Page 62 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
I raise a hand to my throat. “Me?”
Kasey waves Molly’s question away. “Of course she’s not. Nat’s moving to LA right after the wedding. She’s known that for months.”
Oof.Kasey’s still convinced I’d never hurt Brady by getting involved with him before leaving. And as her future sister-in-law, maid of honor, and friend, I want to be worthy of her trust.
“You’re moving?” Molly asks, keeping her gaze trained on me.
“I am.” I flash her a very convincing smile, because at least the moving part is true.
“Nat’s taking over my room and living with Sloane,” Kasey adds. “Meanwhile, you’ll be here in Abieville, where my homebody brother will be ripe for the picking.”
“Is he really a homebody, though?” I ask, because apparently I haven’t learned to quit while I’m ahead.
“Have you met Brady?”Kasey’s mouth quirks. “He’s lived his entire life within a thirty-mile radius. The farthest he ever strays is to the airport.”
“I guess you’re right.” The truth of this sits like a weight in the center of my stomach.
“Which reminds me—” Kasey glances at the giant pink wall clock. “Someone’s got to pick up Mac, Brooke, and Daisy later.”
From one chair over, Darby scoffs. “Can’t Mac rent his own car? I love my brother, but he’s basically the Bill Gates of the Pacific Northwest. He could probably splurge for a limo and use it as a write off for McCoy Construction.”
I glance at Darby, grateful for the change in subject. That’s when Elaine Graham comes shuffling toward us from across the salon. She’s blowing on her freshly painted fingernails, and she’s got tissue paper stuffed between her toes.
“Mac is a very humble man,” Mrs. Graham says when she reaches us. “A lot like his father and grandfather. He and Brooke are just trying to raise Daisy right.”
On the other side of me, Tess pipes up. “I can text Mac.” She lives in Oregon near Mac and his family, so she’s the closest to him. This is exactly what I hope will happen for Beau and me. “He’ll totally arrange his own ride in from Albany.”
My mom shuffles up next to Mrs. Graham with the same tissues between her toes. “Or the boys could pick up the McCoys after golf,” she suggests. “The course is on the way to the airport.”
“No need,” Tess says. “I’m already messaging Mac.”
I tip my head and a curler falls off. “Which boys?”
“Beau and Brady,” Kasey says, reaching up to fluff her veil. “My dad and Mr. Slater talked them into playing golf when Mom and Mrs. Slater backed out.”
“We didn’t back out, dear,” Mrs. Graham says. “We just opted to come here instead.”
“Which is kind of backing out. But it’s also not a problem.” Kasey shrugs. “I was actually thinking of heading over to the golf course after we’re done here. I want to buy some gifts for the groomsmen at the pro shop. Beau hasn’t gotten around to getting anything for them yet.” She arches an eyebrow. “As it turns out, shopping isnotmy fiancé’s strength.”
Molly’s eyes go wide. “Ooohhh. Can I go with you? We could catch up on the drive over, and then…” Her voice trails off.
“And then…” Kasey bobs her head, getting the drift. “You could accidentally run into Brady at the course.” She throws air quotes up aroundaccidentally. “Brilliant!”
Molly looks at me. “It is brilliant, right?”
I nod, but my stomach sinks. “Totally.”
Kasey grins. “You should come with us, Nat. You can talk Molly up to Brady without me doing anything.”
“Totally brilliant!” Molly gushes.
“Brilliant,” I choke out.
ChapterTwenty-Five
BRADY
“So I know you’re all about living in Abieville,” Beau says, rapping on the wheel of the golf cart like his index fingers are drumsticks, “but between Chicago, Boston, or Atlanta, which would you choose?”
