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All the other bridesmaid dresses came in on time, but for some reason, mine got delayed. I guess Laurel won’t have to worry about my glasses messing up her precious wedding photos.
“It’s no biggie. Apparently, there are no off-the-rack dresses in the state that are qualified to stand next to Laurel on her big day.”
Shrugging, he says, “I don’t get it, but it’s ultimately her decision.”
“I know,” I huff. “I’m not complaining. I would rather be sitting with guests than standing around in an ugly-ass dress, having to take a ton of photos.”
“Good. Thane here can keep you company – as your date tomorrow night.”
“It would be an honor to keep you company, Lyla,” the biker repeats, still grinning at me.
I grit my teeth together as my face burns with anger. In a matter of seconds, my cheeks flare to match my long crimson waves. “No, thank you, Dad. It’s nothing personal, Thane. I just don’t need a date.”
“Sure you do,” my father says. “I don’t want you to have to sit alone during the ceremony or at the reception.”
“I won’t be alone. There will be a ton of other guests there too.”
“Thane will be at the house tomorrow night at six,” my father says as if the discussion is over.
Thane beams at me like he just won the lottery. “I’m looking forward to being her escort, sir.”
“Can Thane actually speak for himself, or is he like a parrot that can only repeat words he hears come out of your mouth?” I ask.
“Thane, why don’t you go grab Lyla a glass of water. I think she’s had one too many drinks.”
“Yes, sir,” the man agrees before he scurries away.
Hands braced on my hips, I tell him, “I haven’t had any alcohol tonight.”
“That’s a shame. I was hoping I could blame your rudeness on intoxication.” His phone is out of his pocket before he finishes speaking, texting someone, probably someone in this room, about things that I’m not allowed to know about.
“Stop trying to set me up, especially with one of your minions!” I raise my voice to make sure he hears me. “I’m not interested in dating a biker. Ever.”
Why would I willingly put myself in that violent world after all these years? I wouldn’t. I want a nice, boring husband with a kind heart who works a nine-to-five. That way, I never have to worry about our children being exposed to motorcycles or fistfights or illegal gun deliveries. In fact, it would be great if my husband doesn’t even own a gun but has a bat for personal protection.
Looking up from the phone’s screen, my father says, “Baby girl, if I don’t set you up, then how would you meet any decent men?”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy.”
“I didn’t say you did. But your sister is settling down with a good guy. I just want the same for you.”
“Only if they meet your approval, though, right? I still can’t believe you’re on board with your childhood friend marrying your daughter.”
“John loves Laurel.”
“While he may love Laurel, she only loves his money, and you know it.”
Putting his phone away, my father places his palm on my shoulder and steers me back to the entrance. “Lyla, the wedding rehearsal dinner is not the time or the place to be badmouthing your sister’s fiancé.”
“You can pretend she’s a saint in her white dress all you want, but deep down, everyone knows she’s a slutty gold digger.”
“That’s it. I’ve had enough of your mouth. Thane’s driving you home right now.”
“I’m not a child! You can’t send me to my room.”
“Wanna bet?” he says before he walks off. Going over to the table, he speaks to my grandmother, who hands him the purse that was hanging over my chair. Reaching inside, he pulls out my key ring and then whistles and motions for Thane. The biker hurries over to him, sloshing the glass of water in his hand. “Drive Lyla home.”
“Yes, sir.” Thane puts the glass down on the closest table and takes the keys.
