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Cara slowly placed the book in my hand, and I began reading the list. I hadn’t even gotten down the list when Cara spoke.
“Because Jackson is the best man. He’s your opposite in the wedding party.”
I’m sure my face was filled with shock as I looked over at my friend. I should have known. It was stupid to say I wasn’t expecting this, because I knew full well that he would be part of the wedding party. Ryan and he had been friends since preschool. To think he would have chosen anyone else was just foolish.
I sat there, staring down at our names listed side by side, thinking about all the things we’d be forced to do together, including walk down the aisle.
“It’s okay. I’m going to have Ryan redo his side,” Cara said, pulling the book back over to her.
“He’s the best man?” I swallowed.
Cara nodded. “Like I said, I will have Ryan redo his list. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or to have a hard time. So, we can always just switch one of the other guys into Jackson’s spot. Ryan will understand.”
Even though I really didn’t want to think about or see Jackson, I was here for their wedding. I needed to figure out how to work with him and put our differences aside. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Ryan wouldn’t change it, but it wasn’t fair to ask him, either.
“Look, Cara, don’t,” I said, reaching across the table and placing my hand on hers. “I’m here for your wedding, to stand up for two people I love dearly. I’m here to help you in whatever way I can, and I won’t have Ryan redo his list. I will do my best to put aside my feelings to make your day amazing.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
I nodded. “I promise. So, give me the list and I’ll get started on everything.”
“You’re the best,” Cara said, looking up at me and smiling. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
Cara got up and came over, slid in beside me, and wrapped her arms around me. “It’s great to have you back home.” She whispered, hugging me tight.
Jackson
A loud knock at the front door woke me from a deep sleep. I rolled over and listened, praying that whoever dared to knock on my door before seven in the morning would just go away.
“Get up, you ass,” I heard my cousin yell from the front of the house as he banged on the door again.
“Hold on,” I mumbled out loud to myself and as I kicked the covers off and grabbed the pair of jeans that lay across the end of my bed. I shoved one leg into them and then the other as I made my way down the hall. I pulled the door open, peeking out, running my hand through my hair.
“Holy shit, what the hell happened to you?” Cameron said, looking me over. I pulled the door open far enough that he could step inside.
“Nothing.” I muttered, looking down at myself. Sure, I looked like an unmade bed, but hell, I was only half dressed and 5 minutes ago I’d been far off in dreamland.
“Nothing? Fuck, man, you look like shit.”
“Thanks for the compliment,” I grumbled, looking him over. “You don’t look great yourself.”
“Now I know you’re lying. Was it a late-night party last night with Zoe?” He chuckled and pushed his way past me and flopped down onto the couch. He placed his feet on my coffee table, just missing the plate of the half-eaten dinner that I’d left there last night.
“Nope, worked late last night,” I barked, shoving the front door closed.
“You’re probably wondering why I’m here, aren’t you?” Cameron chuckled, grinning up at me with his cocky-ass smile.
“Since it’s not even seven in the morning, that’s exactly what I’m wondering.” I grumbled and flopped into my recliner, shoving the empty beer bottles that sat on the table out of the way.
Cameron shook his head in disbelief. “Well, since you’ve clearly forgotten, you better wake the hell up. It’s our workout morning.”
“Look, I’m exhausted. Maybe even still a little drunk.” I shrugged, nodding to the bottles. “I’m not hitting the gym this morning, man.” I leaned my head back against the chair and closed my eyes.
“I see, well, you’re in luck then because I figured, instead of hitting the gym, we’d head down to the beach and go for a run. Maybe check out some chicks along the way. A last run before the snow flies.”
I chuckled and ran my hands over my face. The last thing I needed to do was to go check out some chicks.
“Nah, I think the gym will serve us just fine.” I ran my hand through my hair as I looked around at the mess of my living room and tried to summon some hidden ounce of energy to get ready.
