Page 52 of The Summer of Everything

Tulle. Another word Wes had no definition for before today.

Leeann bends toward him. “We’re thinking of asking your dad to help with the catering,” she whispers, as if it’s not just the two of them in the room now.

“Dad would love that.” A small, weird lump crawls into Wes’s throat.

His parents have never chosen favorites. But there are days when Wes’s mind plays this wicked game with him. He was born at an odd time for his parents. His dad was opening his first restaurant on a negative bank account and a giant hope. His mom’s first book was being published. And along came Wes, interrupting the chaotic flow they were living in.

Leo established his independence at a young age. But Wes still hasn’t. Maybe that’s why his parents butt in even when he doesn’t ask them to. Maybe that’s why his dad suggests possible majors and his mom deposits extra money into his bank account without him asking for any of it. He feels like achild, but maybe they do it because he’s never shown them he could be an adult.

Leeann’s small hand covers his on the chair’s arm. “Leo hasn’t picked a best man yet.”

“Does he even have any friends?”

“Yes.” Leeann giggles. “He has a lot of friends.” When Wes puckers his lips, she adds, “Okay, a handful. Like three. Including me.”

“Shouldn’t be hard then.”

Leeann squints at him, nose wrinkled. “Wes.”

“What?”

“I think he wants you to—”

“Yeah, no,” Wes interrupts her. “He doesn’t want me as his—”

Leeann holds up a finger. “Leo’s stubborn and petty and an awful loser.”

“Are you reciting your vows? Because I think you nailed it.”

Leeann rolls her pale brown eyes. “What I’m saying is, he’s difficult, but he loves you.”

“You have a pretty interesting definition of love.”

“I do!” Leeann’s hand slides away from his to cover her snort-giggle. “But I have to! I’m marrying a Hudson,duh.”

“Good point.”

Leeann wipes at her eyes, then shakes out her hands. She struggles to maintain a serious expression as she stares at him. “Consider it, please.”

Being Leo’s best man would be… Wes shudders. One, it’d be against all Wes’s principles. Two, Leo would be even more annoying. His parents would be delighted, and Wes certainly enjoys seeing Leeann happy, but it’s Leo.

“Fine. If he asks,” Wes’s lips go numb, but he manages to stammer, “I will.”

“Hewill.” Leeann’s confidence is shatterproof. Wes learned a long time ago not to bet against her, but that was because she kicked his ass in a marathon of Monopoly that stretched through three days and two different locations. She’s ruthless about two things: board games and Leo Hudson.

“Now,” Leeann reaches forward, patting Wes’s curls, “I have one more dress to try on…”

Wes groans.

“… then I promised you Mexican food and smoothies.”

“Sounds rad.” Wes checks his phone. Three hours until his shift starts. “Can we be quick? Not that I don’t love spending time with you and all of this.” He twirls his index finger around the room. “I have to meet someone before work.”

“A boy?”

“None of your business,” Wes counters, voice cracking.

“Could it possibly be a very single, extremely funny, stupidly handsome boy that you’ve known forever?” Leeann teases.

---