Page 46 of Break

Landon nods and we settle in.

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After Logan and Bianca are announced husband and wife, we stay seated as we wait for the room to clear so we don’t get jostled on the way to the reception room. At least everything is in one building. I would probably cry if I had to go back out in the cold right now.

Landon and Nolan stay at my sides as we head down the halls, the former squeezing my hand so hard I’m afraid he’s going to break it. The girls are giggling behind us, texting their friends and taking photos of all of the decorations.

Landon is still tense, practically shaking against me. I can’t see James or Alex anywhere, but I imagine she’s trying to hide, or reaming her boyfriend a new one. I’m sure learning that your boyfriend lied about who’s attending can’t be too enjoyable. Serves her right, though. I hope that Landon can confront them soon… without making a damn scene.

We get into the room and search our tables as we wait for the DJ to announce the wedding party so that we can eat and dance. Also known as, me sitting and eating, and sitting some more.

I'm exhausted.

I’m at a table with the girls, Landon and Nolan are across the room with some other teammates. I have no idea who else is sitting with us. I have a bad feeling about our table mates.

I tense in my seat as Alyssa reads them off. “We’re sitting with James and Alex,” she whispers and I sigh and send the ceiling a rude glare. Of course we are.

I have to keep my mouth shut and not spook her off before Landon can confront them. Preferably outside. Or when they’re leaving. Or at the hotel, far away from everyone else.

I pull out my phone from my clutch to send Landon a text that they’ll be sitting at my table. He sends me back a thumbs-up emoji and I groan into my ice water while we wait. And wait some more. It feels like my stomach is eating itself. How long are the photos of the wedding party going to take?

James and Alex glide through the room and he helps her into her seat across from me. She’s stiff and pale, and her green eyes are wide, dark. Damn, she looks terrified.

I chuckle under my breath and smile over at James. “Hey, gorgeous wedding, wasn’t it?”

He nods and glances over at his date, pursing his lips. “A bit larger than I thought it would be.” He lies, clearing his throat and getting comfortable in his seat. “Wonder what dinner’s going to be.”

I shrug and wipe my hands down my gold glittering dress. “The three of us requested the chicken… Hopefully there’s something healthy. I can’t stomach too much food lately.”

Alex blinks at me and huffs. “Since when are you pregnant?” She glances down at my stomach and I wrap my hand around it, protectively.

I smile at her and pick up my water glass with my other hand. She’s already chugged her full glass of champagne that she sat down with. “Since August, I guess. I found out in September.”

She nods and smirks. “Well, you’re all alone. At least when we have kids, James will be there for me, and without all of the pity.”

I blink at her and watch as the girls tense on either side of me. James slowly turns his head towards her and glares. “I’mnot helping out Marie out of pity. What the fuck is wrong with you? And how many times do we need to have this conversation, I’m never having children.”

She scoffs and raises her glass in the air, requesting another drink as if she’s a princess. “Well, we’ll see. As soon as I talk you out ofdownsizing,I’m sure we can come to other agreements.”

James shakes his head and finishes off his whiskey, looking ready to leave at any moment. Or toss her over the terrace. I’ll mark down my bets on that one.

Alyssa clears her throat and tosses Alex a look, not able to hold back any longer. “Do you not understand the word ‘no’? I mean, you act more childish than the freshmen at our high school. Are you sure James isn’t just withyouout of pity? All alone in your vacation house, probably tossed out on her ass because mommy didn’t want to deal with your shit anymore?”

I glance away before I laugh out loud, pressing my lips together so no one can see my smile. I love these girls.

Alex sputters and glares at James. “Are you going to let them talk to me like that?”

James shrugs and leans back in his seat. His black suit jacket is tightening across all of his muscles. I’m surprised Logan and Bianca didn’t choose anyone on the team to be groomsmen, they all look fantastic in their suits and tuxedos. It looked like they just went with family members for the wedding party, from what I could tell

Both of them have a massive family all over the country. “You’re the one that’s adamant on not having them around, I don’t parent them anymore,” he answers back sarcastically and I’m seriously about to spit out my water.

Alex turns her glare at me and pushes her shoulders back. “Well, obviously they have a trashy role model. You probably live in a trailer park and just live off of James’s credit cards, saying you’re using the money for thegirls.”

I lick my glossy lips and shake my head. “No, sweetie. We all came from a trailer park, and that’s where I learned that I don’t give into bullies or stuck-up bitches. You can be quiet now though, you’re ruining my appetite.” I smile at her and sip my water before glancing down at my phone.

Me:You might want to drag them away soon, before I toss my knife at her. Maybe she has no idea you’re here.

Landon:If the food isn’t served within five minutes, I’ll call James and ask him to bring Alex out to the terrace for a few minutes so that I can go over the present for Logan and Bianca. I’ll come up with an excuse. Thanks.

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