Page 154 of Forever

“No fucking way,” Rob whispered. “I didn’t know he was going to give a speech. This is better than I ever couldhave imagined. Game time, Sanders.” He pulled a small remote out of his pocket.

What the fuck is that for?!

Chapter 34

Thursday

Matt

I put my hand on Brooklyn’s thigh. I wasn’t sure what was going on with Rob tonight, but I hoped he wasn’t seriously hitting on Brooklyn.

Not that I didn’t deserve it. I did. Karma or whatever. I’d constantly hit on Penny over the last several years. And Daphne and Bee a bit too. But that was different. I’d been a mess. Rob had his shit together. He had a very patient and understanding wife who somehow put up with his shit on a daily basis. He didn’t need to be flirting with my fiancée.

Tanner cleared his throat. “I’m so happy to welcome you all into my home for such a special occasion. My best friend is getting married…”

“Oh please,” Rob muttered under his breath but loud enough for at least me to hear.

“And I couldn’t be happier for you, Matt,” Tanner continued. He opened his mouth to continue his speech, but music started playing. Tanner looked around the room in confusion.

The music was playing pretty quietly. It sounded like it was coming from the floor for some reason. Were there speakers beneath the table? Probably a ‘billionaire thing’ as Tanner would say. I was pretty sure the music wasDance of the Sugar Plum FairyfromThe Nutcracker.

Rob started giggling.

“Nigel, where is that music coming from?” Tanner asked and turned around to look at Nigel at the kids’ table.

Nigel shrugged. “From the second story?” He looked up.

I was pretty sure it was coming from beneath us. Or maybe it was above? The music was very disorienting. Wait, there was no second story here…

Rob giggled even louder.

I turned to look at him.

“I got him so good,” he whispered to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn just looked confused.

But Rob was barely controlling himself. It looked like he was seconds away from exploding with laughter. I breathed a sigh of relief. Rob loved pranks. But sometimes he went way too small. And this seemed like one of those instances. I’d hardly even classify this as a prank. The music was too quiet to interfere with Tanner’s speech. And the music combined with the fairy lights crisscrossing above the table was actually quite magical.

Tanner shrugged. “Anyway, where was I? I am so glad the two of you found your way back to each other. I can’t believe I almost made a terrible match for Matt which would have ruined both your lives in the process. Or I guess three lives?” He shrugged like he didn’t care.

I was pretty sure that was a weird stab at Kennedy.

“No, four lives,” Tanner said. He nodded to himself, like that was definitely the right number.

I guess that included Felix. I was glad that Tanner had been a little rude to Kennedy when we’d dated. She belonged with Felix. And I’d always belonged with Brooklyn.

“All four of you certainly made me work for it. Love was staring you all right in the face and you were all trying to run in the opposite direction or latching on to the wrong person.” He shook his head and this time he did look at Kennedy.

Brooklyn and Kennedy both laughed.

Tanner turned his attention back to us. “I really can’t remember meeting two people more perfect for each other with so many excuses on why they couldn’t be together. But true love always prevails. That’s why I started my club in the first place.”

Where was he going with this? I wasn’t sure this was the right time to talk about his sex club. My parents were here. I cleared my throat and stared at him.

“Right,” Tanner said. “I give so many speeches in boardrooms, but not many like this. I’ve had a ton of best friends over the years, but none as great as Matt.”

What other best friends? And why did he have so many?

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