Page 36 of Always a Bridesmaid
Lexi’s smile faded, her expression turning so frigid Violet shivered.
Sputtered laughter broke the silence, and Tucker winked. “Just messin’ with you, Lex. I appreciate you making the appointment.”
“Tucker Crawford, you’re lucky that killing you would completely ruin the wedding, I swear.”
They all laughed, good-natured teasing clearly part of their group dynamic. Even as an outsider, she felt the love.
Being around the tight-knit group also made her miss her friends. The chat thread with the “Bridesmaid Crew” kept them in touch, at least, but their different paths left everyone busy and spread across the country. Leah and Amanda were the only two left in Florida, and once they’d moved to the suburbs, it’d been harder to meet up.
Without thinking, Violet’s hands searched for the camera around her neck so she could capture the camaraderie—only to remember it wasn’t there. Since it was the second time she’d experienced that spark, maybe it was time to start hauling her Canon around again.
“What if you came with us?” Lexi asked, placing a hand on Violet’s shoulder.
“Came with you where?” With her thoughts drifting to how she’d shoot the scene to include the juxtaposition of the rustic local bar in the background, she’d lost track of the conversation.
“To choose the wedding gown. You were so helpful at the cake tasting, and your binder is very impressive. I could use your help reining in these two.”
“But remember how I’m a recovering bridesmaid who doesn’t do weddings anymore?”
“All I need is your opinion.” Lexi brought her hands up in prayer position. “Pleeease.”
“We’d love to have you,” Addie said, and Violet glanced at Ford. She wanted to gauge what he thought of her involvement.
Hard to do, since Ford was riveted by the widescreen television in the corner.
“McGuire!” Addie smacked his leg.
“What? First game of the official MLB season, and this guy just got an unassisted triple play.”
Addie’s eyes widened and lifted to the screen. “Seriously? I can’t believe I miss—”
“Addison Murphy!” Lexi’s voice boomed. “Do I need to draw up some plays? I’m the coach, and I say focus up.”
“Wow, have you been giving her lessons, Shep?” Tucker asked. “She’s got the tough-coach bit down.”
Not only did Lexi manage a seated curtsy, she made it elegant.
Violet smothered a laugh, marveling again at the mixture of personalities.
Then the outsider feeling grew stronger. If she could hide behind her camera lens, she could better filter out the sensation. Without it, the amount of yearning tiptoed into the forlorn range.
Time to gracefully take her leave. “Sounds like you guys have a lot of planning to do, so I’m going to head home.” She gripped the edge of the table and began to scoot her stool away. “Thanks for the drink and for—”
“Wait.” Ford covered her hand with his. “It’s early yet.” He paused as if he wasn’t sure why he’d stopped her or what to say next. “How ’bout I get you away from the wedding talk and show you the pool table? I’ve already beat their sorry asses, and I’m lookin’ to whip up on someone new.”
Lexi gave him a sidelong glance, like she suspected him of attempting to get out of planning, which was probably true. Violet shouldn’t take the pity bone she’d been thrown, but Ford stood as if he knew she’d say yes.
With his gaze heavy on her for the first time in a week, pressing against her skin and igniting a whirl of heat, she didn’t want to walk away. Wasn’t sure she could. Did his magnetism apply to everyone, or was she simply the perfect polarity?
Either way, she decided to give in to its pull and toss her own gauntlet. “Care to make it interesting?”
The red straw in his mouth bobbed with his smile. “Always.”
“FYI,” Easton, the dark-haired cop, said, “our boy is competitive and acts like a jackass whenever he loses.”
Ford flipped him off, and the cop smirked and said, “See?”
“So he needs a lesson in losing gracefully.” Violet downed the rest of her wine and set her empty glass on the table. “I’m absolutely up to the task.”
