Page 91 of My Best Friend's Mardi Gras Wedding

“You’re surprised by that?”he asked.

Clearly it had showed in her face.

“Really?I’ve been your friend practically all our lives.”He seemed almost hurt.

“Yes.Of course.You were protective.But maybe…” She frowned, thinking about it all.“I guess maybe I thought you just always felt a little sorry for me.”

There it was.She and Andrew had always gotten along.She’d always appreciated having him on her side.She’d always enjoyed their time together.But she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt that it was a soul-deep connection.Their friendship wasn’t based on shared interests or passions.It was a way for her do “her thing” without horrible ridicule and his way of taking care of someone.It worked for them, for sure.Andrew accepted her and her craziness more easily than her dad did.But he didn’t really get her either.

“Hell, Tori,” Andrew said, pulling her attention back to his face and the conversation.“That’s what you really thought?That I just felt sorry for you?”

“Hey,” she said, squeezing his hand and giving him a little smile.“More than most, I can understand how you can love things that need you.”

Andrew frowned and his grip on her hand tightened.“I don’t love you because youneedme, Tori.I love you because—”

“Andrew!I’m so happy to meet you!”Suddenly Ellie was at Andrew’s side, beaming up at him.

Andrew was clearly startled as he turned on his stool.“Um, hello.”

“I’m Ellie.One of Tori’s biggest fans.”Ellie gave Tori a bright smile.

That was such a nice thing to say and a surprising way for her to introduce herself that Tori was tongue-tied for a moment.

“Well, it’s nice to meet another of Tori’s fans,” Andrew said, recovering and giving the older woman a smooth smile.“I’m the President of her fan club.Have been for years.”

Tori looked at him with wide eyes.

“Lovely.”Ellie patted him on the arm.“Though I don’t know if you’re going to have that position for much longer.”

“I can’t imagine what would change it,” Andrew said, still smiling but with a coolness sneaking into his tone.

“Well, sounds to me like you will soon have your hands full leading a new fan club,” Ellie said.“Gosh, tomorrow, right?”

Andrew looked puzzled.“I’m sorry?”

“Your wedding is tomorrow isn’t it?”Ellie asked.

“Oh, well, yes.”

“And you’ll need to be the biggest fan of your lovely new wife,” Ellie said.

Andrew cleared his throat.“Yes, well, of course.”

Ellie nodded as if she’d expected that answer.“But no worries.”She smiled up at Tori.“I think there’s someone new to take over with Tori.”

This was all so strange.But Tori couldn’t help her smile.“You’re all so sweet.”

Andrew didn’t say anything.But he was back to scowling.

“And speaking of your lovely bride,” Ellie went on.“I know you need to get back to her.But,” she said, turning to Tori.“I want you and Josh to go out with us.”

“Go where?”Tori asked, intrigued for sure.Ellie Landry was something even in tiny Autre.In the city of New Orleans?This could only be trouble.In the best possible way.

“The Crimson Stiletto,” Ellie said, her eyes twinkling.

“What’s that?”Tori asked, already smiling.

“Burlesque club.”

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