Page 19 of Bridesmaid to Bride

“That part is cool, but no.” I inhale. “The Flash is the ultimate speed reader. Can you imagine all the knowledge he can obtain?” I point at her. “And his magnetic abilities allow him to manipulate ferromagnetic fields and objects—like he can stop the clock.”

Brielle’s eyes flicker, amused. “I see you haven’t put much thought into your answer.”

“None at all.” My lips tick up. Eva and I had this conversation after watching The Flash, and she was the one who convinced me to change my choice. I used to want to be Thor because of his superhuman strength, electromagnetic manipulation, and powers of teleportation. But she reminded me of the knowledge The Flash would have, and I changed my mind.

“West?” Brielle brings me back to the moment. Her hand reaches across the bar, tentative. “Still here?”

“Of course!” I say a little too enthusiastically.

“You look like you’re coding in your head.”

“Occupational hazard.”

“Look. I heard your parents. Maybe Groomsman to Groom is the answer you’re looking for, or maybe...” Brielle trails off, leaning back and brushing her tongue over her lips, “...you haven’t asked the right question yet.”

I give her my best smile. “I know I haven’t. Because I have to ask: which superhero would you be?”

She leans in so close I can see the chips of gold in her green eyes. “I used to imagine myself as a shapeshifter. I wanted to blend into any environment and adapt to any situation. But that changed.”

“I’m listening,” I say, but I can feel a current pulling me elsewhere.

Brielle looks into the distance, her expression contemplative. “Now I’d choose to be The Scarlet Phoenix.”

I arch an eyebrow. “I don’t know The Scarlet Phoenix. But I’m fascinated.”

A soft chuckle escapes her lips. “She’s a mysterious figure who possesses the power of transformation and rebirth. She navigates the world with grace and strength, always rising from the ashes, stronger than before.”

“Deep. And intriguing.” I definitely love Brielle’s vibe and how she seems within reach. Eva’s always felt untouchable to me, and at some point, it’s exhausting to fight for someone you don’t feel good enough for. But enough about Eva. “And the reason behind why you’d want to be The Scarlet Phoenix?”

Brielle sips her wine. “When I was ten, I had to start at a new school where I didn’t know anyone. I felt like an outsider, always trying to fit in but never quite getting there.” She sets down her wineglass, turning her focus onto me. “One day I stumbled upon an old book in the library about mythical creatures with incredible powers. It helped me cope, as silly as it sounds.”

“Not silly at all.” I want to tell her I never fit in either. But I’m not there yet, so I say, “I’m the master of using superheroes and mythical creatures to cope.”

Relief flickers in her eyes. “I’m a firm believer in second chances and the power of reinvention. Just like the Scarlet Phoenix, I want to emerge from my past self and soar.”

Her words give me actual goosebumps. “Wow. That’s exactly how I feel.” My voice is low.

Brielle meets my gaze with intensity, as if searching for something in my eyes. Although I’m into this—into her—something’s holding me back, and I don’t want to admit to myself what it is.

Before either of us can say anything else, Skye bursts onto the scene, wearing a flowing mustard-yellow dress and a matching beach hat. “There you are.” She glances at Brielle. “Sorry, cutie, but I need to steal this guy. Disaster Alert!”

“What’s going on?” I say.

“There’s another wedding party setting up on the beach where Paige and Zach’s wedding is supposed to be. They say their ceremony is on Saturday evening too. Eva’s headed to straighten it out, but I don’t want her to go alone.”

Jesus. Seriously?

“Excuse me,” I say to Brielle.

“No problem.” She smiles. “To be continued.”

“Definitely.”

As soon as I’m alone with Skye, she says, “This is bad, West.” Her tone is all business. “We gotta get on it.”

“Lead the way.” I take a last swig of my drink. Skye rushes me over to Eva, who’s stepping off the patio and onto the beach at night, the moon hanging like a spotlight.

“Wait up, Eves. Let me come with you.”

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