Page 79 of The Wedding Run
“In Mayberry,” Charlie states.
“But this is reality,” I add.
“We all need rest after last night.” His gaze shifts toward me. “Besides, I made a promise.”
“You made Libby a promise?” Charlie asks.
“Ooh! What promise?” Elle asks, excitement pinching her words. As the youngest in the family, she never likes to be left out of anything. “Is it a secret?”
Not long after, Luke closes The Brew, and we all head to Stacy and Wade’s house.
With Bailey sitting beside her, Charlie plugs into her computer and begins loading the photos. Her agitation has slowed somewhat, but she still appears a bit manic. “Look at this, Luke!”
He gazes at the screen. “You were supposed to photograph the bride and groom.”
“If you need a publicity shot,” she says, “this is it.”
I take a peek. It’s a fantastic shot of Luke in his element, unguarded yet smiling. My heart feels a gentle tug.
Elle juggles a box of supplies and struggles to open the back door. Irritated with Charlie, I jerk the door open, slamming it into the box.
“Careful!” she warns.
“Sorry.” I step outside with her and assist her in loading everything into her trunk.
“Go for it,” she whispers.
“What are you talking about?”
She tilts her head toward the house. “Luke’s a good guy. And you deserve a good guy.”
“Luke? We’re friends.”
“Uh-huh.”
“We are!”
“I hear you.”
With Bailey at her heels, Charlie joins us next to Elle’s car. “You hear what?”
“Nothing,” I say.
“Lib says she’s not interested in Luke.”
Charlie’s eyebrows rise. “Since when?”
“I didn’t say that,” I argue. “Not exactly.”
Charlie has a sharp eye and adds her two cents, “Libby probably believes that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“She wants her cake and eat it too,” Elle states.
Charlie and I focus on Elle and ask at the same time, “What?”
Elle sighs and explains, “She doesn’t want Luke, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have him either.”
