Page 18 of Bridesmaid to Bride

Skye sidles up next to me, her feathered dress billowing in the salty breeze. “Sweetie, your dad’s taste in women has plummeted faster than my nipples.”

I suppress a giggle. She’s a life raft in the sea of our family drama, but then she disappears back into the crowd.

I’m clutching the cocktail when we reach Dad, his arm linked with Miss Thang. Paige freezes, her mouth hanging open like a ghost stole her martini.

“Girls,” Dad begins, clearing his throat like he’s introducing a Supreme Court nominee, “this is Katerina.”

“Kat for short,” she chimes in, her voice a melody.

“Kat,” I echo, offering my best smile. “Lovely to meet you.” My mind’s doing somersaults trying to connect the dots between her and my father.

Dad’s clearly smitten and oblivious to the silent communication between Paige and me that’s screaming, “What the actual fuck?” He beams. “I’m so glad you three can finally meet.”

“Finally,” Paige echoes, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Anyway,” Dad continues, “Katerina wants to start her own food business. She’s a fabulous cook. Eva, you should walk her through the pitfalls.”

“Right. I’m definitely the expert on pitfalls,” I say light-heartedly but feeling a mild panic at having to discuss my failures with a potential stepmother who looks to be my age. “So, Kat, what kind of cuisine?”

She flashes a dazzling smile. “I specialize in Mediterranean food but love it all.”

“Speaking of love.” Dad raises an eyebrow, blazing with hope. “What do you think of Foster, Eva?”

“Well, since I met him just hours ago, I won’t comment on love. But he checks all the boxes, made me laugh—easy on the eyes.”

Dad smiles. “That’s wonderful. I have a great feeling about you two.”

9

The Other Her

WEST

Although I’m having fun chatting up the bartender, it’s beyond time I flirt—and I’ve found the target of tonight’s mission. She’s standing by the bar, a dark-haired vision, laughter lighting up her gorgeous face. Her friend has left, probably to the restroom, so this is my chance. My feet move before I can second-guess this.

Here goes nothing.

As I approach her, I shake off the nerves. She’s got this vibe, like she could either kiss you or kill you, and you’d be fine with either. “Hey, there,” I say, my voice steady. “I had to introduce myself because if I keep ordering drinks to stand by you, I’m gonna need a bellhop to roll me back to my room.”

A smile spreads across her face, and, suddenly, it feels like every camera in the room has swiveled our way. Maybe because they have? Of course—they’re hungry for a slip-up or a money shot. Gotta be smooth, no pressure—just my chance to star in Groomsman to Groom, broadcast in high definition.

“Is that the best line you’ve got?” she says, but her eyes twinkle.

“Best? No. But it’s the truth.” I grin. “I’m West, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, West. I’m Brielle.” She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. Her eyes are like two shots of espresso—strong and dark. “And I know who you are. I saw you on Bridesmaid to Bride.” She holds up a sample-sized tube of mango lube. “And I met your parents too.”

“Oh, cool. I see they’re making sure you’re wedding-ready.” I lean against the bar, trying to look casual.

A laugh bubbles up from Brielle, infectious. “That they are. Your mom told me, ‘An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.’”

“Sounds like her. Cheers to that.” We clink and take a swig of our drinks.

“So, West Quinn. I know from Paige’s show that you’re big into superheroes. If you could be one, who would it be?”

“That’s easy. I’d be The Flash. But it’s not for the reason you probably think.”

“Really? So it’s not to be lightning fast?”

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