Page 67 of Fumbling for Perfection

We walk the perimeter—the starboard? I don’t pay attention to the yacht terms and instead imagine what it would be like to live a day in the life of the super-rich. While Jackson and I have been friends for more than a decade, we keep our outings and meals on the simple side.

He knows I don’t care about the opulence, and he isn’t one to show off or boast about the buckets of money he rolls around in every day. But for his wedding, the one where he gets to marry the love of his life, he doesn’t hold back.

Granted, the farce of a wedding we were supposed to have five weeks ago set his family back a pretty penny. From what I’ve heard, more than a quarter of a million dollars. A drop in the bucket of money the Bankeses play with on the daily.

Which makes me think of the fifty grand ananonymousdonor gave to my fundraiser.

When we’re back inside, Jackson guides me to a plush barstool and sits across from me, trapping my legs between his. Walker and I have sat the same way, but Jackson’s thighs pressed against mine don’t cause butterflies to flutter around my belly. He’s the brother I never had, and I love him dearly.

Though not in the same way I love—loved—his brother. If it was ever really love. I was enamored. In lust. Smitten. Love? Maybe. Possibly. Probably.

Fucking totally.

“I don't want you to be upset when I say this.” Jackson squeezes my knees.

“What a lead in. Now I’m freaking out and already upset. Please tell me your parents aren’t coming.”

I can’t even begin to imagine how much they despise me, even though the lack of a wedding last month was not my fault. Jackson’s been quiet about it, but he doesn’t ever bad mouth his parents. I’m sure they hate me and accuse me of not being good enough for their precious son, which was why he wound up gay.

His father’s words. Not mine. I overheard him when I escaped out the back door of the church.

“Sebastian and Lydia are still in France.”

“Are they aware you and Taylor are about to become Mr. and Mr. today?”

“Yes. Hence why they extended their stay in Europe.”

“I’m sorry.” I cover his hands with mine. “Is he taking away your trust or your role at the company?”

Jackson shakes his head. “After coming out the way I did, it would bring more shame on him and Bankes Inc. if he rejected me because I’m gay. It wasn’t my intent, but my public announcement has garnered me even more support from the board. Father would look like a complete ass if he reneged on the agreement.”

He is an ass.

I don’t say the words since Jackson and his father are close. As close as anyone can get to a piranha.

“And Taylor? He’s still okay leaving the firm?”

“He’s more than okay about it.”

“So your parents aren’t coming. What other news would upset—” My eyes and mouth widen and my face flushes. “Jackson. You told me he couldn’t make it.”

“He can’t. Walker’s still in California as far as I know.”

Relief and disappointment settle in my chest. “Well, out with it. Everyone will be here in a few minutes.”

Jackson tilts his head to the side and gives me a sad smile. “Walker and I have been talking almost daily. Well, texting, but that’s more than we’ve ever done.”

“I’m happy for you.” I really am. Even though Walker and I are over, it doesn’t mean it has to be for Jackson.

“He feels terrible about the things he said to you.”

“He told you?”

Jackson shakes his head. “Not the specifics. Just that he was an ass.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter. What’s done is done.”

“I’m sorry he hurt you, Riles.” Jackson rubs my knee. “But looking at things from his point of view, you have to understand how—”

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