Page 30 of Whatever Lola Wants

“But then they’ll be going home right after on Sunday night.”

“True.” Anna chewed her lip. “Maybe we can do ceremony at dusk on Saturday? People coming up that morning will have more time, and we can host a breakfast the next day.”

“Perfect.” Lola took her phone out of her bag and started making notes. “We’ll see if the friend can handle both.”

“Looks like you ladies have everything under control,” Grant began as he rose, then froze as Lola made a harsh noise in her throat and pinned him with a glare.

“No. Sit.” She pointed at the chair next to Anna’s. “Stay.”

He scowled at her. “I’m not a dog.”

“No, you’re the genius who decided we could plan and execute a wedding—a nice wedding—in less than six weeks. So plant your ass and contribute.”

Grant sent a beseeching glance at Anna, who only shrugged. He grumbled, but he sat.

Simon’s chuckle drew Lola’s gaze. He was looking at his friend with amusement. “Thought you were the Dom around here.”

“Hey.” His head whipped around to find Lola’s finger in his face. “Fuck with him on your own time. You’re the best man, you’re in this too.”

“Jesus.” He scowled and sipped his beer, but he shut up, so Lola turned back to the happy couple.

“Let’s talk guest list.”

Two hours and several drinks later, they had most of it hammered out. Between Lola’s experience with weddings—big families equaled big weddings, usually with equally big drama—and Anna’s logical, organized mind, they were able to nail down all but the finest of details.

Anna let out a sigh of relief. “Lo, you’re a lifesaver.”

Lola smiled and toasted her friend with the champagne Grant had dug out. The second bottle. “I take my maid of honor duties very seriously. Speaking of which, what are you going to do about your mother?”

Anna grimaced, and Grant reached for her hand. “You mean if she comes at all?”

Lola nodded, her heart flooded with sympathy. Anna’s mother was known for bailing on her oldest child’s important moments.

“I don’t know yet.”

“As maid of honor, it would be my pleasure to keep her appropriately subdued during the festivities.”

“Does that mean tied in a closet and muzzled?” Grant wanted to know.

“If necessary.”

“It won’t be.” Anna’s voice was determined. “I don’t know how I’ll handle it yet, but she will not make my wedding about her.”

“You know where I am if you need help with that.”

Though her eyes remained clouded and she kept her hand in Grant’s, Anna smiled. “I know. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” The issue of Anna’s selfish, self-absorbed, always-has-to-be-the-main-character mother addressed, Lola switched gears. “On to happier topics. When do you want to go wedding dress shopping?”

“How about Saturday? I’m going to look for ideas online, so I’ll know what to look for before we hit the stores.”

“Sounds good.” Lola eyed the remains of the pizza lying in the middle of the patio table. She really wanted another slice, but what was left had jalapeños on it. She settled for a breadstick.

Simon reached for the pizza, his brawny arm stretching past her. She eyed the way his biceps bunched under the skin when he tugged a slice onto his plate. He had really great arms. Great arms, great hands…

“Lola?”

“Hmmm?” Still thinking about biceps and hands, it took her a minute to realize everyone was looking at her. “What?”

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