Page 81 of Forever

“I’m also a kind person,” Tanner said.

“False,” Rob said again. “You’re a liar who prances around town in weird suits and elf shoes!”

“It’s not nice to call people weird, Young Robert. Stop being a fascist.”

“Yes, don’t be a Wizzy,” Nigel said.

“I’m nothing like Isabella and I’m definitely not a fascist,” Rob said. He shook his head like that insult truly offended him. And then he shuddered. “Back to my point. It’s always been us, Matt. Thefourof us really.” Rob smiled. “And it’ll always be us.” He shrugged. “I love you man. You know that. And nothing will ever change that.”

Brooklyn put her arm around my back.

Yeah, I’d felt that straight to the heart too.

Mason cleared his throat. “What Rob said. Minus being a fascist.”

Rob groaned.

“Also, I’m your brother,” Mason said.

“We’re all brothers,” Rob said. “We always have been.”

Mason ignored him. “And you already asked me to be your best man the first time the two of you were engaged.”

“Because we were feuding,” Rob said. “That hardly counts. You were his last resort.”

Tanner laughed. “Ah, see? Just because you’ve known Matt longer doesn’t mean you were a good friend to him that whole time.”

“Matt kissed my brother’s girlfriend. What was I supposed to do? High five him?”

“See,” Mason said. “Rob’s just admitted that he doesn’t think of you as a brother.”

“I didn’t…” Rob’s voice trailed off. “You tricked me.”

“I think you should pick whoever you want to pick,” James said. “And we’ll all be happy with that decision.”

“Unless it’s not me,” Rob said. “And stop sucking up to him.”

James shook his head. “I’m not sucking up to him. We both know that I’m not Matt’s best man.” He pressed his lips together. “I wasn’t always there when you needed me. And I’m sorry for that.”

I shook my head. “You tried. Actually, you tried more than anyone else. I knew you’d be there if I needed you.”

James lowered his eyebrows. He never took a compliment well.

Brooklyn held on to me a little tighter.

I cleared my throat and turned to Felix. “What about you?” I said, knowing he’d say something funny.

“I don’t think I’m a part of this,” Felix said with a laugh.

I shrugged.

“Um…well…we’re friends. But I’ve kissed Brooklyn so I’m pretty sure that means I’m out of the running.”

“A million years ago,” I said. “Besides, the past is in the past.”

“Exactly,” Rob said. “The past is in the past. Not that you stand a chance here, Felix. No offense. I doubt you’re even in the wedding party. But back to the past thing. Tanner and Nigel don’t even have a past with you.”

Mason set his glass down. “I would also like to add the point that neither James nor Rob asked you to be the best man at their weddings. But you were mine at my wedding.”

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