Page 91 of The Story of Us
Charlie stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his ankles. “Honestly? I can’t fucking wait for it to be over. All I want is for Sera to be my wife, but this thing has morphed into such a production. The amount of time I’ve spent talking about the different shades of white this week is astronomical.”
Nate hid his smile behind a hand. “Sounds like a lot, man.”
“And now Joanie …” Charlie’s voice wavered.
Nate jumped in. “She’s going to be fine. That woman is indestructible.”
“But what if she can’t come to the wedding? Postponing’s not an option. There are so many people here for it.”
“Listen”—Nate waited until Charlie looked up—“let’s worry about what we can control right now. What else can I help with?”
“Maybe squat a little in the pictures. And look less manly, too. I knew asking you to be my best man would bite me on the ass.”
A server called Nate’s name and both men twisted to look at the counter. Two trays of coffees were waiting.
“I meant what I said before, you know,” Charlie said as they walked over to collect the drinks.
“I’ll trim my beard, but I’m not crouching.” Nate’s attempt at a joke fell flat, confirming his suspicions about where this conversation was headed from the earnest look on Charlie’s face.
His friend shook his head. “About you and Eloise. It’s good. I know I’ve been an asshole lately, but that’s only because I got so caught up in keeping Sera happy and trying to convince her parents that her marrying me—this average guy from the other side of the world who can’t offer her even one one hundredth of what they have—isn’t a huge fucking mistake that I forgot to check in on the other people I love. I’ve seen the way you look at her. You always smile more when she’s around. And when you defended her to Ryan …” Charlie paused, his gaze drifting to the ceiling above them. “It was exactly how I’d want her partner to act. I also know you’ll never get in the way of her dreams. Maybe you two will be next. Our kids will be even closer than best friends. They could be cousins.”
Nate stared down at his coffee. “Mate …” He trailed off, unsure of what to say to Charlie, who raised his eyebrows.
“Oh, so it’s not like that? Are you just casually boning my sister?”
It was a miracle Nate didn’t drop the coffees. Hearing what he and Eloise had shared be described so casually sent his heart thundering. “It’s not likethat.It’s complicated. With her exchange and everything.”
“Long distance sucks but when it’s with the right person?” Charlie rested his hand on Nate’s shoulder. “Nothing’s too hard with the right person, mate. Come on, we should get back.”
* * *
Three coffeesand several hours later, Nate was on his way back from the bathroom and about to push through the partially open door of Joan’s room when raised voices made him pause, his hand hovering over the metal handle.
“I’m fine!” Joan said.
“Joanie, the doctor said you had to stay overnight.” Eloise’s calming social worker tone was working overtime.
“Mum—” and there was Mary. His presence wouldn’t help, so Nate pulled out his phone to reply to Garrett’s emails about their upcoming meeting with Jemima Jenkins.
“You’re not fine. You just had a heart attack. That’s the opposite of fine, Joanie,” Charlie chipped in.
“Only a little one. Can someone hand me my bag?”
“Joanie. Stop. Please. Just stay tonight and we’ll see what the doctor says tomorrow,” Eloise said.
“Why aren’t you busy practising making me great-grandchildren?”
“Joanie!” Eloise groaned.
Nate stopped typing, his ears pricking up.
“What? If I’m on my way out, I’d like to at least meet them.”
“Oh my God.” Eloise’s loud sigh was so pronounced Nate would’ve heard it even if the door was closed.
He breathed out slowly.
“What?” Joan harrumphed. “That man could get a woman pregnant just by looking at her. No need to get married either. Those days are over. You wouldn’t need to have some ridiculous, big shindig. Don’t look at me like that, Charlie. There’s been more fanfare for your wedding than an Olympic games.”
