Page 8 of An Unexpected Encounter

“Yeah, I got done early. And Julia, where is your daughter? What is her name again?” I ask, eager to see if the gold digging apple falls far from the tree.

“Selena, she was exhausted from her travels and went to her room to rest. I’m sure if not before, you’ll meet her tomorrow at the rehearsal dinner. Now, if you’ll excuse me, your father is taking me out sightseeing, so I’m going to go change,” Julia says before kissing my father, putting on a show, then saunters off, making sure to sway her hips. My father’s eyes follow her the entire way as his head moves left to right, in sync with her hips.

“So, Dad, are you sure this is what you want?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

“Of course it is. Why would you ask such a thing?” His voice is harsh, as he looks at me sternly.

I know I pissed him off, but I’d rather he be pissed at me than have his new wife take him to the cleaners. “Because one, that flashy ass diamond on her finger, or two, the fact you only knew her for what, three months tops.”

“First off, it’s none of your business. When you find the love of your life, you know it and you don’t need to wait because time won’t change anything. I was lucky enough to have found two loves and I’m not wasting time being unhappy,” he scolds me, before storming off in the same direction she left.

Fuck, maybe I should’ve handled that more tactfully. Shrugging it off, I head for the elevators. The doors start to shut, but two bleach blonde, overly tanned women hold them open for me as they run their tongues across their lips.

“Hey there, all alone?” the one on the right asks, as they both erupt in giggles.

“Umm, for now, yes. But I’m here with my brothers for my father’s wedding,” I tell them, trying to be nice. They step closer, their giggling becoming louder and more annoying. I push the button for the sixth floor but instantly regret it because now they know which floor I’m on.

“Brothers, huh? How many? I mean, there are two of us. We don’t mind sharing. I’m Bambi and this is Bebe.”

Of course, it is. “Elijah,” I tell them bluntly. God, can this elevator move faster?

He must hear my prayers as the elevator jumps to a halt and the doors open. “It was a pleasure, ladies. Enjoy your stay.” I quickly step off and head down the hall to room 606, walking faster than normal to get away.

Looking back over my shoulder as I hold the key up to the scanner, I see both girls with their heads sticking out of the elevator door, watching exactly where I went. The door opens and I step into the room, giving them a forced smile and wave, before shutting it behind me.

Maybe I should check with the desk about changing rooms. I have a sinking feeling that them knowing where I’m sleeping will come back to bite me in the ass.

Dad booked us a suite of some sort. Two beds in one room and one with its own bed and a small sitting area. At least he thought ahead and made sure we’d all be comfortable.

Dropping my bag onto one of the beds, I sit down. I pull out my phone and open the group chat with my brothers.

Me: When are you two asshats getting here? I just met the new step bitch…

Zeke: That bad?

Zeke: Was her daughter with her?

Me: No, but I’m sure we’ll get the pleasure of meeting her tomorrow. Are you even going to be here?

Zeke: I should be there tomorrow night if I catch my flight. If not, I’ll take the red eye out and be there first thing on the day of the wedding.

Eli: Both of you fuckers suck. How did I get stuck with trying on not one but three tuxes, especially since your ass is here, Jay?

Me: Oh, is the big macho man gonna cry cause he had to try on some tuxedos for his brothers?

Eli: Haha joke all ya want, but this guy got himself inducted into the mile high club on his flight here. I just hope I can run into her before we leave and get her number.

Zeke: Dude, you’re doing about as good as me. Last night I met this fine ass chick at the bar, ended up having the best sex of my life, and woke up to an empty bed this morning. She snuck out, no note, nothing. I plan to hit that bar every night until I find her again. I don’t even know her name.

Me: Well, I just saw the sexiest woman getting on the elevator and I plan to find her, so hands off. Look at us all getting some kind of lady luck at the same time.

Me: Watch out though because I ran into a couple of blonde barbies that, and I quote, like to share.

Zeke: That’s okay, I want to find the girl from last night.

Eli: Same, I’m going to be searching for the girl from the plane, anyway. I have one last suit to try on and then I’m headed to the resort.

Me: See you when you get here.

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