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Now, we’re all at dinner at Chicago Firehouse. Dex’s parents rented a room in the back with a large table that seats twenty. Dex is at the head of the table, with Morgan on his right. Morgan’s dad and his girlfriend, Anna, are next to her, and then Dex’s parents sit across from them. On Morgan’s side is Gia and Simon, then Link and Ruby. I’m seated next to Ruby, and Wade is next to his mom, who sits on the opposite side of the table.
I’m just glad I won’t be forced to sit next to Wade tonight. Luckily, since he’s the best man, I won’t have to walk with him tomorrow, either. No, I’ve fully embraced avoiding Wade at all costs since our literal run-in at his apartment. It’s not been too difficult. He works during the day, so I just make sure to steer clear of the apartment after working hours, opting to hang out in the game room or my place, if the girls are over for the evening.
Dinner is served and a comfortable hum of talking fills the room. Link is, of course, keeping our side of the table entertained, but I can’t help catching Wade in my line of sight whenever I interact with my table mates. A few times, I catch him looking at me. His unwavering eye contact is unnerving so I look away quickly. Every time, my body heats and I fight away the blush overtaking my cheeks.
Ruby must notice, because she elbows me gently before leaning into me. “You can’t keep your eyes off each other.”
I reply with an unattractive snort. “Uh, no.”
She rests her elbow on the table and leans her chin onto her closed fist, hiding our conversation from wondering eyes. “No, I keep catching him looking at you, then looking away. Like he’s trying to catch your attention. And don’t deny that you’ve been looking at him too. Only, you’re too scared to eye-contact.”
I glare at her. “How would you even know?”
She smirks. “It’s a gift I have, Bernie. I can sense when two people want each other.”
I shake my head and roll my eyes. “He doesn’t want me.”
She hums—her universal sound for “I know you’re bullshitting me, but I’ll allow it.” “He doesn’t realize yet that he wants you, sweetie.”
“I guess we can just agree to disagree,” I mutter, looking back down at my near empty plate.
She sighs next to me, causing me to look up at her. She’s looking over toward Wade, who is talking to his mom. Then she drags her attention away and gives me the slyest Ruby smile I’ve ever seen.
Shit.
“I guess I’m going to have to help move this realization along, then.”
I start to argue, but Dex’s father stands and clears his throat to speak.
I snatch her forearm and hiss, “Ruby, don’t you…” But she’s focused at the front of the table and bats my hand away
Morgan’s father and then Dex’s parents say a few words and tell us there’s a minibar in the back to help ourselves to and that there will be dessert before we all head home for the night.
We chat a little, until Ruby tugs me up and out of my seat. “Come on, let’s get some lemon drops.”
I follow her, and she tangles her hand in mine, pulling me along with her. I wonder what she’s up to, as she’s got her signature smirk on her face, and her grip on my hand tells me that she’s not going to let me out of whatever is about to happen.
That’s when I see Wade standing at the small bar talking to the bartender.
“Wade,” Ruby says in a sugary-sweet tone.
He turns toward her and smiles kindly, then sees me and his grin grows.
“Ruby. Bernadette.” His warm words roll over my body, and the way he says my full name nearly causes me to melt.
“Your little brother is tying the knot tomorrow. How does that make you feel?” Ruby asks and then orders two lemon drops from the bartender who just sat some kind of beer down in front of Wade.
He chuckles. “I’m happy for Dex. Slightly worried what Morgan is getting herself into, though.”
“You both look lovely tonight.” Wade smoothly changes the subject, though I’m not sure this subject was the best one to go with. Ruby, who still has a hold of my hand, pulls me forward.
“Thank you, but can I just state that our girl here looks freaking dynamite tonight? Wait till you see her tomorrow in her bridesmaid’s dress.” She fans herself, finally letting go of my hand. “Chef’s fucking kiss.”
I can’t help but snicker at her ridiculousness and ignore the heat of Wade’s stare on me.
“Oh, stop it, Ruby. This old thing?” I shake my head and roll my eyes.
She winks at me as Wade replies, “No, she’s absolute right. You look amazing, Bernadette.”
