Page 86 of Reckless

We got sucked into the drama right from the landing. Sylvia was the one to wait for us at the airport.

“Madison excluded me from everything. She’s only talking to Clementine and I have no say in anything.”

“You know you’re not the bride, right?” Tyler asked her from the backseat. He had pushed me into the passenger one, probably hoping he wouldn’t be in the spotlight.

Sylvia ignored him and continued listing every little thing she thought Madison and Clem did wrong. I nodded the entire time. That was all she wanted from me thankfully.

My phone buzzed in my pocket a few minutes before she dropped me off at my parent’s house.

Tyler: See you tonight?

Hannah: Forget it. I have to get up at six tomorrow morning.

There was a pause, not longer than a minute, but it seemed like forever to me.

Tyler: Are we good?

I shot him a glance over my shoulder and smiled at him, then texted back.

Hannah: Sure. Tomorrow. After the wedding.

Tyler: Tomorrow is going to be a torture.

Hannah: It’s only until ten. And after the ceremony, no one will pay any attention to you.

Tyler: I meant being right next to you without touching you.

His words surprised me. I shot him another look over my shoulder and the intensity of his gaze on mine, made my air pipes close.

They dropped me off at my parents’ house and left. Tyler’s message stayed unanswered.

The next time I saw him, he was standing with Lucas at the altar, while I was walking over to join them. His mouth twitched for a moment, but he suppressed his smile, his eyes never leaving mine. I took my place and seconds later a collective gasp announced the appearance of the bride. Tyler’s eyes flew in her direction, while mine stayed on him a little bit longer. He took Clem in, dipped his head, and tried to hide another smile. I turned to look at her. She beamed. Seeing her walking with that huge grin on her face, I would never assume that she had always hated being the center of attention when we were younger.

The ceremony was short. I noticed Elizabeth Cole cried while her son recited with vows, and Sylvia looked like if she allowed a twitch of a muscle on her face, she would lose it too.

“Some best man you are,” she murmured later when we waited for the guests to get seated for the reception. Apparently holding her emotions in made her extra sulky. “You looked like you were about to fall asleep during the ceremony.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Yes, Tyler looked at his feet for most of the ceremony, probably forcing himself to stay emotionally detached. I didn’t believe for a second he was bored or didn’t care.

He opened his mouth to say something to his mother, but I was faster.

“I think he was just respectful, Sylvia. I’m sure Clem and Lucas appreciate it,” I tried to remind her that this day wasn’t about her. Sylvia slowly turned her head in my direction.

“And what was that face you made while they were saying their vows?” She asked with a smile that screamedyou are next on my list, honey. “You looked like you were holding a sneeze.”

“I was actually.” I mimicked her smile and stared her down. I wasn’t arrogant enough to think I could intimidate Sylvia Hartley with a fake smile and a staring contest, but I wasn’t above trying.

And I didn’t mind sneezing while two hundred people watched me witnessing my best friends getting hitched, but I knew Tyler would have a field day afterwards.

An old, cranky-looking lady approached Sylvia from behind.

“Why didn’t anyone throw rice at the newlyweds?” Sylvia spun on her heels to face her.

“Aunt Millie, how are you?” She asked, ignoring the question.

“It’s a tradition,” the woman pointed a crooked finger between us three. “A blessing. For prosperity and fertility.”

“They don’t need help in that department,” Tyler said under his breath. Sylvia sent him a murderous look and I cracked up.

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