Page 13 of Surprisingly Us

As an only child, Hannah’s like a sister to me. She has her older brother, Hunter, and they’re close now, but their seven-year age gap meant they weren’t playmates growing up. Hannah and I were the princess costume-wearing, Barbie-playing, six and eight-year-olds when Hunter was a hormonal teenager that wanted nothing to do with us.

My answer is automatic. “Of course, I’ll do anything.”

“Will you keep an eye on Rhys tonight?” she asks.

At the mention of our childhood friend, my body starts to tingle. His name brings up so many memories. Summers spentat Lake George with our families. Lots of laughter. He could always make me laugh. And tiny spark of something else.

“Rhys Spencer?” I confirm, just in case she’s talking about another Rhys. One that might not be a devilishly handsome or wildly intimidating man.

“Johnathan informed me he RSVP’d yesterday so they’re shifting a few things around to put him at a table with Chloe and Barrett.” She sighs. “Who RSVPs to a wedding the day before?”

It’s a rhetorical question but in this case, the answer is Rhys.

“My parents said it would be a nice gesture to invite him since he’s back in the city, so I did. I didn’t actually think he’d come. But now that he is, I want to make sure he’s on his best behavior.”

She doesn’t need to elaborate. Or mention the gossip about his reputation for partying and hooking up with women. And it’s not all rumors. There’s been plenty of photographic evidence. Social media can be a blessing and a curse.

I press my lips together, letting my mind wander to the man I’ve seen gracing many tabloid articles and social media posts.

It doesn’t matter if you approve of his smooth charm or bad boy reputation, there’s no way around it, Rhys is beautiful. His dark hair, wild and rebellious, just like his soul. Hazel eyes that I swear alight with flecks of yellow when he’s being mischievous, at least that’s how they appeared when we were younger.

I never knew exactly what Rhys and I were. Friends, I guess.

When we were younger, he was my protector. Both the only children in our families, we were paired together, and often people thought he was my older brother. As we aged, and puberty hit, I started to see him differently. His effortless charm, his knowing smirk, and the way his presence made my body feel boneless. It was confusing.

Our five-year age difference meant we were always in different stages of our lives. When he was eighteen and doinggod knows what with girls his age, and even older, I was a gangly preteen with braces and a training bra.

“Is he bringing a date?” I ask, hoping that would ease Hannah’s concerns.

“No. Which now that I think about it, maybe I shouldn’t have denied him a plus one. It would be better if he brought his own date instead of hitting on my family and friends.”

I can see the stress on her otherwise flawless face. Hannah, like me, is a perfectionist in everything she does. She wants today to be perfect, and Rhys is a wildcard.

“Of course, I’ll take care of it.” Even as I say the words, I’m uncertain what I mean by that. I haven’t seen Rhys in years and I’m not sure he’ll even recognize me. But it’s Hannah’s day and I’m here to support her in whatever she needs.

“Thank you.” She pulls me in for a quick hug.

“Don’t worry about anything. I’ve got it under control.”

Famous last words.

The ceremony was beautiful. At least what I remember from it. I was distracted looking for Rhys in the audience, wanting to get a visual on my target before the reception started, but I had no luck finding him.

Dinner has been served. Speeches have been given—I crushed mine, there was laughter and tears—and the dancing part of the reception is in full swing.

Still no Rhys.

In a room of nearly five hundred guests, I’m starting to think if he is here, I’ll never find him.

I’m making the rounds again when my mom finds me.

“There you are.” She pulls me in for a hug. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I take in her blue eyes, same as mine, except hers are a bit puffy and she looks tired. “You look pretty, too.”

“You’re being kind.”

“I haven’t seen Dad since the ceremony. Is he still here?” My eyes search the crowd of guests around us, expecting my dad to not stray too far from my mom.

---