Page 49 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Oakley,” she murmurs, touched by my concern. “I promise.”

“Good,” I reply, forcing a smile onto my face. “Now, let’s get back to the game. I think Iris might actually win this one.”

As we turn our attention back to the lanes, I push down the unwelcome sting of jealousy that threatens to bubble up. I can’t begrudge Avery her feelings, especially when she’s been so open and honest with me.

“Go Iris!” I cheer on our friend as she releases the bowling ball, willing myself to focus on the present moment. For now, this is enough. This camaraderie, these friendships, they’re what matter most. And as long as we have each other, everything else will fall into place.

Even if it means letting go of the one person who just a few years ago I thought I’d never be able to live without.

The scoreboard flickers above us, proclaiming Iris the victor of our bowling match. She pumps her fist in the air, her red curls bouncing with unrestrained glee.

“Ha! I knew it!” she exclaims, spinning around to face us with a triumphant grin. “I finally beat you guys!”

“Congrats, Iris,” I say, clapping her on the back as she does a little victory dance. I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm—it’s infectious.

“Alright, what do you say we celebrate?” Iris suggests, eyes sparkling with excitement. “How about a sleepover? Just like old times.”

“Seriously?” Avery raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by the proposal. “We’re adults now, Iris. Can we really still have sleepovers?”

“Who says we can’t?” Iris retorts, crossing her arms defiantly. “We’re never too old for some good old-fashioned fun.”

I watch the exchange between them and find myself agreeing with Iris. It’s been so long since we’ve spent time together like this, and the idea of a sleepover brings back memories of our younger days, when life was simpler and our biggest worries were who could stay up the latest or eat the most popcorn.

“Actually, that sounds like a great idea,” I chime in, much to Avery’s surprise. “Count me in.”

“Fine,” she relents with a playful roll of her eyes. “But only if there are face masks and gossip involved.”

“Deal.” Iris grins, sealing the agreement with an enthusiastic high five. “It’ll have to be at the boys’ house, since they have the biggest TV, and the most room for us to all sleep in the living room. My apartment’s too small.”

Reid saunters over, grinning like he’s just stumbled upon a gold mine. “Sleepover at our place, huh? Mind if I join? I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

“You wish!” Iris retorts playfully, sticking her tongue out at him. “This is a girls-only event, Reid. Besides, we don’t want any pigs ruining our fun.”

“Ouch, sis. That hurts.” Reid clutches his chest dramatically before chuckling and flashing a charming smile. “Alright, I get it. You ladies have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Which isn’t much,” I quip, rolling my eyes. I can feel my cheeks flush slightly at our banter, but I don’t mind it. Reid always has a way of making people feel at ease, even when joking around.

“Ha! Very funny, Oakley,” Reid replies, his laughter filling the room.

25

THEO

Imake my way through the living room, over the scattered pillows and blankets, careful not to trip over any of the sleeping girls on the floor. Oakley lies sprawled out on the couch, her wavy brown hair fanned around her face like a dark halo. Iris rests near the fireplace, and Avery’s curled up next to her, her breathing slow and even.

Must have been quite the girls’ night.

I weave around them, heading toward the kitchen.

My thoughts drift to last night, when Avery clung to my arm at the bowling alley, giggling and tossing flirtatious glances my way. It was clear she wanted me; it would have been so easy to give in and take what she offered. She’s not a bad-looking girl by any means. But something held me back, a nagging feeling that wouldn’t go away no matter how many times I pushed it down.

As I pause near the doorway, my gaze lingers on Oakley’s peaceful face. The restless fluttering in my chest makes it impossible to deny the truth any longer—it’s her. It’s always been her. With a deep sigh, I tear my eyes away and step into thekitchen, putting as much distance between us as possible, and focusing on making my tea instead.

The aroma of Earl Grey fills the kitchen as I heat the water for my tea. I’ve never been much of a coffee guy, but tea is essential before I box. A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth; there’s something about the ritual that grounds me, preparing me for the rigorous workout ahead. The soft hum of the kettle becomes a soothing backdrop to the quiet morning.

As I reach for a teacup, a shrill ring shatters the silence. I wince and glance at the kitchen counter, spotting a phone vibrating next to the fruit bowl. Assuming it’s mine, I pick it up without hesitation and press it to my ear.

“Hello?” I say, my voice still rough from sleep.

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