Page 65 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Look, I just wanted to apologize for everything that happened between us,” he says, running his fingers through his meticulously styled hair. “I messed up, and I’m really sorry.”

I narrow my eyes, searching for any sign of insincerity. But honestly, whether he means it or not doesn’t matter anymore. “You know what, Dan? I don’t care,” I tell him, surprising even myself with the forcefulness of my words. “In a twisted way, you did me a favor.”

“Oakley, I—” he stammers, taken aback by my blunt response.

“Because of you,” I continue, my voice steady and strong, “I realized that I don’t need someone like you in my life. Someonewho’s so wrapped up in themselves that they can’t see the damage they cause to others.”

As his face falls, I realize just how much power I’ve reclaimed from this man who once had me wrapped around his finger. And as I turn away from him, leaving him speechless and grasping for words, I feel proud of myself.

The receipt is quickly handed to me. Clutching it tightly, I turn on my heel and make my way back toward our table.

“Everything okay?” Iris asks, her eyes flicking briefly toward Dan, who still stands awkwardly by the hostess stand.

“Couldn’t be better,” I reply, tucking the receipt into my purse as I slide into the booth beside her.

“Good riddance,” she whispers, nodding discreetly in Dan’s direction before returning her attention to the conversation with my dad.

“Indeed,” I agree, feeling the weight of Dan’s stare on my back. But instead of allowing his presence to seep into my thoughts, I focus on the laughter and lively discussion at our table. I refuse to let him steal even a moment of my happiness today.

Iris chimes in, regaling my dad with an amusing anecdote from one of her modeling shoots—something involving a rogue pigeon and a very expensive hat. I can’t help but giggle at the mental image, and I lean forward eagerly to join the conversation.

“Wait till you hear this story,” I say, my voice infused with excitement. “Remember when we were at that outdoor festival, and Iris got lost in the crowd?”

The more we talk, the quieter Tina and Georgia get, reminding me of the old days.

Days I miss.

34

REID

Iwalk into the lobby, wearing nothing more than my swimming trunks, sandals, and a T-shirt. My eyes scan the area, searching for one person in particular.

A familiar figure catches my attention near the far corner of the room, engrossed in a book while sitting on a plush couch. I plop down beside Theo, causing him to jump slightly and frown at the sudden intrusion.

“What’s your problem?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Avery hasn’t given me a moment of peace lately.” He blows out a breath.

“Speaking of Avery,” I begin, causing Theo to look up from his book. “There’s nothing between you two? You sure seem chummy.” I smirk.

Theo narrows his eyes for a moment before answering. “Not even in her dreams.”

“I guess you wouldn’t consider it.” I laugh. “When you’re sleeping with someone else.”

His frown deepens, and he asks, “What are you talking about?”

“Oakley,” I say simply. “This morning, she was in bed with you.”

To my surprise, Theo doesn’t bat an eyelash. Instead, he continues reading his book, as if the revelation holds no significance whatsoever. “So?” he asks nonchalantly, his eyes still glued to the page. “We’ve all slept with her at some point. Why is it a big deal?”

I can’t help but feel a bit taken aback by his lack of reaction. “So it was just sex?”

I watch Theo’s unreadable expression as he continues to read his book, and I can’t resist the urge to tease him. “You know, Theo,” I say with a playful smirk, “your lack of reaction kind of makes me think you’ve got some deeper feelings for Oakley.”

Theo doesn’t look up from his book, but I notice the subtle tightening of his jaw. It’s not much, but it’s enough to tell me I’m getting under his skin.

“Am I right?” I press on, my grin growing wider. “Is there something more going on between you two?”

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