Page 77 of Hot Shot

“Okay, you guys, I have a problem,” Beck says.

“It’s not too late,” Cade replies. “You can still call off the wedding.”

“No! Fuck off. That’s not my problem. The problem is that Hayden’s having one bridesmaid and I have to pick a best man.” He scowled. “I can’t pick between the two of you, so I’m thinking of asking Dussen.”

Cade and I stare at each other. “Hell no! You can’t askhimto be your best man.”

“How am I supposed to choose?”

“Rock, paper, scissors?” I suggest.

“Hmmm.”

Cade frowns. “Who’ve you known longest?”

“Marco. By about five minutes.”

Cade grimaces. “Then pick him.”

I shrug. “I’d be happy to do it. Don’t want any hard feelings, though.”

“Nah, man, no hard feelings.” Cade grins. “I know I’m really the best man.”

“Ha.” Beck looks back and forth between us. “You’re both okay with that?”

Cade claps a hand on Beck’s shoulder and grips it. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll still be there, right?”

“Hell yeah. If I could have two best men . . . hey, why can’t I?” He frowns.

“I think someone has to sign the wedding license as a witness,” I offer. “You only need one for each of you.”

“Okay, okay, so you’re the witness, but you both need to be my best men. Because . . .” He pauses. “Not to get all wussy, but you guys are.” He clears his throat.

My throat thickens. “Thanks, man.”

“Hayden will be all right with that?” Cade asks quietly.

“Yeah. She’s not all wrapped up in details.”

It occurs to me that Carrie will be Hayden’s bridesmaid. We’ll have to hang out.

“What’s that shit-eating look for?” Cade demands.

“Nothing.”

“You really are in a weird mood lately.”

“It’s the tequila.” I hold up the glass.

“Bullshit. You’ve been occupying Vagistan.”

“What?”

Cade laughs. “Getting laid.”

I choke on the spirits and Beck bursts out laughing. “Occupying Vagistan! Jesus.”

“Come on,” Cade says. “We’ve seen her around here all the time lately with Julia. You think we didn’t notice the way you two kept eye fucking each other? We damn near needed to cover the kid’s eyes it was so X-rated.”

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