Page 59 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“What youdon’tknow is your sister’s thinking you might connect.” Beau wags his eyebrows at the wordconnect. “But I’m not supposed to tell you that.”
“Huh. She said the exact opposite to me yesterday. Something more along the lines of:Stay away from Molly.”
“Yeah.” He guffaws. “She’s using reverse psychology. Kind of like what you and Nat threw at us two years ago. And it worked, so Kasey’s probably hoping for a similar result.”
I furrow my brow—less of a frown and more of ano way that’s gonna happen. “Kasey can hope all she wants, but—”
“Hold on.” Beau throws his hands up. “You can’t tell Kasey I said anything to you. She’s already afraid I’ll open my big mouth and ruin everything.”
“Don’t worry. Your big mouth is safe with me.” I’m not planning on saying a thing to Kasey, mostly because I’ve got no interest in being hooked up with anyone. Molly’s nice enough, as I recall. She’s definitely pretty. Plus Kasey said she’s moving back to Abieville, so she’d actually be location appropriate. But I’m not the kind of guy who kisses one woman then moves on to the next. Especially if the next one might get hurt. And Molly would absolutely get hurt if she’s entertaining any ideas about me being interested in her. I can’t shift gears that quickly, and I don’t even want to.
Beau clears his throat and cocks an eyebrow. “If somethingwereto happen with you and Molly, let’s just say Kasey would approve. She likes the idea of her brother being with one of her friends, especially since she’s marryingherbrother’s best friend.”
“Ha.” My mouth slips sideways, all the way to Smirkville. “Like that evens the score, or something?”
Beau shakes his head, chuckling. “I’d like to think it’s because she’s so desperately in love with me, she wants the same thing for you. But what do I know? Either way, you might as wellconsiderdating Molly. It’s not like there’s a ton of options for you in this town. You’re related to half the population.” Beau busts out laughing like my lack of options is the funniest he’s ever heard. Hahahaha. Hilarious. Almost as funny as my mom getting a Brazilian wax.
“Yeah, I don’t think so,” I grumble.
“Come on, man. At least dance with her at the wedding. Have a little fun.”
“You already put me on Amber duty, remember?” Beau’s request for me to look out for Amber is actually a relief to me now. If I’m busy getting punch for a pregnant lady, there will be no danger of Molly getting the wrong idea.
As if he can read my mind, Beau splays his hands. “I have faith in your abilities to juggle both responsibilities, my man. I’m sure you can be nice to Amber, while also giving Molly half a chance. It’ll make your sister happy, which you know is my main goal in life.”
“Yourmain goal, not mine.” I arch an eyebrow. “And what about Molly? When nothing works out with us, and we keep running into each other…” I run a hand through my freshly trimmed hair. “I don’t need that kind of awkward. And I wouldn’t want to put her through that.”
“Ha!” Beau smirks. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re notthatbig of a heartbreaker. And maybe somethingwillwork out. Stranger things have happened than two singles in their twenties finding each other attractive and falling in love.”
Yeah. Like two singles in their twenties bonding over sky elves and crescent moons.
Beau glances out the shop window at the guys talking to our dads by the barber pole. “Either way, don’t tell Kasey I said anything. Your sister’s under the impression you won’t even consider dating Molly if you knowshethinks it’s a good idea. And judging by the look on your face, I probably should’ve kept my big mouth shut, just like Kasey said.”
“Nah.” I pat Beau’s shoulder. “I appreciate the warning, man.”
“Ouch.” He flinches under my hand. “The wordwarningmakes this whole situation with Molly sound terrible.”
Before I can confirm Idothink it’s a bad idea, my dad and Mr. Slater reenter the shop with Hawk following close behind. “Well, gentlemen,” my dad says, “it looks like Ford and Three are still committed to their haircuts and shaves, so they’re not going to the course with us.”
“What about you?” Beau asks Hawk.
“I think I’ll let you spend the day with Brady and your dads,” he says. “I get to see a lot more of you these days than they do.”
Honestly, Hawk’s insight comes as a surprise. I might’ve spent the past two days expecting the worst from him because I thought he was replacing me in Beau’s life. Not to mention going after Natalie. But I’ve never been the jealous type before, and it’s not a look I like on myself. So I’ll try to give him the benefit of the doubt, going forward.
“Thanks, Hawk,” I say. “Seriously.”
My phone buzzes in my back pocket. Another selfie from my sister. By now she’s got an entire beauty shop’s worth of cosmetics on her face. Molly’s next to her, taking up most of the rest of the shot. Natalie’s at the edge of the picture, forcing a smile. Her hair is big. So are her eyelashes. She’s got a lot more makeup on than usual. And yes, she’s still beautiful. But she’d be just as gorgeous—probably even more so—fresh from the shower.
Whoa, man. Take it easy. That’s a line of thinking that will only get you in trouble.
“Is that Kasey?” Beau asks, craning his neck. “At the salon?”
“Yeah.” I hold the phone up out of his view. “But I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to see the bride.”
Hawk takes the opportunity to lean over and check out the picture. “Lovely. Hmmmmm.” The hum on his lips is a little too appreciative for him to be talking about Kasey in front of Brady. Hecouldbe saying Molly is lovely. But the truth is I only have eyes for Nat. I can’t imagine anyone seeing anybody but her.
“While you men are playing golf,” Hawk says, “I think I’ll explore the town. Take some pictures of my own. I could always do a photo series about the beauty in the Adirondacks.” He winks. “And notjustthe women.”
