Sunrise. She’d eaten dinner, too—fish ’n’ chips because they were delicious here—or else she’d probably be on the floor already from the amount of alcohol she’d consumed.

“I booked us spa treatments on Saturday afternoon,” Gabby said, polishing off her own Celtic Sunrise. “I figured we’d need some pampering after I drag you around with me all morning looking at wedding dresses.”

“That sounds perfect. I can’t wait to help you try on dresses.”

Gabby got a dreamy look on her face. “I have no idea what I want. I guess we’ll just see what looks right once I start trying them on.”

“We’re going to have so much fun,” Emma said. “I see you in something kind of light and flowing. Flowers in your hair.”

Ethan leaned in, a big smile on his face. “I think Emma just nailed it.”

Gabby swatted at him playfully. “Shh, you’re not supposed to know anything about my wedding dress.”

“I can as long as the dress is still hypothetical.”

Emma noticed that Trent had retreated from the conversation, busy texting on his cell phone. Whether the wedding conversation had gotten too boring for him or his girlfriend was just distracting him, she wasn’t sure. “You playing at the club next Tuesday?” she asked him.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Cool. I’ll see if any of my friends want to stop by with me. It’s a lot of fun dancing and listening to you play.”

“Thanks. I think I’m going to head out. Congratulations again.” The sheepish look on his face made Emma pretty sure he was sneaking off to meet up with his girlfriend, but she couldn’t say she blamed him.

“Thanks, Trent. I’m so glad you came out with us to celebrate.”

“Any time.” He said his good-byes to the rest of the table and headed out.

“I think he’s meeting up with Iris,” Ryan said, watching him go.

“Me, too. He seems really into her lately.”

“Yeah.” And Ryan didn’t look too pleased.

“So what’s the plan, Emma?” Gabby asked, butting back into the conversation. “When do you think you’ll be leaving us to head off to Georgia?”

“I think I’ll probably leave after the memorial opens. That will give me time to get settled in an apartment and find a part-time job before classes start.”

“I’m already planning my first visit,” Gabby said with a smile. “Girls’ night out in Atlanta.”

“Definitely.” She glanced over at Ryan, who’d gotten suspiciously quiet.

Would he visit? Or would it be a final good-bye?

18

Emma and Gabby collapsed in a fit of giggles. Their attendant at the Ivory & Lace Bridal Boutique had served them flutes of champagne as they browsed the aisles of dresses. Consequently, they were both feeling pretty silly by the time they settled into the dressing room to try them on.

Their attendant, a cheerful brunette named Eliana, bustled into the room with an armload of gowns, hung them up, and went back for more.

“Wow,” Gabby said softly. She reached out to run her fingers over the beaded bodice of the gown closest to her. “I can’t believe I’m really doing this.”

“I know.” Emma took another sip of champagne. “It’s pretty great.”

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