Page 108 of Butter My Biscuit

After the practice ceremony ends, we’re all given bracelets to drink at the tiki bar that’s farther on the beach. But before we go, Grace stands with her toes dug into the sand, and I stand beside her as we silently watch the sunset.

“Another day gone,” she whispers as pink and orange colors fill the sky.

“Another opportunity wasted.”

Then, we turn and walk down the beach. I grab her hand again, and she squeezes my fingers. I have no words. So, I say nothing as I lead her to the bar I’m sure she got trashed at last night.

We show our passes and are served whatever we want. It’s dark, and in the distance, I can hear the steady movement of waves crashing. After a few drinks, Grace has loosened up some, and things don’t feel quite as tense between us.

She laughs and smiles, and she randomly touches my leg or arm as we relive old childhood memories. Italmostfeels normal, except for that unnerving urge I have to kiss her. Doing so would be the worst thing possible, considering Grace’s mother is within the vicinity.

After another pink drink with an orange on the side is ordered, I lean over to her. “Want to watch the moonset? Will happen in fifteen minutes.”

“We’ve done moonrise at the beach. Might as well watch it set too.”

She pops off her stool, grabs her drink, and I lead the way. We find two loungers, and I lie back on one, crossing my feet over my ankles. I expect her to sit in the one beside me, but instead, we share. Just like in Baymont. The things I’d do differently if I could go back in time.

Our arms are pressed against each other as we stare at the moon above the horizon. It casts light across the water.

I bump into Grace, and she bumps me back.

“You’re hard to stay mad at.”

“I know,” I say, glancing at her.

She shakes her head. “Don’t get it twisted. You’re not forgiven yet, but I wanted to say I’m happy for you. And for Steph. You two will be great together. I’ll have to work on my speech skills before then though.”

“Thanks. How’d you know I was going to ask you to be my best man?”

She shrugs and wiggles her toes. “Because there’s no one else who could fill these shoes.”

“Do you regret anything?” I turn to her.

She looks at me. “The way our story ended.”

“You said it in past tense.”

Grace says nothing else. And this very moment might haunt me for the rest of my life.

23

GRACE

Last night, Harrison and I slept on the edge of the mattress. It was almost like he wasn’t there.

After we’re dressed for the wedding, we go downstairs and wait. I honestly just want this to all be over. The faster, the better.

“So, he’s the reason why …” Anthony says, leaning against the bar, smirking as we wait for the ceremony to get started.

“No.” I roll my eyes.

“You know you’re a horrible liar.” He orders me a lemon drop, and, damn, do I need it.

Harrison is sitting patiently in the third row in his navy-blue suit. Can’t help but notice his messy hair blowing in the wind or the smirk that’s taken permanent residence on his stupid, perfect lips.

“Thanks.” I lift the drink and slam it back. “I’ve been told as much.”

When the officiant moves to the front of the bamboo makeshift stage, Anthony and I are giventhelook by my mother. We take it as our cue to move into position since we’re the first ones up. I’m handed a beautiful bouquet of tropical flowers and dig my toes into the soft sand. When the music starts, I hook my arm with Anthony’s and smile.

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