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“I suppose not.” he said, then pulled the pad closer. “This church, it’s up in the mountains, would you not prefer somewhere more… remarkable.” he asked.
“No,” I said, “You clearly don’t know me very well.Thatis what I want, small, quiet, simple. Make it happen.” I glared at him. “Please.” I added in an attempt to soften him up a little.
I’d visited the small church hidden up in the mountains a few times in the past. It was nothing special, but it was perfect for what I had planned. Anything in the city would draw too much attention. So long as I could convince Lorenzo that I didn’t have any other reason than hating the spotlight - which wasn’t always true -, then Ishouldget my way.
He rolled his tongue in his mouth and clicked it before answering me.
“I want a photographer, and our picture will be in the papers the following day.”
“Done.” I agreed.
I’d anticipated this and already had someone in mind. I reached for the notepad and scribbled down the name of guy I’d met last year while on a job. He wasn’t affiliated with any of the gangs here, but he had no objection to working alongside them. I could easily pay him off for what he was going to witness, and maybe I’d even ask for some pictures, just to remember the day.
“I thought we could use Alana.” he said.
I shook my head, the pretty girl who had taken our engagement photos would not be a good fit for this wedding. She’d either end up dead, or running to the cops, and although Lorenzo had them in his pocket, I knew we didn’t need the drama of it.
“I want him. Check out his work, you’ll see why.” I said and stood up. “I think we’re done here.”
“Excuse me.” Lorenzo snapped in disbelief, “Isay when we’re done.”
I raised a brow at him and waited.
“I have business to tend to, and apparently some calls to make,” he tapped the notepad. “You should go and sort out your bridesmaid.”
“So I can go out?” I asked.
“Take Cooper with you,” he said, “I’m sure you two have plenty to discuss. I’m sorry he’s lied to you, I hope you work things out.”
Lorenzo gave me a pitying look and I fought back the urge to shout at him. I was angry with Coop, but I wouldn’t ever let him disappear from my life.
“We will.” I said and left the dining room, pulling out my phone and dialling Eden’s number to arrange a lunch date.
***
We drove into the city in silence. I wasn’t sure how to approach Coop right now. He didn’t keep secrets from me, but apparently he was right now. I couldn’t lose him though. So whatever was going on, I needed to know.
“Coop.” I finally said as we pulled up to a stop light, “Lorenzo said you’re leaving.”
He hummed and exhaled slowly, “I am.” he confirmed.
“Just The Brotherhood, or Westeroak?” I asked. My fingers found my earlobe and for once I didn’t bother to get mad at myself for being so obvious. This was Cooper, I could let my guard down aroundhim.
“I don’t know,” he sighed. “Definitely The Brotherhood, maybe I’ll move too, there’s got to be something else out there for me.”
“Why?”
“Because too much has happened, the stuff with Sam, it’s been heavy, and I need to escape.” Coop explained.
I knew not to push with the Sam shit, he would tell me that story when he was ready.
“Would it be selfish if I asked you to stay?” I asked, my voice wobbling slightly at the thought of not knowing where my best friend was headed.
“Yes,” he said, “but I would, if you asked.”
He looked across at me briefly and offered me his usual killer watt smile.
“Then I’m going to be selfish. Coop, please stay, at least until the wedding. I’m going to take over The Brotherhood, then you can do whatever you want.” I let go of my earlobe and leaned across to squeeze his arm.
