Page 23 of In a Pinch

Somehow, this miserable, useless holiday isn’t the worst ever. And it just might be because of the little piece of sunshine next to me. Not that I will ever tell her I find her more tolerable than most people. It’s better that way.

Chapter Eleven

Addie

Destination weddings are really fun. What’s not fun? When your bestie's wedding planner randomly ghosts her, and that’s the reason you’re doing a destination wedding. It has been a bit stressful. In the almost month I have been with her, we have run in circles, which all ended up being for nothing because now they are having a destination wedding. Not that I can’t be excited about it, because they’re getting hitched in Hawaii, and there is no way in hell am I missing that trip this time.

Being that Liv and Tyler got married in Oahu, as well, Isla is trying to do things as different as possible. With all these family weddings happening there, they should rename it Love Island. Cal and Isla absolutely fell in love on the island, as much as they argue they did not. Them getting married there is a perfect fullcircle moment. At first, she didn’t want to because she didn’t want to copy Liv, but Liv insisted they were not copying her simply because their wedding is at the same location.

We’ve nailed down the ceremony time and location, as well as the reception venue. Caterers are also pretty much finished up. She’s already working on the decor vibes, and as Maid of Honor, I pretty much only have the fun stuff. Like today: wedding dress shopping. Coming along with me and Isla are Cal’s mom and Liv, and Isla’s mom will be virtually attending.

“Remind me again why we needed to take two cars to this shindig?” I ask.

Isla looks over to me in the driver’s seat, because she’s a passenger princess. And has terrible road rage. “Because Liv refused to leave early. So, I told her that she could drive herself and Anna, ‘cause I’m not missing my appointment.”

“Fair enough.” My mind wanders, thinking about the absolute shit show of a family dinner a few weeks ago. “Do you think Cal and Sam will ever get along again?”

“Sam’s a complete ass. So, probably not.” Isla rolls her eyes and looks out the window. Pine trees and rock fill the side of the highway, rushing past us as I drive.

“Is he really an ass, or is Cal’s dad an ass and everyone reacts accordingly?” I turn my head to look at her, and she immediately rejects the thought.

“Dude, he blew off his sister’s wedding. He refuses to talk to Cal. Surely, that means he’s got a bit of asshole in him. Where is this coming from?” And she’s got me there.

But it surprises me that she still thinks like this after doing the class with him, because he’s made that class pretty fun.

“I was just thinking about that dinner a couple weeks ago, I felt bad for him.” Sam’s face as his dad berated his decisions is going to be permanently burned into my brain. I’ve never had parentswho aren’t proud of my every move. Even when I stumble, they’re clapping in the back row as I stand up again.

“Yeah, Michael can be a lot. He is hard-pressed on making Sam change his mind.”

“That’s too bad. I think Sam’s pretty good at what he does.” Isla turns and gives me a look. “What?”

“Your bad taste in men is showing.” She jokingly gives my shoulder a little shove and I roll my eyes at her. In her defense, I have made a handful of bad romantic decisions—staying with assholes too long and dumping the good guys before I really even give them a chance. She’s been there through it all. So, she’s earned her right to give me a hard time. Even if this time, it stings a little. A little reminder of reason 722 I am currently sucking at life.

“I’m not interested in him.” Big fat lie. “I just feel bad for him. I’m super close to my big family, and I can’t imagine being on the outs with them.”

“Cal has tried to initiate, but Sam wants nothing to do with it. Once again, asshole behavior. Oh, look! I think that’s the place.” Isla points out the window and starts dancing in her seat.

Sam can’t be that bad, can he? Maybe I should have mentioned I was slightly interested? God, I can imagine the scolding I would get from that one. Until future notice, all Sam talk is off the table with Isla.

The appointment is at nine, and since Isla is Christmas morning type of excited, we arrive early. At 8 a.m. Because, and I quote, “What if there is traffic? What if there is a snowstorm?" It’s sunny and 48 degrees, but okay. Her list of what ifs went on forever, until we all agreed to drive the one-hour drive two hours early. Even for me, a chronic planner, this is a bit much. I can’t blame Liv and Anna for not wanting any of this. I don’t want any of this, but such is the life of a dedicated best friend.

After waiting in the car and looking up wedding inspo for an hour, we step out into the parking lot. The fresh air hits my face, and I smile over at Isla. It’s still crazy to believe my best friend is getting married. She is going to be a whole-ass wife here in a couple months.

“Oh, this place looks so nice! How did you hear about it?"

The building is all white-washed brick, the name of the store, Perfectly Bridal, is painted in black. It has a cute neon pink wedding dress over the top.

“Tracie from the office went shopping here and loved it. So, I thought I would give it a try. There’s another shop about a mile or so from here that we will be going to, too!”

Liv pulls up, and Anna looks a bit pale when she steps out of the car.

“You okay?” Isla asks, walking over to greet her with a hug.

“I’ve never seen my life flash before my eyes so many times. Did you know yellow means speed up instead of slow down?” Anna glares at Liv, who just rolls her eyes.

“You’re being so dramatic. Just because you want to be a grandma doesn’t mean we all have to drive like one.”

“If I keep riding with you, I’ll never get the chance to be a real one.”

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