Page 65 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“I guess so.” Molly blinks, and I understand her confusion. I’m not referring to her tenure. I’mhopingmy words might spark a conversation about Kasey and Beau’s move. But my sister’s got a one-track mind, and apparently it’s set on matchmaking.
“Our Uncle Irv is the principal of the Abieville school system,” Kasey says, “so Brady and I would be happy to put in a good word for you, Mol.” She nudges me. “Wouldn’t we, Brady?”
“Sure,” I say under my breath. “Good words. Happy to.”
“Ahem.” Kasey peers around me and makes eye contact with Natalie.
“Don’t worry, Molly.” Natalie nods. Emphatic. “The principal and the other teachers are going to love you.”
Molly puts a hand to her chest. “You really think so?”
“I’m positive.” Natalie smiles, but she’s got her arms folded across her middle, like she’s trying to hug herself. All I want is to take her in my arms. My protective instincts are kicking in, even without any danger around. Not physical danger, anyway. Maybe just emotional.
“Your future kids will love you too,” Kasey pipes up. “Those students are so lucky you’re loyal enough to come back to Abieville to teach when you could have moved anywhere.”
“Yes. Loyalty is good,” Beau chimes in, tossing a not-so-subtle wink in my direction.
Kasey nudges me again. “Beau is right. Loyaltyisgood. So is knowing what you want in life and going after it. That’s what you’re doing, isn’t it, Molly?”
“It sure is,” Molly blurts, and the five of us stand there for another moment, shuffling our feet. This is exactly what I was afraid of. Things are already awkward with Molly, and we haven’t even had a single private conversation, let alone gone on a date.
Kasey shifts her bag from one hand to the next, like what’s in it is heavy. “So, Natalie, since we’re so close to Southampton, you should just borrow my car and head over to Buttons and Bows. You still need to pick up your dress at the salon today, don’t you?”
Nat nods. “I do.”
“But wait,” Molly says. “If Natalie borrows your car, how willweget back to Abieville?” She furrows her brow in a show of concern, but I’d be willing to bet they came here with this plan already in place.
“Hmm.” Kasey purses her lips, taking a beat, like she’s considering options. “Beau and Brady could always give us a ride to town in Beau’s car.”
I cut my focus to Natalie, and she meets my gaze for just an instant, before looking away. “Then it’s all settled,” Nat says quickly. “I’ll go to the salon. You two can get a ride home with the guys.”
Kasey digs in her purse and hands Natalie her keys. “Good luck with the dress.”
“Thanks.” Nat blinks, darting her eyes between the rest of us. “Good luck… here.”
“We still have a couple holes left to play,” I say.
“Oh, that’s okay.” Kasey shrugs. “Molly and I will ride along in the cart with you. We can keep them company, can’t we, Molly?”
I frown. “The cart only has the one bench seat.”
“Then we’ll sit on your laps,” Kasey says.
“I call dibs on Kasey,” Beau says.
“I’m sure we can all fit,” Molly says. “I’m not that big.”
Before I can opt out and head straight to the clubhouse, my dad’s golf cart chugs by. Mr. Slater is hanging off the side, waving at us. “I fished out my balls!” my dad hollers.
“Bah!” Molly squawks.
“It’s not what you think,” I mumble.
“We’d better get going,” Beau says. “Can’t let the old men beat us to the green.”
“Hey, Nat,” Kasey chirps. “Will you put this in my car?” She hands Natalie the bag from the pro shop. “We won’t need these until the rehearsal dinner, and they’ll just take up space on the cart.”
“Of course.” Natalie presses on a grin. “I’ll see you all at the inn later.”
