Page 77 of Bad at Love

“I did not.”

“Then why else would he say that?”

We take a seat in the second row as I chuckle. The seats toward the back are already taken, and the front row is typically reserved for peopleinthe wedding. I don’t think they have a wedding party, but who knows? I don’t need to be up front and center anyway.

“He said it because it’s true,” I answer. “And Dominic doesn’t know how to shut up.”

Gabriel frowns, but then pulls his attention from me and toward the front.

Zach sits directly in front of us with a young woman I don’t know. There are two other guys in the row behind us, both of which I don’t know. I’m not surprised I don’t know anyone here, I’m not friends with them like that. We see each other infrequently, but Dom and I get along real well, so it feels like hardly any time has passed when we do see each other. We don’t know much about each other’s personal lives, but that’s just how we’re friends. We met by happenstance years ago, made a video together, and that was that.

The ceremony begins with both of them standing at the altar with the officiant. They aren’t going traditional at all. I kind of love that though. Neither has a best man or someone standing with them. It’s just them up there. Cute and sweet. I love non-traditional weddings because that means they’re making it about them and not what other people want.

“We want to thank you all for coming this far to celebrate with us. This will be quick, just a formality needed so he can’t get away from me again.” Dominic chuckles and so does the crowd. Mikah just rolls his eyes. “We’ll be at the bar right over there“—he gestures to the outside bar just a short distance away—“once we’re officially married.”

“Woo!” I call out and clap. Dominic points at me and grins.

They turn to face each other and the officiant says something quietly for only them to hear.

“He isn’t up there against his will, right?” Gabriel whispers to me, and I try really hard not to laugh.

“Of course not. Why would you think that?”

“Dominic keeps making jokes about Mikah not being able to leave.”

Oh, right. That makes sense.

“It’s just a joke between them. I think Mikah freaked out at one point in their relationship and took off for a few months or something. He came back though. Because hewantedto.”

Gabriel nods, bringing his attention back to the front. They weren’t joking about this being quick. Dominic is already holding the ring over Mikah’s finger and repeating vows.

“I do,” Dominic says through a wholesome smile.

Seconds later, Mikah is holding the ring over Dominic’s finger.

“And do you, Mikah Reed, take Dominic Blake to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold…”

The words trail off when I feel Gabriel take my hand, slipping his fingers between mine. It isn’t possessive, isn’t because he’s anxious. It’s sweet. From the corner of my eye, I look at him and swear I see little hearts in his eyes while watching Mikah and Dom share their love with us. Though, they do look like they’re about two seconds away from tearing each other’s clothes off and giving us a live show. I wouldn’t be against that, just saying. They’re a good time, especially in the bedroom. Adding Gabriel in? I’m not sure how that would go, but I would not hate figuring it out.

When they’re told to kiss, theykiss. We all stand and clap and whoop, even Gabriel gets in on it. I put my arm around him and pull him close, kissing his cheek.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” he says softly.

“I’m glad you came,” is my response.

Chapter Thirty-One

Gabriel

I’ve never in my life, not once, ever been drunk. Until now.

Honestly, I don’t hate it.

I’ve seen sloppy drunks, and I’ve seen the outcome of drinking too much. I work in an ER for crying out loud. My brothers came home trashed all the time, and I remember waking up to the smell of vomit and sweat. I remember them hardly being able to eat anything the next day and complaining of horrible headaches. Who would want to put themselves through that? It’s always what I asked myself when I saw them. But I get it now. Boy, do I get it now.

I’ve never felt so free in my life. I don’t care about anything, and I see how that can be bad. How it could cause me to make awful decisions like getting into a car and driving. Because I can’t say I wouldn’t do that right now—my inhibitions are gone.Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about that because we don’t have to drive anywhere. We’re at the bar, not far from the hotel, and I am having the time of my life. I don’t want to leave.

“Here!” Dominic says, shoving a shot glass towards me. I take it without questioning what it is and shoot it back. It’s not the first shot I’ve taken tonight, and I doubt it’ll be the last.

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