Page 9 of Best Man Speaking

Giving me her full attention, Erica continues. “Although Jules technically had dibs ’cause he’s known you longer, I’m glad you’ll be on my side of the aisle. As for what needs to be done?” Erica shrugs nonchalantly. “Dress fittings, mostly. Our parents and anyone else who’s flying in are doing so only a day or two before the wedding. There might be a bit to do to help organize our joint bachelor and bachelorette weekend in Vegas, but more than anything, we’re happy to have you both be a part of the day.”

Chapter Two

Marcus

Icouldn’t have told you the last time my little brother had gotten the best of me. From the time we were kids until now, we’d had each other’s backs.

With the exception of Hallie Cairns.

Somehow, she’d always managed to come between us in one way or another.

I was well aware I was a part of my brother’s bridal party; I’d been given my marching orders to get fitted for my suit months ago. The fact I hadn’t been asked to be Julian’s best man may or may not have chipped at my ego, but I’d risen above it.

I’m a busy guy who loves his brother, and I was happy to be a part of his day however he saw fit.

Having shown up to dinner tonight, though, only to end up seated beside Hallie was one for the books. It didn’t surprise me when she’d spent most of the evening avoiding having to speak to me or acknowledge my presence in general. The few times she’d looked at me so far made it glaringly obvious that I wasn’tworth the ground she walked on. The call I’d received from her father earlier today simply cemented it.

As she looks down at her phone, Hallie’s blond hair falls down around her face in messy waves. The younger version had kept it shoulder-length and pinned back, wary of parental disapproval. No matter the ambivalence I have toward her now, I can’t help but bait her to see her flare up in reaction. She might have her reasons to be angry, but I’m not the same boy she’d left behind.

“So, what is it you do now, Hallie?” I ask, honestly curious to know what she’d run off to do with her life.

She stills next to me as if evaluating whether or not she’s actually required to give an answer. Dropping her phone back in her bag, she moves her delicate fingers to tuck her hair behind her ear. It’s a habit I know she’s tried to break for years, and I take some pleasure in knowing she still hasn’t managed it.

She catches my gaze on her hand, eyes moving to the small, sardonic smile on my lips, before a glare sets onto her pretty face.

I get a small thrill from the reaction. The fire in her eyes aims to take me down, but I’m not going anywhere.

“I steadily avoid answering questions to men that I don’t want to give my time to. It doesn’t pay well, but the internal gratification is worth it.” Her eyes are heated on mine, her tone as sarcastic and dry as I could’ve possibly hoped for.

I don’t know where she gets off thinking she’s the only person allowed to be unhappy at this table, but I can play the game too. Especially now that we have no choice but to spend time together.

“Nice to see you haven’t lost any of your charm, Hal. Will you manage to find a date to bring along to the wedding?”

It’s a cheap shot, and I know it. From the expression on Julian’s face across the table, he caught it too. I don’t botherlooking at Erica. I’ll hear about this showdown from her at some point tonight. She and Jules might not be married yet, but Erica’s been family since the day she walked through our door.

“No, actually. I find I don’t need another person to provide validation in my life. I can’t imagine that’s something you’d understand, though. How will you manage to pick just one date for the event?” Hallie asks, eyes earnestly wide with fake concern. Apparently, my comments about sleeping with all the bridesmaids hit a nerve.

I shift my chair back, relaxing into it to feign thoughtfulness. “I guess I could get them to flip coins? Maybe I could call the girls over and play a few rounds of rock, paper, scissors.”

Hallie claps her hands in mock excitement. “Maybe you could get them to draw straws? Shortest straw really does lose in this case. Please do let the unlucky lady know I’d be happy to buy her a drink and provide some intellectual relief on the night.”

My chair creaks beneath me as I pivot myself farther in her direction. “Happy to provide her some relief? I’d be eager to watch if you’re offering.”

The table is silent, and I wonder if I’ve pushed too far, but no, Hal is here for another round.

“You missed a word there, Marcus—‘intellectual.’ I know it’s bigger than the words you normally use, and it requires the one organ you don’t seem to work out as often as you should.” Hallie scoffs. “Intellectual relief. The one thing any date of yours is even less likely to get than long-term commitment.”

A nasty sting lances through me at those particular words. One point to Hallie for landing that intended blow. Without another word, she moves her chair back, grabs her handbag, and heads toward the ladies’ restroom.

I tap my beer bottle against the tabletop, unable to figure out if I’m raging mad or incredibly turned on.

“Marcus Scott. So, youarea massive asshole,” says Erica, astonishment coating each word leaving her mouth. “I’d wondered since meeting you if Hallie could actually be correct in this image she painted of you, and I honestly can’t believe she was right. The two of you might as well have just hate-fucked each other on the table.”

Honestly, I’d forgotten she and Julian were even here.

“That’s enough from you,” Julian says pointedly to Erica. “Neither of them need that particularly helpful suggestion. And as for you”—he swings his gaze to mine before gesturing toward the restrooms—“would you go fix this before she decides to leave and never come back?”

“Your wish is my command, little brother,” I reply with a small, two-fingered salute.

---