Page 42 of How to Ruin Your Ex's Wedding
“You’re right. I’m sorry, man. I’m just feeling weird is all.”
“Do you need a hug?”
I laugh when Gregor asks that. But he’s serious. For such a big, almost menacing looking guy, he’s a sensitive teddy bear who is totally in touch with his emotions. Including that he’s a big hugger and he wants to have feelings for a woman before he sleeps with her. Both boggle my mind.
“No, I’m good.” I’m not opposed to hugs; I just don’t need them as often as Gregor likes to offer them. “So, where are we going?”
“Bowling.” Gregor smiles at that and pats me on the back. Hard. He’s happy about it because he’s in a league and a great bowler.
I suck at it. In a really big way. Like, no way am I impressing this girl tonight. I should really find these things out before I agree to tag along.
“Fine.” I sigh. “What time and where?”
11
Tabatha
I’m still pissed about Pax and his little ruse hours later. I haven’t told Hunter, and I’m not planning to. Pax is right, it would be weird if people knew we hired him. And there’s no way I’ll be able to prove I didn’t know about his alias.AndI just don’t see the need to make Hunter feel uncomfortable unnecessarily.
I pour myself a large glass of chardonnay, pop an antacid pill, grab my cell phone, and head out to the balcony to call Crystal. She had to cancel drinks in person, the kids were acting up too much. Instead, we are drinking virtually over the phone.
The balcony is my favorite place in the house to go when I want to think or be alone. It’s covered, so I’m shielded from the elements, and there’s heating and cooling. Regardless of the time of year, I can keep the temperature comfortable. In the morning, it’s perfect for sitting and drinking my coffee, the sun is usually shining, and I can listen to the birds. In the evening, I can enjoy a glass of wine with an uninterrupted view of the city lights, and the heaters take the chill out of the brisk night air.
The phone barely rings before Crystal answers. “Hey, fancy pants.”
“Hey, is it a good time? Babies asleep?”
“Yes and yes.” She sighs. “It’s perfect. I just poured a glass of wine and am lounging on the couch like a sloth. You on your balcony?”
“You know me too well.” I smile.
“Sorry about having to cancel. Just be happy you weren’t subjected to the wrath of my children. Hey, how did venue viewing go today?”
“Oh, Crystal. You aren’t going to believe it.” I sigh.
“I sense a story coming, do tell.”
“You know the photographer that Hunter just had to have?”
“Matthew Hanhauser, right? The celebrity photographer guy? He’s supposed to be amaz—”
“That’s the one,” I interrupt. “It’s Pax.”
“Wait. What?” She laughs. “How can that be?”
“I mean, there is no Matthew Hanhauser,” I hiss. “It’s Pax in a disguise pretending to be someone else. It’s an alias.”
“No!” she gasps.
“Yes!”
“Ohmigod!”
“I know!”
“What are you going to do?”
“What can I do?” I ask.
