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“And that’s all that matters,” I say. “That you two are happy.”
Stacey nods. “It’s just not always that easy, you know? When you marry someone, you marry their family. I’m happy with his, but I worry about what he might think after a while of being stuck with mine.”
“He’s going to be just fine,” I say. “He knows what he’s getting himself into.”
Stacey looks worried. “I hope so.”
I put my hand on hers and squeeze. “Don’t worry about it all so much. This is a good thing and you’re going to be so happy. All these little things that you’re panicking about don’t matter. What matters is that you’re happy and that you’re about to marry the man of your dreams.”
She smiles at me. “That’s easier said than done. I’m a chronic worrier. And you know how someone’s influence over your relationship can change things.”
I think back to the asshat that used to get involved between me and Noah.
“I blame Noah,” I finally say. “He was the one who allowed it. And he let himself be convinced not to come to UCLA with me. You’re not going to let anyone convince you of anything you don’t want to believe. So you’ll be just fine.”
Stacey nods and we order a second round of cocktails. The night is starting to warm up, we’re getting more and more comfortable the more we drink, and Stacey is slowly starting to relax. This is what we all needed—a break away. It’s going to be a busy week. Even though I’m technically working, arranging this event like I would any other, I still see it as a bit of time off to regenerate.
“Oh, look!” Stacey cries out. “It’s Marc!”
She jumps up before we can figure out what she’s saying, and we watch her fly across the bar area and throw her arms around Marc. He kisses her with a grin.
“What is he doing here?” Kelsey asks. “This is supposed to be a girls’ night.
“They probably stopped here on impulse,” Nina says. “And look, he brought guys with him.”
I look at the men he brought with him. The one, Thomas Vincent, I’ve seen on TV. I know he plays with Marc on the team, and he flew in with Marc and the rest of the guys.
The other guy is on the phone, his back to us, and I can’t tell who he is. He might be a team member, too. He’s built like a footballer and towers above Marc and Thomas. He’s as tall as he is broad.
“Is that the best man?” I ask Nina. “He looks hot.”
“Yeah, I think so.” She nudges me. “This is the time to be single, eh?”
I know she means it as a compliment, because I can do whatever I want when there are guys around when the other two need to keep themselves in check, but the comment smarts. I hate being reminded that I’m single. I know it shouldn’t bother me, but it does.
Stacey leads Marc toward our table, and Thomas follows. Finally, after they’re already with us and everyone was introduced, the last man in their party turns around, searching through the crowd for our table.
And my heart stops.
