Page 38 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

Her words hit me like a tidal wave, and I can’t help but smile through the remnants of my tears. God, I’ve missed having a girlfriend I can rely on like this. My gratitude must show because Iris grins back, and it feels like we’re sharing a secret between us.

“Speaking of friends,” Iris says, suddenly animated, “I’m actually about to head out for lunch with one of mine, and I think you should join us. But you might want to change first.” She glances pointedly at my tear-streaked face and disheveled appearance.

I laugh, finally feeling some semblance of normalcy returning to my world. “Yeah, I guess I do look like a mess, huh?”

“Nothing a little makeup and a wardrobe change can’t fix!” she teases, giving me a playful shove toward the stairs. “Now hurry up. You have a lot of explaining to do. Don’t think I’ve forgiven you so easily.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” As I rush to change, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for Iris.

At least something feels normal.

19

OAKLEY

The sun streams through the windows of the quaint brunch place, casting a warm glow on the table where Iris, Avery, and I sit. My heart races as I recount the recent events that have turned my life upside down. Iris and Avery’s jaws practically touch the floor as they listen in disbelief.

“Wait, so let me get this straight,” Iris says, her hazel eyes wide with shock. “Your ex-fiancé cheated on you with your stepsister, they’re getting married, and then you lied about having three dates?”

“Yep,” I sigh, running a hand through my wavy brown hair. “That pretty much sums it up.”

“Wow,” Avery breathes, shaking her head. “Your life could be a soap opera, Oakley.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, feeling the weight of everything crashing down around me.

Iris reaches for a mimosa, the orange liquid vibrant. She holds it out to me, her red curls bouncing with enthusiasm. “You deserve this more than anyone right now.”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” I say, waving away the glass. “I’m trying to stay focused and responsible. I’ve got enough drama without adding alcohol into the mix.” And even though I know Iris means well, I’m not much of a drinker as is.

“Fair enough,” Iris concedes, taking a sip from her own glass. “That’s one hell of a story. I guess I get it…why you slept with Gray.”

“You slept with Gray!?” Avery exclaims.

This is my first time ever meeting Avery, and what I’ve learned about her is that she’s basically just like Iris, but maybe a tad less frilly.

“Yep.” I swallow.

“And I won’t hold it against you.” Iris takes another sip of her mimosa.

I can feel the weight of Avery’s curious gaze on me, and I can tell she’s dying to ask about my encounter with Gray. Little do either of them know that it wasn’t just Gray I slept with…but Reid as well.

“Okay, Oakley,” Avery says after a moment, her voice laced with determination. “Enough about your ex-fiancé and his ridiculous antics. I want to know what happened between you and Gray. He’s so utterly delicious.”

I feel a blush creeping up my neck, and suddenly the warmth of the sun feels suffocating. How do I even begin to describe the complex emotions and electric tension that have been building between us? I shift in my seat, trying to find the right words.

“Um, well…” I stammer, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s complicated, to say the least. It was…intense, and things just sort of…happened.”

“Ugh, you’re being so vague!” Avery groans, rolling her eyes playfully. “Come on, girl, give us the juicy details!”

“Absolutely not!” Iris exclaims before I can even consider divulging anything more. She plugs her ears with her fingers, playfully humming loudly to drown out any potential conversation about her brother’s love life. “I don’t need to hear about my brother’s romantic escapades, thank you very much!”

Avery and I exchange amused glances before bursting into laughter at Iris’s dramatics.

“Fine, fine,” Avery concedes, still chuckling. “We’ll spare your delicate sensibilities, Iris.”

“Thank you,” Iris huffs, though her sparkling hazel eyes betray her amusement.

As the laughter dies down, I can’t help but think about how much I’ve missed moments like these—just sitting with friends, laughing together, and feeling like everything might actually be okay.

---