Page 40 of A Flighty Fake Boyfriend
“Why only men?” Epic asked. “Where will the ladies be?”
“Luis is probably taking this opportunity to spend time with the older men in his family and his groomsmen.”
“Like a bachelor party?”
“Yes and no. Much more reserved is my guess.”
“This should be fun.” I doubted he believed that.
“This is a good thing for Luis. His family is traditional and Catholic as fuck, yet they’ve come to celebrate his wedding. I don’t know much about William’s family, but for Luis this is a very big deal.”
Epic softened. “It’s nice they support him.”
“Very.” I’d found a map. The Ty Warner bungalow had a gated entrance past the putting green and the croquet lawn. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
We walked from our suite along brick paths strewn with tropical plants and through a second building to get to Luis’s luxury accommodations. I had nothing to compare it with in my experience. A butler answered the door and led us to the patio, past a buffet of rich-smelling, spicy dishes. On one side of the lap pool, a guitarist played flamenco while a couple in traditional dress danced on a small portable dance floor.
On the other side, a group of men sat around a long table arguing, drinking, and being served tiny plates of food by two discreet servers. Family got table service. The rest of the guests made use of the buffet.
Luis detached himself and came to greet us.
“Ryan, I’m so glad you decided to join us this evening. Epic, was it? Good to see you again. Come, join us. What will you drink?”
“Amontillado,” I answered.
Epic said, “Same.”
“I don’t need to ask for your identification, do I?” Luis teased.
Epic grinned. “I have it if you need it.”
“Of course not. This is a private party. At any rate, I have diplomatic immunity.” He waved us over to the table.
“You do not,” I pointed out.
“I should, don’t you think?” He winked. “If I want to serve wine to my family, I should be allowed.”
I should have probably googled the announcement of Luis’s wedding, but it felt like ripping off a scab at the time. William wasn’t what I expected. He was tall and svelte with the coloring of an elf fromThe Lord of the Rings. He had the grace of a dancer and a thin, sweet voice, but I didn’t like his smile when it turned on me. He wore a barrister’s smile.
“How do you do, Ryan? Luis has told me so much about you that I know we’re going to be great friends.”
“I’m sure. Pleasure to meet you, William.”
He turned to Epic. “And you must be Epictetus? Such an interesting name. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Epic shook hands with him. “Thank you. Pleasure to meet you too.”
“Enjoy the evening, gentlemen. I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to chat again.” He drifted away as if he wore skates.
Luis led us down the family table to introduce his brothers, Jorge, Jaime, and Salazar, and his uncles Juan and Jose Miguel. We smiled at everyone and nodded as we made our way to two empty chairs at one of several four-top tables set up for dining.
Though I tried to keep up, I lost half of the groomsmen’s names to the music. Epic seemed to pay closer attention.
Someone handed me a glass and a plate so I could pick and choose from any of several tapas-style dishes on the buffet.
At last, William and Luis stood at the head table, and we all toasted to their health.
