“Oh, I’m counting on it.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
VERA
The entire walk down to the restaurant, my hands and eyes never left Cara. I was trying to play it cool, but I think I failed. What else was I supposed to do when she looked like that? She had so much skin showing, and we were playing a part, after all.
Granted, I didn’t think we were playing anymore. At least, I wasn’t, but I’d never been pretending. I wasn’t lying when I said it all ended tonight. After dinner, I’d finally get mi princesa.
The restaurant was right on the beach and it was gorgeous at night. The sun had almost set completely. There were tables and chairs set up in rows and lights were strung all around. Our table was set up in the back. There was one long table for the entire wedding party and the family of one of the bridesmaids.
It seemed we were one of the first ones there. Kaia and Daisy had beaten us, but no one else had arrived yet.
They greeted us with a smile and a wave. “Hi, guys! Cara, you look incredible. Vera, you look dapper as hell!” Kaia signed as she spoke and I thought it was very thoughtful of her to do that for Daisy.
“Thank you. You guys look gorgeous!” I replied. Daisy wore a cute little ivory-colored sleeveless dress and Kaia complemented her with a long spaghetti-strap beige silky dress.
“I know we’re a few minutes early? Where’s everyone else?” Cara asked, looking around.
I nodded toward the entrance, spotting the rest of our party. “Here they come now, actually. Perfect timing.”
“Finally, we were wondering if you were even going to show up,” Cara teased.
“Piss off. We’re still early, you know.”
We all exchanged hugs before Fallon and Mackenzie came over and everything started over again. I loved seeing everyone tease each other, then immediately show their love for one another.
Fallon hugged me first before going to Cara. They exchanged “you look gorgeous. No, you look gorgeous” before Cara went in to hug Mackenzie. Mackenzie looked at me and I gave her a small smile.
I patted her on the shoulder instead of going in for a hug. It was a start. “Mackenzie. Nice to see you again.”
She smiled and nodded. “It’s nice to see you as well. You look very dapper.”
I chuckled. “Dapper? I’ll take it.”
“I think the word you were looking for, Kenz, was sexy. She looks very sexy,” Cara said, settling back at my side. I smiled and kissed her forehead.
It was late and the sun had set, but there was still plenty of lighting for Daisy and Kaia to talk, not that they did much of that. They were just as bad as the rest of Cara’s friends, barely coming up for oxygen.
After everyone was settled in and our food and drinks were ordered, Drea stood up and tapped her glass of water with a knife to get everyone’s attention. The entire patio quieted down as she cleared her throat.
“Hello, everyone. I just wanted to thank you all for being here in Bali with us. You are all so important to us, and it means the world that you’re all here. I don’t have a big, long speech prepared, I just want everyone to have a good night.” She kissed Blair who took the mic next.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself. We love you all so much and appreciate everyone for taking time off work to be here. I know this wasn’t a cheap trip, so thank you. Now, let’s eat!”
Clapping and cheers erupted as Drea and Blair took their seats again. Fallon and Mackenzie stood up next and Mackenzie took the mic from Blair.
“Fallon has a speech prepared, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say a little something about our Drea. When we first met, she was sweet. I miss the old Drea.” Everyone laughed, except Drea, who flicked her off.
“I’m joking, of course. Fallon and I’s relationship hasn’t always been perfect. It took me a while to get my shit together, and I’ve made some mistakes I’m not proud of and I still regret them to this day. Drea was in her best friend’s corner, as she should’ve been, and it took a while for me to earn back Drea’s trust. Drea, I love you and I’m so glad you didn’t write me off. You’re one of my closest friends and I’ll cherish that forever. I’ll also cherish the memory of you in the closet at my wedding. That was a sight I thought?—”
“Piss off, love!” Drea shouted. Blair was covering herself in Drea’s shoulder while Fallon was laughing. I wanted to know what that was about, but I’d have to ask later.
After Mackenzie’s lovely speech, they exchanged hugs before it was Fallon’s turn. She was already tearing up, so I was expecting more of that from everyone.
“Babe. What the fuck? You’re getting married! We used to cut out pictures in bridal magazines and create a collage of our perfect wedding. When you came out to me one night at a random sleepover, I ripped out the men’s pictures and replaced them with women. Who would’ve thought we’d end up here? I love you so much! You’re not my best friend, you’re my sister, and I’m so incredibly grateful to know you. I’m so fucking proud of the woman you’ve become, and I’m so happy for you. AndBlair, I feel like we’ve grown closer since we’ve met. I cannot thank you enough for just existing next to Dre. She’s in such a better place from just knowing you. You bring out the absolute best in her, and I’m so thankful for that. You two have been through a lot together.”
She had to take a pause because she was crying too much and it was sad to see. I looked over to Cara who was crying too. Now that I looked around, everyone was crying. I felt awful. It was a sweet speech, but should I have been crying?
