Page 31 of Axe Backwards
Eyes squeezed shut, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Not my girlfriend. We’re just friends.”
Bernice clicked her tongue. “This isn’t a situationship, is it? You young people. Jesus.”
God, was it too much to ask to sit here and eat my feelings in peace?
“No.” Mrs. Dupont craned her neck from where she sat two tables over. Erica and Loraine were with her, each with a steaming mug. “That’s what the kids do now, on TikTok. They don’t date.”
And then, just as I thought this couldn’t get more embarrassing, Father Renee, the ancient priest who’d given me my first communion, stood and approached.
“Now, son, I know you’ve only just returned to town, but poor Victoria went through a very bad divorce. She’s a kind, helpful woman. And while I’d like it if she came to mass more often, I hope you do right by her.”
With a long exhale, I closed my eyes. In theory, moving back here with Tess was a wonderful idea. She’d grow up in theMaine wilderness, surrounded by family, running wild with her cousins, ensconced in the supportive embrace of an idyllic small town.
Despite how halcyon my misguided fantasy was, I’d conveniently forgotten how nosy and overbearing the locals could be. I barely opened up about my life to my siblings. I surely wouldn’t be broadcasting my relationship status to Father Renee and the local busybodies.
Even so, I smiled. I’d be Vic’s boyfriend this weekend.
Oh no.My stomach sank.The wedding.I had to find nice clothes. It was black-tie, whatever the hell that meant.
I picked up my phone. Though there were six of us, I only had one brother who knew anything about this.
Noah
I need a favor.
Owen
?
I appreciated my second-oldest brother.He never guilted me or interrogated me. He didn’t hound me about the reasoning behind my choices. He was a busy man, so I could count on him to get right to the point.
Noah
I’m going to a black-tie wedding at the Kennebunkport Yacht Club this weekend. What the hell do I wear?
Owen
A Tux
Noah
Thank you, Captain Obvious. How do I get one?
Owen
Hang on. I’ve got a guy.
Who invited you to a society wedding at the yacht club?
Noah
I’m going with Victoria. It’s her sister’s wedding.
Owen
Can you drive to Bangor?
I checked my watch.I was in and out of the fire station in under thirty minutes, and Tess was due to nap soon. An hour’s drive would be fine.
