Page 30 of The Best Man
“You can take me shopping whenever you like, Molls. Drive my car, pick out my clothes. That’s all fine with me. But let’s get one thing straight. I’ll never beg you for anything. Only one of us in this scenario will be on their knees begging for mercy, for pleasure, for release, and it sure as hell won’t be me.” I drink my beer and watch as her pulse quickens and her breathing stutters.
The flush on her skin is an unmistakable sign of arousal, and I’m seconds from suggesting that we head back to my place. There’s no actual need to hear the band, is there? Simon already likes them. I guess my sister wanted us to take a listen to determine whether they were upbeat and dance-y enough for a wedding. I’m sure they’re fine, especially if Simon and Elaine are planning on an open bar.
My plans are waylaid; however, when I hear a voice call my name.
I turn to see Nick and Gavin approaching our table, and it’s clear that they are even more surprised to see us than we are to see them.
“Ev, man, I heard you were sticking around, but I didn’t think we’d see you out tonight.” Nick shakes my hand and does a quick double-take when he sees Molly at the table.
Gavin is quicker to recover. “Molly, how’s it going?”
“Great, how about you? It’s been forever since I’ve talked to you, and I barely got to see you at the party the other week. How have you been? How was your cruise?”
“It was good. The weather was great. Can’t complain, right?” I don’t really know the guy, but something feels off about his answer. And I’m not the only one who notices. As usual, Molly smooths things over effortlessly.
“Well, we can catch up later. Grab a drink, guys. The band should be on soon.”
“Yea, I’m surprised to see you here, Molly. I didn’t think the Busted Kings were your style?” He’s prying, this guy.
“It’s always good to try new things, Nick,” Molly says cryptically and smiles. “Now, get to the bar.”
“Yes, ma’am. Can we get you guys anything?” he asks.
“We’re fine.” I clip, perhaps a bit more forcefully than I intended.
And Nick, the asshole, grins from ear to ear, knowing he’s gotten under my skin.
“Don’t even ask.” Molly levels me with a glare, as she picks up her drink and takes a sip.
“What? I said nothing.”
Rolling her eyes, she says,“You shot daggers at Nick’s back as he headed to the bar. And you can cool it with that caveman shit, ok? Nick and I were never together. It’s not like that between us. We’re like twins separated at birth or something, I don’t know. We adore each other, and we have a lot in common, but there’s no love connection.” She lifts her drink to take another sip, but then replaces her glass on the table and glares at me again. “What the hell? Why am I even telling you this? It has nothing to do with you. And whom I’ve dated or fucked or whatever is none of your concern.”
She’s right, of course. It’s none of my business or my concern. Still, does it make me a total asshole that I take delight in the fact that she and Nick are just friends?
And if it does, so be it. I’m an asshole for a lot of things. We can just add this to the list.
Because I have nothing nice to say, or at least nothing she wants to hear right now, I drain my own drink, just as Nick and Gavin return from the bar. They ignored my refusal and bought drinks for the table, which was quite considerate. They’ve also dragged stools over and decided to join us permanently, which is annoying as hell.
“Have you heard these guys before? They’re pretty good,” Gavin says, steadying himself on a stool and cramming his frame around the table meant for two. He’s nearly as tall as I am, and though Nick’s a bit shorter, we’re all broad guys. That makes for a cozy seating arrangement. And I’d wonder what the hell they’re doing sitting at our table when there are still a few open ones available, but I already know the answer.
They’re here to vet me.
Sure, the fact that I’m Elaine’s brother gives me some measure of credibility. And Simon and I get along well. So, by most guy standards, I’d gain admittance into their group. Maybe not the inner circle, per se, but I’d be welcome on the fringe. I certainly was at the engagement party. We all sat around, had a few beers, and shot the shit like I’d been a member of the crew forever
But things have changed since then.
The minute they spotted me alone with Molly, all bets were off. There’s no outward hostility or anything. But they’re sizing me up now. They’re checking to ensure that I’m worthy of Molly’s time and company.
I understand where they’re coming from. It’s easy to tell that Molly is well-loved by her tribe, and deservedly so.
And my posturing and being pissy isn’t going to do me any favors. So, I graciously accept the beer Gav offers and join the conversation.
“No, but Simon’s a fan, so we thought we’d come and give them a listen,” I say.
“Simon is actually why we’re here,” Molly interjects. “Well, Simon and Elaine. They’re considering hiring these guys to play at their wedding, so here we are.”
Nick nods. “Yea, I heard you were wedding planning, Molls. I just didn’t know you had an assistant.”
