Page 33 of Until Then

“I wish you luck,” Hayley said. “She wasn’t happy that Noah was switched to my partner.”

“She likes Noah’s face?” Carter claps his hands. “Good thing I’m his double. I’m basically him.”

“I think that’s Rees,” I say.

In truth, Carter doesn’t look that much like me, but our stature is in sync. We have a rapport and rehearse well together. Carter is a genius with mimicking how I walk, shift my shoulders, even how I use my hands.

Beards, cloaks, and impeccable stylists make the rest fall into place.

“And Rees is happily living the domestic life.” He shakes my shoulder once more, loosens his black tie, and makes his way toward the women. “Wish me luck. Don’t wait up.”

Hayley snickers. “You have to admire his tenacity.”

“He’s like a golden retriever, always chasing something. But he’s a good guy. Low on common sense, but maybe that’s why he’s so good at stunts. The man is fearless.”

Guests keep filtering from the room to move toward the cocktail party and reception. Rees and Vienna manage to shove through without too many people stopping my brother to ask about tour dates.

He always says people talk to him to get to me, but he’s wrong. I’m eighty-three percent sure it’s the other way around. He just likes to grumble about being the twin in the shadows. As if his introverted self doesn’t love it.

“We’re going to run and pick up Jude,” Rees says. He glances at Hayley. “Can I leave you in charge of Noah? Make sure he’s watered, fed, and takes bathroom?—”

My moron of a twin dodges my fist. He used to be much slower. All the dead shoulders and dead legs I gave him growing up made him too agile.

Hayley covers her mouth with her hand. “He’s difficult, but I think I can handle it.”

I take it all back. Rees might be brilliant. He’s opening the doors for banter. All at once I’m back with a blueberry scone, laughing over nothing, and creating inside jokes with a stranger.

“By the way,” Vienna says, waving one hand in front of Hayley. “You look stunning. I had no idea what to wear for an Old Hollywood wedding, but this . . . this, I love.”

Hayley’s freckles darken with her blush. “Thank you. I think you nailed it though.”

True. Vienna has her hair twisted similarly to Hayley, a black velvet choker around her neck, and a sleek, sleeveless black dress that hugs her tightly all the way down.

“We better go.” Rees glances at his phone. “I don’t know how we’re going to get that kid in a suit.”

“Tell him Uncle Noah will take him surfing.”

Rees grunts. “Uh, no.”

“Fine, you big baby. Sandcastles.”

“Better.” My brother takes his wife’s hand, and waves, still holding his phone in the other. “See you soon.”

Silence falls between me and Hayley after they’re gone. She’s fiddling with her skirt again. We cast a skittish glance at each other, then . . .

“I better go help Briar with the wardrobe change.”

“Do you want a drink?”

We blurt out our thoughts at the same time. After a nervous chuckle, I clear my throat. “Oh, right. I guess bridesmaids do that thing. Tyrell wouldn’t take it well if I tried to take off his cummerbund.”

“Honestly, I was only a bridesmaid for a cousin’s wedding before. So, I’m not one hundred percent sure what I’m doing, but I did get a text about something to do with wardrobe changes.”

I shove my hands in my pockets and step back. “Looks like they’re taking Briar away and Tyrell’s close to tears.”

Hayley follows my gaze to the wedding planner guiding the bride and a few of her bridesmaids out the door.

She bites her bottom lip. “Well, I’ll be forced at your side for the reception soon enough.”

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