Page 83 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

“Ask him.” Trey shrugs.

That seems scary. It’s mature, adult behavior but scary nonetheless.

“If what’s happening between you is real, give Cody a shot to be the man you want. If it’s fake, well…” Trey shrugs as his words dangle, neither of us needing him to finish his thought. We both know I’d be brokenhearted once again.

“You know, it’s not fair that you have to give me advice on your wedding day. I’m the one that should be leaving you with words of wisdom to ponder.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Dad already did that.”

“He did?” My nose scrunches.

“Yeah, he said, ‘Trey, I think you’re making a mistake by marrying that woman. There’s still time to back out.’”

“No!” I pull my brother into a hug. “Why is he such a jerk to you?”

“It’s fine.” Trey’s laughter rumbles against my body. “There’s nothing Dad could say that would make me change my mind about Whitney. His opinion or anyone else's doesn’t matter. I know who she is and why she took the road she took. I love her, and I know she loves me. Nothing else matters.”

His words hit me hard, not because of him and Whitney, but because of Cody. I’ve spent the last five months convincing myself that he wasn’t a good guy, that he’s a serial dater, that he plays games, and that he will absolutely break my heart if I give him the chance. The story I keep telling myself about him is largely based on other people’s opinions and on what I’ve seen and read about him over the years. But I’m slowly learning he’s not that guy. Maybe all the other noise doesn’t matter if I know who Cody is. What I think about him and us is the only opinion that counts.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CODY

Sunrays dance across the water as Trey’s million-dollar yacht pulls out of the harbor. Music from the live string quartet perched on the upper deck floats down to the A-list wedding guests. Most of them are athletes and recognizable sportscasters from television, making me the only Hollywood star here besides Jenna.

And I’m not saying that as a flex or a brag. I’m saying that because I have no one to talk to. Literally, I’m leaning against the side of the boat, sipping champagne alone while Jenna gets ready. But I’m not really alone. Everyone knows who I am, and their eyes keep drifting to me. Not to mention the speed boats trailing alongside us, holding paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of the guests. I’m at this wedding because of them and their long lenses.

“Cody, it’s good to see you again,” a deep voice says behind me.

My body turns, and in front of me stands Larry Lewis, Jenna’s dad, and her mother, Marlena. I briefly met them at the premier a few weeks ago.

I shift my drink from one hand to the other so I can shake his. “Same to you.”

Marlena beams at me, taking my hands and hugging them to her chest. “I’m so glad you could join us this evening.” She’s a lot like Jenna, beautiful in that timeless way with a tall, thin frame and blonde hair, although her mother’s is cut short to her chin.

“I am too.” I smile back at them. “Congratulations on such a wonderful day.”

I’ve never congratulated anyone on getting married or for their son getting married. I know that’s the typical sentiment at weddings, but I never do it. Nothing about the institution of marriage seems like something we should celebrate. That would be like saying, ‘I’m so happy and excited for you that in five to twenty years, you’ll realize this relationship is doomed, hurt and destroy the one person you said you loved, and try to get out of the marriage without looking like it’s your fault that it fell apart.’ But I spare Jenna’s parents my true feelings and stick to the scripted well wishes.

“I have to say”—Larry lifts his chin, upping his intimidation game—“I’m surprised you’re here with Jenna. All I’ve ever heard is how much she dislikes working with you.”

“Larry!” Marlena’s tone is embarrassed. “Just ignore him.”

“What? I can’t call out another man’s intentions when it comes to my daughter?”

“It’s fine. I’d do the same thing if I were a father. But I think Jenna’s incredible. She’s smart, talented, funny, kind, and when I’m with her, I want to be a better man.”

The relationship we’re faking might not be true, but everything I think and feel about her is.

“Awww.” Marlena places her hand over her heart. “See, Larry? There’s nothing to worry about. Cody is a pure gentleman.”

He scoffs. “I’m not as gullible as my wife. But then again, I didn’t marry her for her brains.” Larry waves his wife away with the flick of a few fingers. “Marlena, why don’t you run along and check on the decorations while the men have a real conversation? Man to man.”

My gaze flicks to Jenna’s mom, watching how her eyes dim despite the perfectly controlled smile on her face. “I’m sure there’s some kind of last-minute wedding thing that needs to be attended to.” She forces her smile wider. “It was lovely talking to you.”

Talking to me? Her jack-a-husband didn’t even give her the chance to talk.

“Mrs. Lewis?” My hand lightly touches her forearm before she walks away. “Anyone who can’t appreciate what a classy, intelligent woman you are is a disappointment. I’d love to talk to you later. Maybe you’d even do me the honor of a dance?”

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