Page 76 of All Signs Point to Malibu

HAILEY’S DAILY RULE FOR SUCCESS:

As deadlines approach, ensure your push to the finish line leaves no room for failure.

Five days later, the four of us are seated in a booth at Malibu Moon as Sonia crosses items off the wedding to-do list. Things are coming together easily and almost...effortlessly. The bride-to-be looks remarkably relaxed and at ease today.

While I’m panicking.

I haven’t even had time to think about whatever’s going on with Warren. I mean, I’ve thought about it. A lot. But with Sonia demanding my full attention—on flower selection, cake design, music playlist, big day hair, and makeup rehearsals—and my own attempts to convince her to postpone the wedding while pretending to go along with it, I haven’t been able to dedicate any brain power to figuring out what exactly to do about Warren.

Ifthere is anything to do about Warren.

Across from me, seated next to Liam, he’s barely acknowledged me today. I haven’t heard from or seen him since the morning after... Obviously, he’s chalked it up to a one-night stand and moved on.

Good. That’s good.

But he looks so good...dressed in a tight black T-shirt and board shorts. His arms folded on the table, those impressive biceps on full display. He got a haircut yesterday and it looks amazing—obviously in preparation for the wedding. I remember running my hands through his hair and discovering it’s much softer than it looks...

Snap out of it, Hailey!

I blink and avert my eyes from the man I’m suddenly obsessing over.

I’ve got two days! I need to think of something and fast.

Most of the wedding planning is done, so there are few opportunities left to highlight the flaws in this plan. The bridesmaids have secured their ugly attire. The groomsmen’s tuxedos are ordered. Sonia picked out the song for her walk down the aisle when she was seven years old, so that’s covered.

Think, Hailey, think!

What else could sabotage this wedding?

My eyes light up. “What about stags and stagettes?” Not that I’m sadistic enough to encourage a night of debauchery or anything, but a reminder of their single life might trigger some doubt...

Next to me, Sonia shakes her head. “I don’t think we need those.” She glances at Liam, who is practically falling asleep at the table. “I doubt this guy can stay awake long enough for a lap dance,” she says with a small laugh.

Poor Liam.

I really feel for him. The pressure he’s under with the resort deadlines is taking its toll. Dark circles under his eyes and newly formed stress wrinkles on his forehead have me seriously worried about him.

And even more determined. This will be his life if he goes through with this. At least for a while until it all comes crashing down.

“Oh, come on, one last night of freedom,” I say persuasively. I glance at Warren for backup on this.

Warren nods, surprising me. “I agree with Hailey.”

“You do?” Obviously not with the same intentions.

He nods again, his gaze landing on mine for a beat before he turns back to the couple. “You two are already sacrificing a lot of the things you wanted for the wedding. Sonia, you and Hailey go out and have fun. Liam and I will go out too...and no strippers. Just a basketball game tonight. I have courtside seats.”

Even exhausted, Liam can’t argue against that temptation. He glances at Sonia. “I’m sure you could use a night out before the big day.”

Sonia hesitates, but then turns to me with a smile. “Okay...sure. Why not? But just the two of us and not too late.”

Perfect.

“I’ll have you home by midnight,” I say. Hopefully with a whole new mindset and a cancelation to-do list.

After the sun sets, we hit the town.

Inside Brooks’s Bar, the usual hip-hop plays and beautiful people dance and drink. Sonia and I sit in a posh booth in the VIP section of the club—courtesy of a last-minute text to Darren who hooked me up. I pop a bottle of expensive champagne (on the house) and pour two glasses. I hand one to Sonia and extend mine in toast. “To true love and new opportunities!”

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