Page 198 of The Friend Situation

Mawmaw honks, growing impatient, and Mom laughs.

“Tell her to call me,” she says when I break away.

“I will.” I return to the car.

“Ready?” Weston interlocks his fingers with mine, kissing my knuckles.

“Yep. Let’s get a marriage license,” I say.

Mawmaw turns on some country music and hums along as she backs out of the driveway.

“I wonder what Dolly Parton is doing these days,” Mawmaw says, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel as we get on the county road. It’s an endless highway that leads straight to downtown Merryville. There is only one through road, and we’re on it.

Weston unlocks his cell phone and opens his text messages to his sister.

He tilts his screen so I can see what he’s typing.

Weston

Be in Texas tomorrow for my wedding.

He chuckles as Billie’s text bubble immediately pops up.

Billie

What if I told you I was already here? So are Easton, Lexi, and Harper.

His brows furrow, and so do mine. He continues to type.

Weston

Excuse the fuck out of me?

“That’s what I was thinking,” I whisper.

She sends a photo of them, including Brody, Emma, and someone I don’t recognize. They’re all flipping us off. “Who is that?” I ask.

“That’s Claire Manchester, Emma’s sister. I think she’s married to your cousin Jake,” he explains.

Carlee’s eyes widen. “I’m so out of the loop.”

Billie

Mom and Dad and their “baggage” are on the way.

Weston

Right now?!

Billie

Yep! Thank you for inviting me first. I love you, Wessy. So happy for you and Carlee. We’re at Jake’s place, hanging out with Claire and Emma.

She sends another picture of them sitting out by a gigantic firepit, drinking.

Billie

We’re partying without you.

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