“You have enough say-so as she does. It’s about you, too,” I tell him.
“Listen, arguing about flowers and who sits where is for the females. I just want to know when and where to show up so I can marry the woman I love.”
“I get it, but bruh, it’s your last night as a single man. After this, you’re getting the clank.” Todd knocks his wrist together, and Vernon huffs out a laugh.
“It’s your last night to have some ass shaking in your face and maybe even fuck something without getting in trouble.”
We all turn and look at Todd, giving him a mean side-eye, and what the hell is wrong with you? Todd shrugs.
“Shit. If it were my wedding, I’d do it.”
James turns to Gavin. “Bro, I donotrecommend.”
“Trust me, I love Carina too much to do some dumb shit like that, but the ass shaking…” he rubs his hands together like Birdman. “I do believe I deserve a proper farewell to my singlehood.”
I laugh as the bus erupts, Vernon and Todd on their feet, pounding Gavin in the chest and giving him five. James shakes his head, clearly amused by this all.
“Took us damn near a week to get here, but this trip is starting to feel like a real bachelor’s trip.”
“Sorry, I took too long,” I tease.
“Better late than never,” Gavin says, his face splitting into a smile.
36
pineapple prosecco
MARLEY
The ownersof Chateau Ha’ani have already given us a history lesson on their vineyard and all their popular wines, and Carina works her way through each and every one of them. There is the Sunset Pinot Noir, Ha’ani Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and the one she can’t seem to get enough of, the Pineapple Prosecco. Dinner and the bread dipped in the herb-infused olive oil do little to soak up the alcohol she’s consumed over the last few hours.
“What do you think the boys are doing right now?” Carina slurs. We’re still gathered at the long rustic wooden table on the back patio, waiting for the server to bring out dessert. The massive vineyard is a beautiful backdrop just steps away. And the sky is dipping into a midnight blue. Between the wine and the fairy lights twinkling against the darkness, a peaceful calm falls over the table. The first real moment of stillness we’ve had all week.
“Being boys,” Danielle answers, swirling the last of her red wine before taking a sip. “Who cares? I don’t think you need tostress yourself out worrying about them. Gavin isn’t going to do anything with anyone but you.”
“That’s clearly not the point,” Carina says with a pout. “I wanted him to be here for this.”
Camila waves a dismissive hand.
“It’s fine. Just a little wrinkle in your plans. We’re having fun, right?”
Carina slowly turns her head toward her.
The look she gives Danielle is so unimpressed, so painfully unconvinced, that the entire table falls silent.
For a beat, no one says a word.
Then Lety snorts.
Camila snickers and Danielle starts giggling. Before long, the rest of us join in. Doubling over with drunken laughter.
Even Carina cracks a reluctant smile. She drops her head in her hands.
“Maybe I should have had strippers,” she finally says. “I wanted them.”
“Then where the fuck are they?” Lety perks up.
“Eww, no,” Jaylah shakes her head. “Who wants raunchy ass men slinging their dicks around?”
