Page 1 of The Plus Ones
Prologue - Roxy
* Chase and Aimee’s Wedding *
Five Years Ago
Keaton fucking Bridges.
Look at him, all handsome and sweet over there, in that bespoke three-piece suit with that silver tie and his quivering voice. I’d almost like him if I didn’t hate him so much for giving a better toast than I did. I crushed it! But he’s killing it.
Okay, maybe my Maid of Honor speech was a tad on the overly emotional cheeseball side. Maybe I should have come better prepared. Perhaps I should have waited untilaftermy toast to indulge in five glasses of champagne. But my best friend and former roommate is getting married to the love of her life. While pregnant. Things are changing. How else am I supposed to cope?
I didn’t even bring a date to this wedding. I couldn’t think of one guy I wanted to share this special night with. It’s weird that Keaton didn’t bring a date either.
Or not. Maybe it’s not weird. I mean, he did get his heart broken a few months ago. He probably isn’t over his ex-girlfriend yet. That’s probably why he’s so choked-up tonight.
“I’ve known Chase since we were in college,” Keaton says into the mic, “and he’s always been the guy everyone wanted to be around, the guy who made me a better person. But when he and Aimee are together, they become this metaphorical third thing that’s better than anything I’ve ever witnessed. They’ve created an awesome new home together, a successful new company, and now…” He pauses to clear his throat. Goddammit, his eyes are tearing up.
“Now they’re creating an actual third person for all of us to love, and I want you both to know that I will do anything I can for you and your family, always.” He looks down at Chase and grins at him. “You complete me. And she completes you. I love you, man.”
Fucking. Hell.
That was perfect.
That was thebestBest Man toast I have ever heard.
He is so getting laid tonight.
Not by me.
Obviously.
I can’t stand him.
Mr. Hoity Toity Pretty Boy, my dad would call him.
Look at him over there. Doing a group hug with Chase and Aimee.
I’ll bet he thinks he’s their favorite.
He’s not the favorite.
I’m the favorite.
I’m the one who was never an immature, rich, entitled ass.
I’m the one who wasn’t a little shit to them two years ago when they first got together. Just because he wanted to date Aimee. He was such a dick!
He may have changed, but some of us don’t have to change.
Okay, maybe I should stop swearing so much if I’m going to be around Aimee’s kid once she has it.
ButI’mthebestbest friend.
I’m the one who’d really do anything for Aimee and Chase and their future spawn.
Where’s Roxy’s group hug?
And where’s that waiter with my champagne refill?
