I wrap my arms around him and hug tightly. I was worried about what this news would do to him and had planned to speak with Hudson first—probably our mom and Vivi as well.
Maybe in the last six years, Asher has changed more than I realized. I saw him mature from the heartache. The longer I hold him, the less I’m worried he’s going to use partying, women, or fighting to aid him through this. He’s holding onto me like he’s scared of being alone.
I squeeze harder, no longer fighting off my own emotions.
You aren’t alone,I silently promise him.
We stay like that for half an hour, until Ireallyneed to get ready so we aren’t late to the pier. In that time, I sneakily texted Hudson. As I knew he would, he canceled his plans and came straight over. It makes it easier to go upstairs when I don’t have to leave Asher alone.
It only takes one quick text message to Liam for him to step away from the job site and call me. Hearing his voice is a breath of fresh air after getting sucked into the sticky nostalgia of Juniper Owens.
Liam’s concern sends that stupid gooey feeling through my body, regardless that I’m worried more about Asher than myself. He never fails to treat me as the most important part of his day, and that’s still unfamiliar for me.
Once he’s positive I am okay, and we agree to meet at the pier in an hour, I quickly jump into the shower and get ready for the evening. Thirty minutes later, I’m heading back downstairs when I hear the soothing lilt of our younger sister. If it were any other day, I’d be surprised to see Vivi on my couch, comforting Asher. But if there’s anyone who can pull a smile from our brothers, it’s her.
She’s working on little goodie bags for the fundraiser as she tells them a story about Stella, Jake, and whatever their newest feud is. Hudson has his arm around his twin brother’s shoulders, and Asher looks calmer than he did when I left them down here. Sometimes I wish it weren’t so hard for me to depend on others, especially these three, but I’m glad that they don’t have that same problem.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Liam
The last few weeks leading up to the wedding have flown by. After the incident where Asher found the wedding invitation, the fundraiser went well. I can’t imagine how much that hurt him, but I have even more respect for the man after he pulled his shit together to be there for his baby sister and the fundraiser she hosted.
Asher’s been a little distant, especially with Calypso. She won’t admit how deeply it hurts her, but we all know it does. He needs this space though.
Thankfully, there have been plenty of distractions on her end. She’s thrown herself into helping Vivi as much as possible, preferring to focus on the logistical side of things: the wedding cake, alteration appointments, making the center pieces, calling to check on reservations, and so on. It takes her focus, and guilt, away from thinking too much about the actual ceremony today.
Things on the Stefan front have been as expected. Calypso never called him after he left the flowers at her house, so he’s taken it upon himself to call her multiple times. She blocks every number he uses, but he always finds another way to contact her.
I almost wish Mia’s PI had found something—he didn’t, and Iamglad about that. Neither Calypso, nor I, could stomach knowing he invaded her privacy worse than the nights he waited at the hotel for her. Which was only twice, after their first run-in two years after the divorce. However, we discovered he had a PI of his own who kept tabs on Calypso. The man didn’t peek through her windows or hack her phone records. Everything he did to get information on Calypso was fair and decent, at least in the eyes of the law. It certainly doesn’t seem that way, and I can only assume how Calypso feels.
There’s a lot we don’t know, but I’m still questioning Stefan’s motives for moving to Amada Beach, and why the timing lined up with my arrival so perfectly. Assuming that Stefan looked into the men in Calypso’s life as well, however long they were a part of it, he must have known I was moving to town after our night together.
At that time, Calypso and I had no plans to ever see each other again. Maybe Stefan thought it was something more, something he needed to be worried about.
That’s my guess at least, and Calypso thinks there’s some validity to it. She’s still unsure about filing a protective order, though I wish she would. Not only is she worried about shutting out Ruby, but I know she doesn’t want the stress of going to lawyers and courts again. I get that—fucking hate it, but I get it.
We’re both putting any thoughts of Stefan to the side in favor of celebrating Vivi and Grady’s wedding today.
Standing outside of Bonnie’s house, I’m helping Adrian and Lucas bring in crates of liquor. Their bartender had to pull out at the last minute, so Jo offered to help out. It’s such a small wedding with only a few drink options. It’s an easy gig for her, plus she was going to be here anyway.
Jo has financial support from Paul, and she takes advantage of it sometimes—like her birthday and the yacht trip—but she’s insisted on supporting herself sincegraduating from college, so it’s not uncommon for her to pick up odd jobs.
She’s just happy to be with everyone and to have something to do on a Saturday night. I’m glad she’s here.
Calypso’s pretty face pops out from the front door. Her makeup is done and her hair is pinned up to hold the curls in place. “Vivi wanted me to check on the bar. Were you able to get everything for the specialty drinks?”
I nod and walk up the porch steps.
Behind me, Adrian says, “There wasn’t any blood orange flavoring but Sammy said he’d make a few batches and drop them off.” Sammy owns Spotlight Lounge, one of Vivi’s favorite places.
Calypso lets out a sigh of relief. “Great, thank you. And Grady?”
“He’s at his parents’ house with Knox and your brothers,” Lucas answers as he leans against my 4Runner and crosses his arms. Grady’s parents live directly behind Bonnie, and they installed a fence between their yards. The ceremony will be held at the Davies, and the reception dinner will be at the Millers. “We have a few more boxes to help Jo with, then I’ll head over there.”
She nods and looks up at me. “Hey.”
I step forward and push the door open wide enough to snatch her waist and pull her against me. She snickers and runs her hands up my chest.
