Page 50 of Love Without Demands

Today we went back to the Jones house to pick up a subdued Bambi in the limo before heading to a couple bakeries to taste the cake flavors we’d chosen.

“Mmmm, this one is so good,” Artie said, swallowing a mouthful of the wedding cake. “I think pricking out cake has been my favorite part so far.”

I managed to keep a straight face even as Bambi’s cheeks flushed a dark crimson at the pricking comment. My friends hadbeen dropping “accidental” curse words every chance they got. Cruz even mentioned the almond-cherrycockiesI liked to make.

Bambi tilted her chin up and smiled at me, and I braced myself. I’d come to recognize the expression that said she was about to say something snarky. “Lehra dear, maybe that’s enough cake. You’re trying on dresses today and don’t want to be bloated.”

Cruz’s hands balled into fists, and I gripped his knee beneath the table to keep him from leaping across the table.

In a calm but firm voice, I said, “No worries. I’ve already chosen my dress and been measured for it this week.”

Bambi’s face went apoplectic, and I was afraid she was going to pop a blood vessel in her temple. “B-but we’re getting your dress at Tremblay’s. We already decided.”

Cruz’s hand found mine with a tight squeeze, and it filled me with strength and bolstered my resolve.

“No,youdecided. I told you I already had plans to have Devereaux design my dress.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but Gianna broke in. “Tremblay’s? I think they applied to carry one of theBouvierlines but were rejected. We have very high standards.” Her smile was laden with sugary sweetness. “I mean, I’m sure it’s fine for…your people, Bambi, but not for our Lehra. Auburn and I think of her like a sister.”

She reached over and took my other hand, and my heart was so damn filled with the love and support of my friends.

Bambi spluttered out a weak protest, but Gianna said, “If you have a problem with it, you can take it up with my husband,” before taking another bite of cake. And that shut my future mother-in-law right the fuck down.

“Well, I haven’t had that much fun since I dated that clown in college,” Artie quipped as we re-entered the hotel where we were staying.

Cruz chuckled. “I thought Bambi was going to faint when Nicolette said you’d picked out the bridesmaid dresses with theslutup the thigh.”

My friend brushed imaginary lint off her shoulder. “That was a good one. Now what are we doing for the rest of the day and night?”

“I’m taking these damn heels off and propping my feet up for at least two hours,” Gianna stated. “Then after dinner, we can hit the hot tub.”

“I’m down for some hot tub time,” Artie said, raising his hand like a third grader asking permission to go to the bathroom. “What are we having for dinner?”

“I could go for a burger,” Cruz said.

Nicolette tapped her mouth with one fingertip. “Me too. I wonder if they have tater twats?”

We all burst into laughter.

Yep, I love my friends.

We were spread across the two king beds in the room, wearing comfy shorts, tank tops, and no shoes.

“God this bed is comfortable,” I groaned, staring at the ceiling as the air conditioning cooled us off.

“Mmhmmm,” Nicolette said, half asleep.

Gianna turned on her side and propped up on her elbow. “What do you think Dwight is going to say about the changes to the wedding stuff?”

I shrugged. “I honestly don’t think he gives a crap what color the bridesmaid dresses are or what kind of chicken we serve at the reception. I think he just hates conflict with his mother and didn’t want to argue with her. Now he doesn’t have to because we handled it.” Reaching out a hand, I gave hers a squeeze. “Thank you again for everything. I have the best friends in the world.”

“Well, you were an awesome friend to me when I first moved here and barely knew anyone.” Her eyes filled with emotion. “I’d had a horrible day with the lost luggage and rude people, and you were the first friendly person I met.”

I was about to respond when we heard a knock at the door. “Probably the guys,” I said, rising and donning one of the hotel robes. “I’m going to put this on so I don’t give them a nipple display.”

“Yeah, you’re a little pointy. Might scare Artie, but I don’t think Cruz would mind,” Gianna said with a smug smile.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

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