Page 62 of Just Joshing
She hiccupped, "are we okay?"
"The Jury’s still out on that one. What was up with the winery?"
Her head dropped, her long red locks falling forward to block her face from view. "I'm so sorry." Her voice sounded thick with regret. "That was insecurities."
"What?" I slid from the couch, crouching beside her.
"We're new money. Half the bitches in my wedding party are only in it because their daddies want to do business with mine or Peter, or their mommas want some kind of favor. I can count on one hand my true friends. Those bitches will attend my wedding but talk shit behind my back the whole time." She looked up, regret etched into the grooves of her face. "I thought emulating you would win me standing. But when Thomas declined my request and I asked Pete to call in a favor-" she broke off, a small smile replacing the regret. "Pete reminded me that I was enough just as I am. And that I hate the country. And when you pulled that beautiful wedding dress from the rack, I just knew I couldn't try to be you. I had to be myself. I had to be the woman Pete fell in love with – drama, big dresses and over-the-top messes and all."
I pulled her close, wrapping her in my arms, distantly aware that I was also crying. For a long moment we cried together, letting out all the emotions and finding our way back to our normal.
We finally pulled back.
"So," Bess reached up, brushing a tear from my cheek. "Are we good?"
"Let me go get another orgasm from Josh, uninterrupted this time, and then I'll let you know."
Her smile wobbled a little but it still looked radiant. "I love you, Molly. You're the best friend I've ever had."
"I know." I pulled her in for another hug, sighing as she clutched me tight. "Next time, let's not keep secrets from each other. Or play games. We're the real deal. You should have just told me."
"I'm sorry."
We separated.
"Come on," I pulled her up, smacking her on the ass. "Your groom awaits."
She stopped, turning back to me, digging in her pocket. "Here." She handed me a key.
"What's this?"
"Pete booked us a private villa. The driver's waiting out the front. Consider this my sorry gift. You are formally dismissed from all wedding-related tasks for the rest of the weekend. I want you to go get yourself some orgasms. All uninterrupted."
I looked down at the key, "well, damn Bess." I laughed. "You're completely forgiven."
"Good." It was her turn to slap me on the butt. "Now go get yourself some!"
I would. After speaking to Pete.
It was time to bare some truths.
Chapter Sixteen
Molly
Peter sat across the table, studying me.
"Don't look at me like that." I muttered, lifting the bottle of beer to my lips. "You're freaking me out."
He shrugged, "I just never pictured you with Josh."
I took a long pull, knowing this conversation was about to get real uncomfortable.
Josh and Bess had gone to pick up some dinner. The mess that Pete and Bess had made wasn't worth salvaging. It would give me just enough time to get this conversation over with.
I dropped the beer, tilting my head. "And who did you picture me with?"
He looked away, fiddling with his watch.
