Page 12 of Deal Breaker
“But all the funny stories usually involve Joshua drunk or naked. I don’t think Brianna’s grandmother needs to hear that. Nor do I, for that matter.” Evan’s face took on a pained expression. He pulled out a sheet of paper from his back pocket. “Here, see what you think.” He shoved it towards me and Trent.
We both scanned the speech, which in truth appeared absolutely fine. It seemed to have a good balance of humor and emotion. The audience would love every single word.
“I think you’re gonna kill it.” I grinned.
Brianna’s father tapped the side of his champagne glass. “I think everyone’s here now, so if you’d like to take your seats for dinner, we’ll get started.”
I was seated at a table with Trent and Evan, Brianna’s sister and two bridesmaids, and the dinner flew by. I vaguely remembered Alice and Maya from school, both of them being in the same grade as Autumn. They both took great delight in telling me they didn’t bring dates to the wedding, so they’d love to spend more time with me over the course of the day. I smiled politely, promising them nothing. Deep down, I hoped I might be able to spend a little of tomorrow with Sophie.
After dinner, toasts, and speeches, Joshua, Evan, Trent, and I retired to the Bear Claw Lounge, a bar in the main lounge. Intimate and cozy, it had high ceilings with wooden beams—wood was very much a theme in this place—lots of comfy leather sofas, and a beautiful view over the lake, lit by lights from the patio.
“Who wants a drink?” asked Joshua. “Brianna’s father’s getting the tab tonight, so…” He gestured his hands wide.
“We should take it steady, remember?” I advised. Sometimes I hated being the killjoy, but if this turned into one of our college sessions, then all bets would be off. None of us would make it to the wedding tomorrow, and I didn’t fancy being part of a jilted bride story which went viral.
“Come on, buddy, Josh’s only getting married once, right?” Evan nudged the groom.
“Absolutely!” Joshua beamed. “And we need to make it a night we’ll never forget.”
“If you don’t make it to the ceremony on time, Brianna willneverlet you forget it,” Trent remarked, joining me in the cautionary camp.
“A couple won’t hurt.” Joshua went over to the bar. “You three in?” He raised his eyebrows.
Evan and Trent agreed immediately. Reluctantly, I joined them. I told myself I would take it steady, and I’d leave if things got out of hand.
When Joshua came back with a bottle of whisky and four glasses, I knew things were going to escalate quickly.
He sloshed a healthy measure into each of the glasses, and we toasted to his upcoming nuptials, his gorgeous bride, and a day to remember.
We began reminiscing about high school, then college. Each memory usually ended up with us downing a shot.
“I can’t believe you’re still single, Max,” said Evan, after our second round of shots. “You used to have women hanging all over you at college. How come we’re not planning your bachelor party?”
I chewed on my bottom lip. None of them needed to hear about my one-way crush on Sophie. How no one I’d met compared to her. Ever.
“Guess I’m picky,” I said instead. “Maybe I’ll meet someone at the wedding tomorrow.”
“Ha, unlikely, considering you know pretty much all the women on the guest list. I think Alice might be looking for a date.” Joshua winked. “She’s already told Brianna how hot she thinks you are.”
Alice wasn’t my type. Too fake bleached blonde; I much preferred the natural look. Too perky; I much preferred the chilled type. Too…just not Sophie. I had to stop thinking about my sister’s best friend. I’d never have the courage to say how I felt. Even with the best part of a bottle of whisky inside me.
“I’m more than happy to chat to Alice tomorrow if she needs a friend.” Trent clutched his chest. “She’s cute.”
Joshua refilled our glasses, then lifted his into the air to cheers with us. “Here’s to the best wedding day ever!” Then he downed his shot in one.
Evan, Trent, and I echoed his movements, right down to the drinking.
That last shot hit me hard. The whisky burned a path down my chest, mixing with the previous shots, not to mention the beer and wine from dinner. I winced, one eye closing with the sensation. No matter whether it was Joshua’s wedding tomorrow or not, I had to get to my bed.
“Guys, I’m heading off now. I need to sleep.” I got to my feet, swaying a little, placing a hand on the back of the chair to steady myself.
A chorus of jeers greeted my announcement.
“You’d do well to do the same, Joshua, unless you want your marriage to be over before it’s even begun,” I slurred, pointing a finger at him.
“Hmm, maybe he has a point. We should call it a night.” Joshua stood up as well.
“Ah, come on, one more won’t hurt…” Evan was already heading to the bar.
