Page 30 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

“How’s your milkshake?” Nathan whispers. His nose brushes the shell of my ear while his warm breath caresses my skin.

It prickles, and I scrunch my shoulder.

“Delicious,” I whisper back.

“I’ll bet it is.”

We snicker at our private joke. My milkshake is so much better after last night’s lap dance, and Nathan barely touched me. I press my toes into the floor and lift my heels.

“Can I speak to you? Alone?” Roman barks and then stomps away.

I sigh, my shoulders wilting.

Should I bother? Avoiding Roman is working so much better than chasing him. But if I’m going to bring my family back together, I have to stay on task. They are what’s most important. My chair scrapes the deck as I rise.

“I’ll be right back,” I say as I shake my head. I was enjoying a nice breakfast with Mom and the boys. If Roman wanted, he could have sat down and been civil.

Mom and Freddie press Nathan for details about the bachelorette party as I leave.

I join Roman near the back of the brunch tent. Up front, Sophia is giving a speech over a microphone. A wall of sunflowers serves as her backdrop. Her bright white eyelet dress and refreshed demeanor are a far cry from last night’s drunk and bedraggled state.

“You’ve made your point, but now it’s time for you to leave.” Roman signals in the direction of Chicago.

“What was my point?” I stab a hand onto my hip.

“I said you’d never get over me, and it’s clear you have. Mission accomplished. Now, go back home so I can get married in peace.” He makes a shooing gesture.

So, Roman brought me over here to have a one-sided conversation. I don’t think so. I’m about to tell him where he can go when the sound of amplified crying halts our chat. Like parents have been trained to do, Roman and I turn our attention to the noise.

In front of everyone, Sophia melts into full-on tears mode, a trembling hand clenching her microphone. Iris and Elsie rise from their seats to rescue her with a hug. With them at her side, Sophia pulls it together to continue her speech.

“My dearest college friend, Natasha, can’t be here, but my big sister, Jeanie, is.” Sophia nods in my direction, and everyone’s gaze follows. I wave timidly because I’m unsure where this highly inaccurate group introduction is headed.

We’re not sisters! Gah!

“Last night at the bachelorette party,” she says, “I was so sad about Natasha, but Jeanie made sure I had a great time. Then, because she’s so amazing, she offered to take Natasha’s place and be my maid of honor!”

What? My eyes widen to the size of beach balls. This announcement is so unexpected, I can’t even focus on her proclamation to everyone that I’m her big sister.

The bridesmaids rise from their seats with excitement and cheer. I clench my teeth and wave like I’ve won a beauty pageant, even though I can’t recall this important, plan-altering conversation. To be fair, though, some parts of the night are hazy.

I take a deep breath, letting this new development sink in.

If Roman weren’t staring at me with fishing spears in his eyes, I would loathe this turn of events, but now? The timing is kiss-my-fingertips superb. He wants me gone, and Sophia wants me to stay. One successful wedge has been planted between them.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me,” I say to Roman, returning to our conversation with a victorious grin.

Roman grunts and stomps in a circle like he’s looking for someplace safe to land.

News flash! There isn’t one.

After Sophia finishes her speech, she joins us. Forgoing Roman, she instead loops her arms around my shoulders.

“You’re the best maid of honor ever!” She kisses my cheek.

“Always here for you, Fifi.” I use this nickname like bait on a hook. As she hugs me, I shoot Roman a prizewinning glare.

“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Roman asks Sophia.