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"The biggest asshole," I agree.
I don't have the heart to fill her in about Chuck yet. That's still too raw, and after seeing Butch today, I want to keep that to myself. Plus, I don't want to involve anyone in the business of the bikers. The less people know, the better. Especially since there's a risk it would get back to Tyson.
But oddly enough, it was a relief to be able to talk about Asher and get that off my chest. Even if he has left me with that old stabbing feeling again.
I've learnt though that the best thing to do when we feel like someone is stabbing us in the chest or back, is to pull the damn knife out and stab them right back.
We're hungover as fuck, but somehow still manage to get to Phoebe's parents in one piece. We're having our wedding meeting today, but there's a sadness in the air. Weddings are meant to be about celebrating, and don't get me wrong, we are, but the fact it's now about Phoebe's dad, makes us all a little grateful for the small things in life.
Amanda and Nicole are present, along with Con and his three groomsmen. I haven't met them before but they seem nice. Two of them are close friends of his, and the third is his cousin.
Phoebe's parents, Ronnie and Marie are here too, as well as Con's parents, Angela and Simon.
Marie is the perfect hostess. She has converted their back deck into a party space with a long table in the center. We all have white boards and markers, as well as an endless supply of snacks and drinks. She's even gone to the trouble of decorating the space with white and gold balloons, and streamers.
The wedding planner has also come to join in – a bright, bubbly woman in her 30s with dirty blonde hair and bright green eyes. She's absolutely stunning, but credit to all the men here, no one has looked at her that way. Personally, I can't take my eyes off Phoebe. She's absolutely glowing with the buzz of wedding planning. Though, every so often, her voice quivers and her eyes wander off. I know it's hard for her, but we're all determined to make sure she has the best day possible.
"So, the venue was more than happy to move up the date. They had a late cancellation, and will help in any way possible," Tiana says, whipping out her planning diary. If I ever get married, I'd want someone like her on my side. Phoebe has raved about her for weeks, and now I can see why.
"That's incredible. What about the flowers and music?" Con asks, his hand linked with Phoebe's on top of the table.
Tiana nods. "No issues with those either. The only thing we need to adjust is some of the flowers you picked are seasonal, but I have some alternatives to choose from."
We go over various flowers, as well as the menu for the food. Phoebe and Con have opted for a traditional, sit down style dinner. My mouth is already watering at the options, and I even get a sneak peak at the wedding cake.
Together as a group, we go over the schedule, and make final choices on everything. I'm humbled that Phoebe and Con want all our inputs, a gesture to how much they want us to be a part of the day.
I find out I'm paired with Con's cousin, Ben. Apparently, whilst Con would have had him as his best man, Mandy didn't want to be paired with her cousin. It wasn't a hostile decision, just one to avoid any gag reactions from the two of them. I'm quick to learn that Ben is a bit of a jokester, and already told Mandy he'd have to disinfect his hands after the first dance if they touched. Mandy was quick to point out, she didn't want to waste any food by projectile vomiting by his presence.
Oh, cousin love.
"We need to get the dresses and suits sorted as soon as possible. I'm hoping everyone will be able to pay for their outfits, and get them set off for alterations this week," Phoebe says lowly, looking at us for confirmation.
We collectively nod, and I grimace a little bit at forking out so much money this soon, but I'd burn my bank account if it meant seeing that girl smile.
"I'll go tomorrow," I offer, seeing her smile in relief.
"Do you want me to go with you?" she asks.
I shake my head, giving her a smile in return. I already know her Dad has another medical appointment that she wants to go to. Besides, a quick trip into town isn't that bad. I'll be in and out before I know it.
We spend the rest of the afternoon drinking and eating, celebrating Phoebe's birthday. Marie has organized a chocolate cake, much to Phoebs' surprise.
"Going back for a second piece, ay?" Ben asks, as I approach the cake again.
I raise an eyebrow at him. "Absolutely. Isn't that what you're doing?" I ask light-heartedly.
"Fucking yes, I am," he grins, grabbing a large piece and putting it on his plate. "I never say no to chocolate cake."
We share a laugh and I take the opportunity to look him over. He's tall, with a lengthy red beard, and styled red hair. Ben reminds me a bit of a Viking, but instead of usual light eyes, he has piercing chocolate brown ones. Both his arms are covered in tattoos, and if I had to guess, I'd say he's about our age.
Ben passes me a piece of cake, giving me a wink as I start to turn away. I can't help but grin – his energy is infectious.
By the time I'm ready to roll back to Phoebe's place, I'm so full that I can barely move. I drove myself so that Phoebe can hang back with her family so I wave them all goodnight, and head back to her place with her spare keys.
I'm so tired that I pass out almost as soon as my head hits the couch, and I don't wake at all until the next morning.
Do you know that feeling when you've slept solidly, but for some reason you still need another four hours sleep?
