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“Babe,” Robbie glanced over at me. “Check this out, Willie has never been to New York. Like ever.” Both of them laughed like complete idiots. I failed to see what was funny about that, it was odd really. I nodded at him and took a sip of the cold water already filled in a wine glass. “Eve hasn’t been over since you were still at NYU. Doesn’t she miss us? I told Willie that they should both come stay with us after the wedding. You know, for some fun.” His emphasis on fun was obnoxious, and how he twirled his drink made me cringe.
“Sure, we’d love to have you both.” If this didn’t scare Eve off, then she’s hooked, because a commitment like that into the future would usually have her sweating profusely. I looked over at her, and her clenched jaw loosened up.
“Right, Eve? I’m sure you’ve been dying to come by and visit us again.” Robbie seemed to be patronizing her, and the only one none the wiser was Willie.
“Asshole,” she muttered under her breath.
“Robbie, leave her alone. If they want to stay afterwards, they can; otherwise, Eve will be there next week.”
“That’s amazing.” Willie chimed in, his eyes went wider than the empty bread plate that was placed before him.
“It’s complete bliss. The entire wedding was put together by my team of coordinators. Julia didn’t have to even lift a finger, unless it was to point at what she wanted. It’s everything she pictured for her perfect special day. Isn’t that right, hon?” Robbie pinched my cheek as if I was a child. The pinch left a bit of a sting on there, and I wasn’t a fan of it, nor was I a fan of how he made himself to be the perfect fiancé. The same fiancé who disregarded any time for wedding planning together. The same fiancé who would rather throw money at a wedding designer than spend time with me to figure out our mutual style. For god’s sake, I even had to sample cake flavors on my own. If only they knew. Well, Eve knew most of it, anyway.
“Yeah, anything I want, he gets it for me.” I seared my glance into Eve, who looked down immediately. She was a bit off today. Willie, he’d got her all in shambles, that’s for sure.
“Well shit, Julia. You’ve got yourself a keeper.” Willie slapped Robbie’s chest playfully. Both of them nodded and bumped fists, it was enough to make anyone lose their appetite.
“You both seem to be very well acquainted, it’s nice.” I turned my attention back to Willie. “What is Nathan up to tonight?” This should be fun. All I wanted was to make Robbie squirm, to see if I could make him crumble in front of his new friend. The fleeting satisfaction it would provide was worth the risk. That’s my plan anyway.
“Nathan… Nathan… Why does that sound so familiar, Julia?” Robbie asked, placing his hand on my thigh, squeezing it just enough. I had his attention now.
“Nathan, you met him last night. I think he helped push my hair back when you didn’t, but that’s ok. I’m sure you were beyond stressed from your flight or jet-lagged.”
The waiter came by with dinner and drink menus and alleviated the tension that had begun to arise due to my sour attitude. She recited the specials as she dropped off a second steaming basket of bread.
The moment the waitress left, Robbie snuck in another blow, but it wasn’t toward me. His eyes were narrowed in on Eve.
“Eve,” Robbie turned his attention back on her. “Do you know what Nathan is up to? How many guys have you had in the last week anyway? I’m assuming he’s just another one of them, right?”
“Whoa, not cool man.” Willie leaned forward in his chair, his face twisted from the rude inquiry.
“Willie, it’s ok.” Eve placed her hand on his shoulder, “just… excuse me.” She could barely get her words out, before quickly standing up to leave. I could see a shimmer on her cheek, as she walked toward the bathroom hallway.
“What the fuck is your problem, Robbie?” I smacked his bicep and whisper-screamed near his ear. He rolled his eyes and sighed.
“I’ll fix it. Sorry.” He said quietly. “I’ve been under a lot of stress and that was uncalled for. You were right about me being jet-lagged.”
“Yeah, you better go fix it. Like, right now!” I gripped on the sleeve of his shirt, twisting it in my fist.
When Robbie left, Willie’s eyes were completely fixated on him, watching him like a hungry wolf.
“Willie, Robbie’s not usually like that at all. I’m sorry for his behavior.”
“Let’s talk about something else,” he said, as his sad eyes dropped onto the hot bread that sat on his plate.
“Sure. You and Eve have been getting along well. I can’t say I’ve heard her talk about anyone the way she does about you.” I smiled. “She’s all cheesy smiles for you. I mean she can hardly talk to me. She’s a babbling fool.” His rough look turned soft as he eased up and turned his gaze at me with a small growing smile.
“Really?” He asked with an almost disbelieving chuckle. “I’ve never met anyone as free and fucking lovable like her. Did you see all her cute little plush animals at her house?” He asked, but immediately scoffed at himself. “Of course you have, you two are like sisters. She told me how close you are and how much she loves and adores you.” He said, as he finished buttering his bread, then took another bite.
“Yeah, Eve’s pretty great. And you both look pretty perfect together.” My smile was so wide just thinking about them being together. I understood not all women wanted to be in a relationship, but somehow Eve being with Willie long term made me want to plan their future wedding.
I asked Willie about his date with Eve, keeping him distracted as I stared towards what was happening near the bathroom. Robbie and Eve were talking, but she looked very upset with him. Luckily, Willie’s back was turned to them, missing the moment that Robbie reached out for Eve’s wrist. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, I sat seemingly frozen at his surreal behavior. Eve swiped his hand away angrily, whispering a muted profanity, one of which growled from her scathing full lips. I wanted to kill Robbie, and thank god Willie didn’t see, otherwise it might have actually happened. Eve stomped away, her fists were clenched at her sides as she made her way back to the table. I peered at my half-eaten bread before we locked eyes.
“Nathan’s taken a liking to you.” I heard Willie say in between his conversation about Eve, but hearing Nathan’s name brought my attention back to Willie. What did he know about Nathan and me? What did Nathan even tell him? Oh god, what did he think of me now, especially since he was surprised about my upcoming wedding? These thoughts raced in my mind as I stuffed a whole bread roll into my mouth, chewing nervously.
“Wait, what did he say, Willie?”
He was about to say something when Eve interrupted.
