Page 61 of Father of the Bride

“Sunshine!”

Tigra waved, sauntering toward them in big black sunglasses, gargantuan gold hoop earrings, and a white linen jumpsuit that hugged her frame just right.

“Ew, weird vibe over here,” she said as she pulled her best friend into a hug. Her eyes roamed Orion’s face. “What you do to my friend?”

Orion turned and walked away, leaving Tigra laughing with delight.

“He still hates me,” she said, almost singing it. “I love that for him.”

Sunny shook her head. “Girl, let me get you to your room. You missed a lot.”

Tigra’s room was at the far end of the hall, leaving Sunny to wonder how many bedrooms this damn house had. Tigra flopped on the bed and toed her shoes off, her eyes widening with every detail Sunny spilled.

“It’s raining men,” she said after Sunny finally finished talking. “Hallelujah, bitch.”

“Whatever.” Sunny laughed, ecstatic that her best friend was finally at her side. “You’re supposed to be helping me.”

“With what? Sounds like you have it handled. Three fine men want you—well, Orion’s seen better days, but you know what I mean.”

“Luke doesn’t want me. He’s just a friend.”

Tigra nodded. “Remind me again, which one of them did you fuck last?”

Sunny shot her best friend a look. “That’s crass.”

“So is fucking three men in one week, but I ain’t judgin’. Just gathering the data so I can help you.”

“Two,” Sunny said. “And Kez was last.”

Tigra rubbed her perfectly manicured hands together. “This is just…everything I’ve ever wanted for you. Well done.”

“So you don’tactuallyplan on helping me, then. You’re just gonna watch it all play out, right? Just so I’m clear.”

Tigra’s eyes drifted up to the ceiling as she thought about that.

“Yeah, I think that’s where I’m at with all of this,” she said, donning her winning smile. “It’s the most interesting you’ve been since I’ve known you.”

“On that note, we need to get down to the beach. We have mani pedis in five minutes.”

“I wanted to speak to the boys first.”

“They’re at a tuxedo fitting. You can see them later.”

“Alright, then. I’m following you.

A cluster of chaise lounges and spa chairs had been arranged under breezy white cabanas along the private beach. Bowls of sliced oranges and cucumber water sat between plush towels. Silver trays were lined with nail polish and flowers. The sound of soft waves and relaxing music floated in the air around them.

The bride and her maidens were already seated. Sunny introduced them all to Tigra, then took the empty chair next to Brooklyn, who had her eyes closed and her air pods in. Sunny slid her feet into the warm soak. The stress of Orion and everything else began to dissipate immediately.

Her spa technician knelt beside her, smiling. “Ms. Dixon, after your manicure and pedicure, you’ll receive a full-body massage in one of the beach tents.”

Sunny frowned. “I didn’t book that.”

The tech leaned in discreetly, lowering her voice. “Your host requested it. You mentioned that you needed one.”

Her stomach fluttered.

Tigra’s eyes were already on her when Sunny turned her head.

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