Page 67 of Enemies with my Bestie’s Brother
“There you two are! I was wondering where you got off to,” my mom says warmly as she wraps me in a hug. “The ceremony was so beautiful. You look incredible, Whitney.”
My mom looks at me and wipes a tear away as she chats with Penny. I wonder what they’re talking about. Penny and I see each other nearly every day since I moved to San Francisco almost a year ago.
I contemplated getting my own place before Grayson told me that it would be pointless, since I’d be staying at his place most of the time anyway. I wanted to argue with him, but in the end, I knew he was right. There was no point wasting money that could be used for other things than on rent.
Grayson and Penny helped rearrange the article with the magazine after I finished the master bedroom. It was my masterpiece, blending equal parts of me with Grayson. The walls were a deep blue, with a gorgeous floral mural painted on one side. Grayson was impressed when he saw it, asking why I was an interior decorator instead of an artist. I almost didn’t have the heart to tell him that I used a stencil for the entire thing.
“Bride! Say gorgonzola!” The photographer calls out, and I’m snapped out of my memory and back into the real world.
I grin widely as she snaps the photo. I look around at the loving people surrounding me — Grayson’s mom and siblings, my parents, Landon’s now wife, Hailey. My heart feels almost overwhelmed at the idea of being surrounded by so many caring people. I pose for another picture as the happy thoughts flood my mind.
“I’veknownWhitneysincecollege. We were roommates, and the first night that I met her, I told her ‘We’re going to be best friends.’”
I nod, because it’s true, and she smiles at me.
“I was right, of course, because I’m always right. When she came to visit me in San Francisco more than a year ago, I knew that her and Grayson would be perfect together. I did my best to push them together, and at first, they resisted. Seriously, it was like trying to put two negative sides of a magnet together. But eventually, they fell in love, and I’m so glad that they did. Grayson is perfect for Whitney — he cherishes the ground she walks on, and I know that he will do everything in his power to make her happy, just like she deserves. And it’s all because of me, her best friend. So, I’d like it to be known that even though Grayson is her true love, I’m her true best friend. Besties for life!” Penny smiles at me as she finishes her speech.
Applause sounds throughout the room along with cheers before we grab our champagne glasses and sip at its contents in a toast.
“Was that the last speech?” Grayson asks me through gritted teeth, his hands balled together so tight that his knuckles are white.
“That was the first speech,” I whisper back, rolling my eyes.
One thing that I’ve learned about Grayson is that he hates sitting still. I never thought about all of his fidgeting before when were watching movies or laying in bed, but now it’s obvious. He’s always fiddling with something.
“Ugh, but I’m already out of champagne,” he moans, and my eyes shoot to his glass.
Sure enough, his flute is empty. I look at him incredulously.
“Grayson! You’re supposed to sip it, not down it!”
“That’s okay, I’ll just drink some of yours to make up for it,” he says, grabbing my champagne flute and taking a sip before I can stop him.
His face changes, and I hope Preston doesn’t think that the face is about his speech.
“Whitney, why does your champagne taste like apple juice?” he asks quietly.
I smile at him knowingly. His eyes fill with what I hope are tears of joy.
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent. I took two tests last week, and went to the doctor two days ago. I was going to surprise you with it tonight.”
“Whitney, this is incredible. I can’t believe it. I think I’m going to cry,” he says, and sure enough, a tear slips down his cheek.
Applause rings out and I look up to see Preston stepping down and handing the mic to Landon.
“I was the first person who knew about Grayson and Whitney, and that’s because I caught them sneaking back into Penny’s wedding,” he starts, and laughter rings out around the room.
I see my dad cross his arms in mock disapproval and I can’t help but laugh.
Landon’s speech continues, but I don’t process a word of it as I gaze at Grayson.
“Whitney, I’m so happy. I can’t believe we’re starting a family.”
“I love you, Grayson.”
“I love you too.”
