Page 91 of Forever

“We’re taking pictures at our wedding, Tanner,” Brooklyn said. “Everyone takes pictures at their wedding.”

“Well I…I didn’t know that,” he said.

“How could you not know that?” I asked.

He cleared his throat. “Because I grew up overseas.”

He used that excuse all the time. But it made zero sense.

He cleared his throat again. “So the privacy settings and burning of pictures isn’t up for negotiation?”

Brooklyn and I looked at each other. “No,” I said.

He sighed. “Well, I have to respectfully step down from the best man competition.” He looked devastated. “I need to be on the edge of every picture.”

“Why?”

“So I’m easily removable.”

Rob laughed. “See. Barely a friend. He wants to be removed. Perfect. Put him on the end. And I’ll be right next to my best friend.” He clapped me on the back.

I was so confused. Tanner had been dead set on being my best man. What was going on?

“I also need to regretfully decline being the best man,” Nigel said.

“Why?” I asked.

“I do not like being photographed. I will also be on the edge of the photo so I can easily cut both Master Tanner and myself out of the picture upon your d…”

“Shh,” Tanner said.

“Right,” Nigel said. “But I never wanted to be the best man anyway. Because I already have my title.” He smiled. “I’m the best boy!”

Brooklyn laughed. And for some reason I laughed too.Okay, Nigel.

“Great,” Rob said. “Mason and James weren’t participating, so it’s me, right? I’m the best man? Fuck yes!”

“Actually…” my voice trailed off and I looked over at Mason.

Mason smiled.

“Mason, I asked you 16 years ago, and I’m asking you again. Will you be my best man?”

“What?!” Rob yelled.

“Yes,” Mason said. “I won’t even make you beg.”

I laughed.

“No,” Rob said. “I’m your best friend. Even Tanner admitted…”

“I didn’t admit to anything,” Tanner said. “I just don’t want there to be photographic evidence…”

Nigel elbowed him in the side.

“Right.” Tanner nodded. He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I have nothing else to say.”

I had no idea what was going on. “And James, Rob, Tanner, and Nigel, I’d love for you guys to be my groomsmen,” I said.

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