Page 11 of The Flirty Forward

“Anyway,” Brielle says, taking over. “Back to the wedding plans. Some things need to be dealt with now. Things like finding my dress, ordering the bridesmaids’ dresses, the cake, and all that. But before we do that, we need to get the venue rented. As best man and maid of honor, we want to make sure you both have availability that weekend.”

Dread pools in my stomach. “He’s the best man?”

“Yep!” Sebastian says proudly.

“Unfortunately,” Aiden says dryly. “I can change it.”

“But you won’t,” Sebastian says with a grin.

I groan out loud. “All right. Fine. Anyway,” I turn to Brielle. “I thought we already decided on a weekend, and you booked the venue.”

“We did,” Brielle says. She glances at Aiden for a moment. “But we’re thinking of changing it.”

“Okay,” I look between the two of them. “So, what’s the new plan?”

“Here’s the deal. We don’t want to do it here,” Brielle finally says. “Aiden’s such a big deal here, and the press and everybody will make it crazy. And that’s just not what we want; we want it to be our special day with just a few friends and family. So, we’ve decided to make it a destination wedding.”

My eyebrows lift in surprise. “A destination wedding?”

Sebastian turns to me. “A destination wedding is where you travel somewhere to get married,” he explains, oh so helpfully.

I scowl at him. “I know what it is,” I snap.

He grins, and I turn my attention back to Brielle and Aiden. “So, where’s it going to be? And when?”

“That’s what we need to settle on. That’s why we invited the two of you over. We have a few destinations and dates to go over,” Brielle says.

Sebastian leans back in his chair and puts his hands behind his head. “I’m game for anything. As long as it’s after hockey season, I’ll be there.”

I shake my head. “Of course,” I mumble.

“What’s that, Teach? I didn’t hear you?” he asks.

"Shouldn't you be writing anything down?” I ask him pointedly. Moving on before he can say anything, I ask, “What are the dates and locations you’re looking at, as some of us actually have a schedule?”

“I have a schedule,” Sebastian protests. “I’m just going to make my schedule work for the bride and groom.” He turns to me, a challenge in his eye. “I’m just that good of a friend.”

“Whatever. Let’s be honest. All you’re going to do is show up for the wedding the day of, put on a suit, and stand next to the groom.”

“I’m going to do more than just show up,” he argues. “Tell her, Brielle.”

“Do you know how to bake a cake?” I ask.

“No.”

“Do you know how to do hair or makeup?” I ask.

He laughs. “No.”

“What about nails?” I continue. “Set the tables for the meal? Or make the food for the reception? No? Help with the invitations? Help the bride get ready for the day? Plan a wedding shower beforehand?” I prompt when he doesn’t answer. “Exactly. Like I said, you’ll simply show up and stand there.”

“Yeah, but think of how good I’m going to look standing there,” he says with a wink. I turn away from him in irritation.

“What weekend are you looking at, Brielle?” I ask, trying to find my calm.

“We’re going to try for the first weekend in August. We don’t want to plan it too early just in case...” she glances at Aiden.

“There is no just in case,” Sebastian says, inserting himself. “We’re going all the way to the championship this year!”

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