Page 9 of Allison

“We’re here, sugar. Did you sleep well?” She sits up straight in the seat.

“Um…yeah. Sorry, I guess I dozed off for a minute.” Allison wipes a thin line of drool from the corner of her mouth. Worm smiles. She looks uncomfortable and a little embarrassed. There’s no need for that. She looks damn cute. He pulls into the valet parking.

“Hang tight, sugar,” Worm eases out of the driver’s side to round the vehicle, handing the valet his keys. He opens Allison’s door, and reaches for her hand. She frowns at him.

“I can get out by myself.” Worm’s eyes roll skyward, begging for patience.

“Come on, Sugar. Let’s get you checked in so you can take a proper nap.” Allison’s frown softens. Seeming to have a change of heart, she takes his hand allowing him to help her down. They grab her bags from the back. Placing his hand on her lower back, he guides her into the lobby. They’ve barely gotten in the door, when a woman’s voice draws their attention.

“Allison!” Emma yells, across the lobby. Emma’s blonde hair is hanging in soft waves around her face. Her fuller figure jiggles as she runs to greet them.

“Emma!” Allison drops the duffle bag she’d insisted on carrying herself and breaks into a run across the lobby, meeting Emma in the middle. The women squeal loudly, rocking side to side as they hug one another tightly.

Worm picks up Allison’s bag, before strolling over to them, with a grin on his face. Wallace, Tank, and Hack along with Ruby and Lisa join them. Everyone is smiling while they watch the women’s reunion.

“Allison! I’m so glad you made it,” Emma gushes, her rounded face flushed with excitement. “How was the drive with Russell?” She looks back and forth between Worm and Allison, who gives him a questioning look.

“It was fine,” Allison replies, leaving out all the details of their banter and conversation on the way.

“I’m happy you guys got to spend some time together,” Emma says, looking at them expectantly. Worm frowns. “You guys are paired to walk down the aisle together. Russell is your escort.” Allison turns wide eyes on him. Worm swallows hard. This is going to make it difficult to keep his distance.

“I really thought you were going to back out on me,” Emma confides, seeming to have missed the tension between them. “I wouldn’t blame you, but I really wanted you to be here.”

“I’m not going to lie,” Allison answers. “I seriously considered only showing up for the ceremony, but I couldn’t let you down, no matter how much torture I will have to endure, all alone,” Allison whines, before laughing. “You remember how awful Gloria’s wedding was for us?”

“God, no, I haven’t forgotten how Aunt Jenny and Aunt Lettie kept grilling us about why we hadn’t found a man yet.” Emma laughs, humorlessly.

“Now, I’m the last one left,” Allison complains. “I’m really happy for you, but girl, you know this will be a nightmare for me.”

“I know, Allison. I’m sorry. I’ll apologize in advance for their behavior,” Emma murmurs. “You know they mean well. They were all married by their early twenties. They just think we should have done the same.”

Allison nods, but still looks unhappy. “And to give you a head’s up,” Emma continues, “those two invited themselves to join us this week when they found out we were coming here early.” Allison groans, her lip curling up in disgust.

“I do know they mean well, but they should realize I’m a lost cause at this point.” Allison gives a half-hearted laugh that doesn’t reach her eyes. Worm doesn’t like the way this conversation is affecting Allison.

“Come on, sugar. Let’s get you checked in. We’re blocking the lobby.” Worm slips his arm around Allison’s waist, guiding her toward the counter. She gives him a confused glare but doesn’t protest. Emma laughs nervously, sharing a look with Wallace, who frowns, but shrugs his shoulders. The entire group follows them to the counter, much to Worm’s annoyance.What’s their deal? Why are they following us every step?

A few minutes later, Worm has Allison’s key card in hand. He leads her to the elevators with the group in tow. It’s a tight fit because everyone crowds into the elevator with them.

Worm leans in to whisper in her ear. “Well, sugar, looks like your room is right next to mine. It must be fate.” He straightens up, a smug grin on his face. Allison rolls her eyes, shaking her head. He waits for her lively comeback, knowing there’s one coming after their banter on the trip here.

“Dream on, caveman,” she sasses in a whisper. The doors have opened on their floor and everyone moves to leave the small space. Worm barks out a laugh. Allison shhh’s him. Emma and Wallace turn, giving them a curious look. Worm sees Wallace open his mouth to ask what’s going on, but he doesn’t get the chance. They are bombarded by Emma and Allison’s family that is waiting in the hall.

8

ALLISON

Allison is fighting a blush that is creeping up her neck. Emma is looking back and forth between her and Russell, trying to determine the cause of their odd behavior. Thankfully, Allison is spared from having to deny the chemistry between her and Russell when Gloria and Aunt Jenny greet them at the elevator.

“Allison! I’m so glad you made it!” Gloria grabs Allison into a bear hug. She is about Allison’s height, but she has blonde hair and light-colored skin, much like Emma, though she is thinner. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in forever.” Before Allison can even answer, Aunt Jenny, an older version of Gloria, jumps in.

“Lord, Allison you look awful! What have you done to yourself?” Aunt Jenny asks. Her voice dripping with disapproval. She has her greying hair up in a tight bun and her purse in the crook of her arm. Her eyes rove over Allison. “What are you wearing? Leggings?”

Allison nods, stifling a groan, while waiting for the lecture to begin about dressing like a lady and not a man.

“You are never going to find a man looking like something the cat dragged in. Seriously, child. You have got to take more pride in your appearance.” Aunt Jenny clucks her tongue, patting Allison on the shoulder.

“She’s beautiful just as she is,” Russell growls, “You should consider she’s been traveling all day. She needs to get to her room so she can rest.” He grabs Allison’s hand pulling her down the hall, away from the stunned group.

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