Page 28 of Bridesmaid to Bride

“With your career?”

“More personal than that,” I hedge, thinking of Eva again. I know I’m walking a tightrope. “Let’s just say, when it comes to putting my heart on the line, sometimes I wish I’d gone all in.”

“Okay, so regrets with romance.” Darren nods. “Which is fine,” he says with intensity. “Without mistakes, we’re unpolished diamonds.”

“Unpolished diamonds,” I echo, thinking. My mind’s a whirlpool, but I inhale and plunge ahead. “That’s definitely true. I’ve screwed up plenty, but who hasn’t? And those face plants taught me more about persistence and being present than any victory lap ever did.”

“That’s good.” Darren’s surprise is genuine.

“Thanks.” I feel the tight grip of anxiety loosen.

He jots down notes I hope are all positive. Then he taps his finger against his lip. “All right. Is there anything you’d change about your upbringing?”

The question hits home, no pun intended, and for a split second, embarrassment shadows me—the dingy trailer home, the sex shop sign flickering in the window. I clear my throat, buying a few seconds as I rifle through memories best left in the back of my mind. “My upbringing,” I mumble. The truth is a gnarled tree root in my gut, one that I’ve stumbled over more times than I’d like to admit.

“Take your time,” Darren says, but his eyes are sharp.

I blow out a sigh. “Hell, my folks run a store that’s fifty shades of awkward for a kid.”

Darren chuckles, and I can tell he didn’t expect me to go there. But this is me—unfiltered, unapologetic, and undeniably shaped by the weirdest upbringing around.

“Here’s the kicker.” I lean forward as if we’re talking over beers. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” I emphasize so Darren knows I mean it. “My parents may not be country club material, but they’re amazing people. They love hard and laugh harder. They might own a quirky business and aren’t rolling in dough, but they gave me something better than money.”

Darren studies me, his expression unreadable. “Such as?”

“Well, when the bank called threatening foreclosure, we worked our asses off and made enough in a month to keep the doors open.”

“So you’re persistent.” Amusement winks in his eyes.

“Like a cockroach. And the most important—be present for those you love. Because at the end of the day, even if I’m surrounded by dildos, it’s hearts—not parts—that matter.”

Laughter erupts from Darren. “You’re something else, West.”

I feel the weight of my past lift. “And whoever ends up with me is getting the skills and the store.”

“We’ll have to include that in your bio.”

“Please do.” I grin. “It’s high time the world knows that love isn’t always found in the places you expect. Sometimes it’s tucked between blow-up dolls and flavored lube.”

“Romantic.” A smile spreads across his face, as if I’ve passed some unspoken test. “Well, West, you certainly don’t lack heart and humor.” He scribbles something on his notepad. “Groomsman to Groom is all about taking the leap. Think you’re ready to jump?”

“More than ready.” I flash my most confident grin, the one that says ‘I can handle anything’—even though my insides are flip flopping. “Maybe I’ll finally win big.”

“Or crash and burn,” he says, but there’s a twinkle in his eye that suggests he’s enjoying this little game.

“Hey, if I crash, I’ll do it with style.” I ease the tension knotting my shoulders. “Maybe even pull off a somersault first.”

“Good. We need someone who can laugh in the face of impending doom. Makes for great TV.”

“Then I’m your guy. I’ve been laughing at doom since diapers.”

Darren’s chuckle fills the room, and I take it as a good sign. Maybe I don’t need a helicopter to soar. And maybe this show will be my launch pad. Perhaps Eva will be watching.

Darren closes his notebook. “I think we’ve got everything we need. Eva was right about you.”

Eva? “I’m sorry—what?”

“She approached me and told me you’d interview very well and to make sure to do this right away so I could see how great you’ll be for the discussion segments. I’m glad I took her advice.”

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