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“No, that’s Aubrey. Right, Alice?”
I sit at the table. “I guess this explains the mix-up.”
He turns to me. “Declan?”
I shake my head and try to refrain from laughing. They’ve either taken over for my grandma and her friends by setting us up or they put the one guy without a clue in charge of the slideshow.
“That’s Rylan Greene,” Jean says. “Ethel’s grandson.” She points at Calista. “Calista Bailey, Dori’s great-granddaughter.”
Our eyes meet briefly. It’s rare we’re called that nowadays, but I don’t think we’ll ever tire of it.
“Oh, then…” Pete looks at the slide machine the ladies brought in.
“Yeah, we’re aware,” Alice says.
“Huh.” He frowns. “Then I have some bad news.”
Six
Calista
“What’s the problem?” I ask Pete.
“I did the pictures of you two, which means…” He picks up a manila envelope that’s labeled Calista and Rylan. “These are the right ones.”
Jean sighs and sits down next to Rylan, who couldn’t look more relaxed in his chair, slouched down with one leg resting on the other knee. He looks as though he finds this humorous.
“Well, how long will it take to make these into slides?” Alice asks, picking up the manila envelope.
“That’s the problem. I only had so many of the slides left over from my company. I’m not sure I can get the stuff in time.”
Even if he could get the supplies, I think we’re dodging a bullet right now. Aubrey would die if I pulled out a slide machine. Plus, who is going to man it? And the pictures should be set to music.
“It’s okay.” I hold my hand out to Alice. “I can take care of this.”
Rylan stands. “We can.” He gives me a look that dares me to argue with him.
“I can.” I give him a polite smile, so they don’t think I’m steamrolling this venture.
“And me too.” He arches an eyebrow.
For the love of God.
“Rylan, I have it. No worries. Thank you for all your work, Pete.” I step forward and shake his hand.
“My mistake.” He shakes his head. “Getting old sucks.”
“It’s fine really.” I smile to make sure he knows it’s better this way.
“Are you sure? Don’t you have enough to do?” he asks.
I clutch the envelope of negatives to my chest. “I want to do this for Aubrey.”
“Okay, then he helps you.” Alice nudges Rylan to stand by me. “Best man isn’t a title for someone standing around doing nothing.”
“I said I would help. She’s the one who said no.” He huffs.
Alice blows out a frustrated breath. I’ve never seen this side of her. “Sometimes action is the best. Don’t accept a no, you know?” Her blue eyes widen, and Rylan looks around as if he missed something. She quickly turns to me. “Thank you, darling. I’m so sorry about the mix-up.” She shoots Pete a death glare and I’m about to ask him if he feels safe staying here tonight.
