Page 70 of Bridesmaid to Bride

“Sure,” I concede, because what can I say? That I’m the best thing in the history of the world? “She does.”

“Which is why I can’t fathom—” He pauses, shaking his head in disbelief. “What were you thinking, going on Paige’s reality show? Dating her. It’s beyond comprehension.”

My cheeks heat like a laptop in overdrive. “It wasn’t like that, I—”

“Save it.” Neil waves a hand, cutting me off. “It’s clear to anyone with half a brain that you’re not serious about Eva. If you were, you wouldn’t have paraded yourself on national television, wooing her sister.”

“Paraded?” My voice pitches higher than I’d like, betraying a hint of panic. “More like stumbled around, honestly. And it was never about Paige.”

“Then enlighten me.” Neil leans back with a look that says, “this oughtta be good.”

“It was complicated.” I scratch my scalp. “I chased Eva for two years. She wasn’t reciprocating my feelings, and I was tired of waiting for something I thought would never happen. Bridesmaid to Bride seemed like a great opportunity to get out there again and shake things up.”

“Shake things up,” Neil repeats. “Where Paige’s heart was the pawn in your little game?”

“No, sir. I—I…” Shit. This guy wins cases for a reason. He’s got me, and I’m breaking into a sweat. “Neil, I’m not a bad guy.” I try to keep my cool, but his stare is wearing me down. “I care about Eva. A lot.”

“Then prove it. Leave her alone.” His words are a punch to the gut. “Consider this a friendly warning.” He waves to the door, signaling our cozy chat is over.

With that, I head for the door, feeling like I’ve been chewed up and spit out. But I turn back, clearing my throat as I try to recover from his back-to-back gut punches. “For what it’s worth, I don’t just care about your daughter. I love her with all of my heart.” I can’t believe I just said that out loud. “Everything about her, not just her abilities as a lawyer. She’s creative, fun, witty, and smart as hell. She’s one of my favorite people, and no matter what happens, that’ll never change.”

“At least we share that in common.” Neil nods, convinced he’s delivered the knockout punch. “But she has dreams, a career waiting for her in New York. You’re the anchor dragging her down in Atlanta.”

“Anchor?” I repeat, unable to keep the hurt from seeping into my voice. “Is that what I am?”

“Must I repeat myself? Now get out of my room. And my daughter’s life.”

I turn and walk out, unsteady on my feet, like I’m on a crappy carnival ride that won’t stop spinning. Because deep down, I know he’s right. Which hurts the most. The night air is crisp, a sharp contrast to the heated conversation that just scorched my insides. I shove my hands into the pockets of my pants.

Reality TV, here I come, no looking back. The last thing I want to do is to “parade around” again, trying to search for love in the most pretend way imaginable. But if it gives me a chance at something that can last, saves my parents’ store, and gets me out of Eva’s orbit so she can shoot for the stars... then sign me up.

As I keep walking, I know what I have to do—make it clear to Eva I’m not interested, and our fun is over. Even if it means ripping out my heart. Because in my twisted fate of life, I’m realizing that the geek never gets the girl.

35

The Firm Offers

EVA

The moment Foster’s silhouette darkens my doorway, I brace for the storm. He’s seen the kiss, I’m sure of it. Everyone has.

“Hey, Eva,” is all he says, his voice even. No rage. No flying spittle or flaring nostrils.

“Hey.” I clutch the doorknob. “Wanna come in?”

“Sure.” He steps inside, and although I usher him to the couch, he stays standing in the doorway.

I face him. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said to your dad—”

“Don’t be,” he cuts me off. “I love my dad, but he can be a jerk politician at times. He deserved it.”

“Really?” I squint, confused. “But you left with him.”

“I had to be on his side in public. You know how that goes.”

“Yes. Right.” My hands fidget. Foster’s got the play-it-cool image down pat. Which I guess makes sense, given that his dad is constantly in the public eye.

“So... the show,” he says, moving on. He does this weird thing with his mouth that could be mistaken for a smile.

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