AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I chuckle darkly at my reply to the wrong number text. Ironic that I’m in Atlanta for a wedding and someone accidentally proposed to me.
Truth is, I’m desperate for an escape hatch but told myself I’d see it through. I’m doing this for my best friend, Sean, who I lost and for no other reason.
To be clear, it’s not my wedding. I’m not married, engaged, or otherwise committed to anyone. I’m not opposed to ‘til death do we part, but a proposal is the farthest thing from my mind when I have family matters on my hands—a mission of sorts, and this weekend is just like being on leave.
My brother Ryan would say that I’m in a mood.
For one, I’d rather be in Libya than here. Okay, that’s a massive exaggeration, but if the rumors are true, and the groom didn’t deny them, I don’t necessarily endorse how this coupling between Ross and Romy came to be.
For two, the bachelor party that started last night and extended into the early hours of this morning was not my bag. I stood guard if only to make sure the groom wouldn’t arrive on his wedding day in pieces.
My three brothers and I are very different, but Ross and Sean are like night and day. Whereas Sean was a man of integrity and honor, his brother is—words that I’d only utter downrange come to mind.
Not only is Ross a jelly-backed loser, but he’s disrespectful, dull, and selfish. Not someone I’d want my daughter to marry if I had one—though I guess that ship is in the port and ready to set sail. At thirty-eight, I’m afraid the door to my having a family is closing.
Those were Sean’s last words to me,Take care of my family. Not only does that include his wife and son, but his brother too—regrettably.
Ross asked me to stand in for Sean. Couldn’t say no. Thinking of how my buddy proposed to Nora, I grab my phone and type out a quick response to the unknown texter.
Me: Also, asking for someone’s hand in marriage over the phone is underwhelming. I was thinking of something more thoughtful, personal.
Ryan is the flirt among us brothers. CJ is the jokester. Royal would’ve blocked the texter immediately. I don’t know why I haven’t. I guess even though the marriage proposal wasn’t intended for me, whoever sent it should know the love of their life wasn’t on the receiving end.
Me: I was joking about contacting my assistant. I don’t have one. Also, you reached the wrong number.
Unknown Caller: I know. I mean, no. I didn’t. I meant to text you.
The little dots indicating the person is typing continue to blink. Scrolling up, I reread the original message and glean her name is Lally. I may as well have a little fun with this because the next twenty-four hours are going to be torture.
Me: A marriage proposal and we haven’t even met? That’s bold.
Unknown Caller: It was an autocorrect. I meant it to say Hi, this is Lally, will you meet with me?
Me: Ah, that’s more like it. A meeting before marriage. You should know that I’m a traditional guy, so now we’re moving in the right direction.
With another chuckle, I toss my phone down and dig through my ditty bag for shaving cream. I suppose I should attempt to look respectable tonight. As I shake the can to find it empty, my phone beeps with another message.
Unknown Caller: In that case, that would mean you’d be flashing me. But getting back on track, I’m Lally, the maid of honor, and the broad would like me to make sure you have the things.
Her comment about flashing reminds me of a prank a couple of the guys pulled during basic training. It was gross. I don’t laugh.
Me: Are you texting while driving?
Unknown Caller: No!
Me: Well, there will be no flashing. Who is the broad and what are the things?
Unknown Caller: Asking! I meant asking, not flashing.
Me: Say what you mean and mean what you say...and check your texts before you hit send.
Unknown Caller: I have fat thumbs.
Me: That’s a strange thing to admit.
Unknown Caller: I didn’t mean to call the bride a broad. That’s an old-fashioned and insulting term. Definitely not part of my vocabulary and not applicable to the bride. I wouldn’t dare. It was a simple mistake. Honest. Please believe me...and don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to ruffle any feathers or ruin anyone’s day.
Me: Your secret is safe with me. For the record, I wouldn’t judge you for calling her that.
