Page 26 of Pieces of Us
“Where are Jax and Audrey? And why are you sweaty?”
Damn it.
“I think they snuck away to do newlywed things if I had to guess. And I’m not sweaty.”
“Yeah, okay.” She eyes me with suspicion. “I hope they serve dinner as soon as we get to the ballroom for the reception. I’m starving.”
“Same. This champagne is going to hit me hard if I don’t get some food in me.”
Gigi pours herself a glass and taps mine to toast. “Well, she’s married. I say that was a success.”
“It was beautiful. At this pace, you and Lewis will be up next.”
Gigi looks down at her glass. “Doubt it. Lewis told me he doesn’t believe in marriage.”
Linc and Marcus approach us. Marcus pours two glasses and passes one to Linc.
“Sounds like a winner, Genevieve.”
My eyes go wide and flicker between Gigi and Marcus. Holy shit, no one calls her by her full name.
“Thanks for your concern, Prince, but not everyone needs a piece of paper to keep a commitment.”
Gigi has always been quick with nicknames. She started calling Marcus ‘Prince’ the first night we all hung out at the fundraiser. She said with his longer, wavy hair, and the fact that he’s set to take over his dad’s business, it fit.
Marcus stares at her over his glass as he takes a drink. Linc gives me a “what the fuck?” look, and I shrug. Thank goodness, at that moment, Henry, Emma, Jax, and Audrey all walk into the room to break the tension. Henry and Emma seem calm, with big smiles. Jax looks bright-eyed, but a little disheveled, and Audrey’s hair is missing most of the pearl pins that had surrounded her updo.
Audrey kisses Jax’s cheek, then leaves him to join Gigi and me.
Gigi smirks, handing her a drink. “You guys did it in the bathroom, didn’t you?”
Audrey’s cheeks go red. “Keep your voice down. Jax’s dad is right there.” She grins, softening her voice to a whisper. “I held out as long as I could after seeing him in that tux.”
We laugh as she blows out a heavy breath and ogles her new husband across the room.
Chapter Sixteen
Linc
We finish dinner, and I order another beer as the staff clear our plates. Melonie sits next to me, sipping her champagne. I had been worried about her reaction to what I said after the ceremony. I thought maybe I had crossed the line, especially touching her like I did, but she’s been fine, laughing at my jokes, and seems pretty relaxed.
The DJ starts speaking and introduces Jax and Audrey for their first dance. Jax insisted on Elvis’Can’t Help Falling in Love, saying it reminded him of Jamaica. They sway to the music, Audrey looking up at Jax like he owns her whole world. I feel a bitter twinge of jealousy. I want what they have.
I look at Mel, and as she watches, I see her face tense up and a tear falls from her eye. Before she can bring a napkin to dry it, Iswipe my thumb across her cheek to catch it. Her eyes flicker as she looks at me.
“Sorry, I just get emotional at weddings. They’re so in love.”
“They are. And don’t be sorry, Mel, emotions are good.”
“Weddings are crazy, right? They always make me feel like love is so real, but make me feel lonely at the same time.”
“Why would you feel lonely?”
She looks down at the napkin she’s fidgeting with. “I’m thirty-six with no prospects. Most of the time, I wonder if I’ll ever find what they have.”
“Any man would be lucky to snag you, Melonie.”
She lets out a small laugh. “Yeah, they’re not exactly beating down the door.”
