Page 38 of The Best Man

Brushing it off, she said, “Like my daddy always said, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Marcus’ way worked better than anything I tried. I have my husband back. That’s all that matters to me.”

I don’t know if I could look at it that way, but I suppose the proof is in the pudding. The couple I met at that Fourth of July party were on opposite sides of the yard all night except for when they were eating. They were never kissing or touching, and the only attention she seemed to be getting was from James, who she knew wasn’t serious.

“So, I guess thanks for sucking my husband’s dick,” she joked, horrifying me but taking the guilt off my shoulders as well, and we haven’t spoken of it since.

Penny is another story.

To my knowledge, Marcus Sr. never shared his indiscretion that night, but it’s probably for the best. Penny is a grumpy person to begin with, and she holds onto every grudge that comes her way. Jared got that from her before Marcus set him straight.

There’s no settingherstraight.

She isn’t nasty to me like she was when I was with Joey because Marcus would never tolerate it, but she’s hardly warm and fuzzy, either.

That’s okay. The rest of the family loves me, and that’s more than I could have hoped for back in the dark days—that’s how I tend to think of those days I spent with Joey now that I know what love really feels like.

“Is he here?” I ask Julia, forgetting she can’t read my mind.

“Who?”

“Oh. Joey.”

She shakes her head. “Not yet. He’s bringing his new girlfriend for dinner, but they’re not coming until later. I think they’re having breakfast with her family.”

Good.

I don’t mind seeing Joey at family events anymore, but I’m happy to hear I’ll get to enjoy the Thanksgiving parade with my husband withouthis most annoying brother around to glare at me and shoot me wounded looks every five minutes.

The audacity that man has, honestly.

Last time we all got together, he and the guys had a little too much to drink. He started bitching about how Marcus manipulated him and stole his bride, and somehowhecame out looking like the asshole.

Marcus walked him outside and had a talk with him, and when he came back, he avoided looking at me and sulked in a corner.

I don’t know how I ever liked that man.

I’m convinced I was brainwashed, though everyone says I am now.

If this is being brainwashed, I’m into it.

I have the best husband in the world. The best life in the world. I’m so, so happy he stole me.

___

After a pleasant morning and afternoon watching the parade with my husband and cooking and commiserating in the kitchen with the women, Joey shows up just in time to be fed.

He brings a store-bought pie into the kitchen and makes sure to be extra affectionate as he introduces his new girl to everyone.

He was never affectionate with me, and I suppose it could be that he just likes her more, but I believe he’s playing it up for my benefit. A secure, happy man wouldn’t feel compelled to wound me the way Joey tries to anytime my loyal protector isn’t in the room.

It’s wasted effort, though. I don’t feel the faintest niggling of jealousy. I am blissfully happy with my husband and even a little grateful to Joey because I know I wouldn’t have met Marcus without him. That’s why I genuinely wish the best for Joey and flash his new girlfriend a friendly smile as he brings her over to rub her in my face.

“Lauren, what a pretty name,” I say, ignoring the hand she holds out and going in for a hug instead. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jessa.”

She remains stiff in my warm embrace, so I pull back.

“The ex,” she says with a knowing smirk as I step back. “Yeah, I know who you are.”

It’s not untrue, but it’s not the friendliest way I can imagine choosing to introduce myself to someone. I shrug it off, flashing them both smiles as I tell them I’m glad they could come, then I get back to helping Julia and Penny get dinner ready to be served.

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