Page 27 of Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions

Mom’s pride was the tether I’d desperately needed.

Dad gave me a nod from his perch on top of the porch.

For him, that was as good as declaring his undying love.

Lacey flipped me off as she stacked her plate high with snacks—again, a show of obvious affection. So, I was feeling pretty fucking good about myself—and my decision to come home by the time I turned back to the crowd of people that spread across the lawn.

I’d almost forgotten about Roderick.

But there he was, sitting unobtrusively at one of the picnic tables. He clearly saw me too, because he smiled at me and waved. My heart skipped a beat, anxiety sending a cold wash through me.

Yes, I’d flown all this way because he was getting married.

Yes, he’d invited me.

Yes, we’d stayed distant friends since our breakup when we were younger.

And no, I hadn’t been lying when I told Joe I didn’t love Roderick.

But that didn’t stop my body from reacting like he was going to jump on top of the table, point at me, and start laughing.

Maybe it was the trauma of the dildo incident.

Or the lingering pessimism that accompanied my suitcase going missing.

Either way, I couldn’t help but expect the worst, my good mood dissipating as I realized there was no getting out of this.

Roderick patted the empty place next to him in a way I figured he thought looked inviting, but wasn’t. The last thing I wanted to do was crease my suit by sitting in a camping chair—but I did so anyway, consequences be damned. It creaked beneath my weight, sucking my butt inside it like a nylon black hole.

Roderick was older now. Obviously. Unfortunately for me, he’d aged well. His brown eyes twinkled as he peered at me from overtop the rim of his glasses.

“Hiya, George.” Roderick’s lips pulled into a smile that I couldn’t help but return. It felt as natural as breathing was supposed to. He’d always had that effect on me.

“Good afternoon, Roderick.” I opted for formal, figuring it was the best way to go. “Congratulations on your pending nuptials.”

Congratulations on your pending nuptials?

What was I? An automated email?

“Thank you.” Roderick cocked his head at me like he was trying to figure me out. “I’m glad you decided to come. June and I have a whole itinerary planned. She’s excited to meet you.”

Why in the hell would she be excited to meet me?

“A whole…itinerary?” I frowned, confused. “On top of the ceremony?”

“Of course!” He beamed at me. “You only get married once!” Roderick had a nice voice. Boring but soft. Like something you’d hear on an infomercial about blenders. “We’re both outdoorsy so we’re more excited about the lead up to the wedding than the wedding itself.”

What the hell did that mean?

“How…modern of you,” I replied, because it felt like a nice thing to say.

“That’s what I said!” Roderick’s smile softened. “You don’t mind attending, do you?” He inquired, tone gentle. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Jesus, why was everyone asking me this?

“I’m not in love with you,” I blurted out, my cheeks growing hot. “So no. It’s not weird.”

“Good.” Roderick’s grin was back. “I wanted you here.”

---