Page 43 of Cookout Carnage
I laugh and slap him on the back. I’ll help him out once I get done sliding into the only place that’s truly been home.
“Tris. I’ll call you. And you tell me what you need.”
“Jonathan, ’twas a hell of a wedding. Jules, it’s lovely to meet you. I’ll see you later, my darling. Hopefully, showered.”
Jules turns to me as she climbs up into the seat, and I slide behind her, putting her on my lap. “What was that about?”
“I’ll tell you later. Just drive.”
I pull out my phone as Jules puts it into gear. She’s got it running on automatic, not manual, which is better for me. I’d worry that each time she clutched, she’d grind her ass down harder into my incredibly excitable dick. I’ve never felt lighter or more hopeful in my entire life. As convoluted as this path has been, I know it’s the one I’m supposed to be on. Jules is my one true North Star. And she seems to be here for good.
I look back, and Tristan is still helping put out fires.
JONATHAN: Tris, man. You can take off. Thank you.
TRISTAN: Glad I could be of service.
JONATHAN: You can’t let this be your whole day.
TRISTAN: I’ll think about it and get back to you.
I wave and he nods and heads to his car. I turn my attention back to the woman on my lap and informing the rest of my world that I’m fucking happy. My heart is exploding louder than anything Jimmy Jazz could come up with.
JONATHAN: You all should know that there’s a lot of clean up from the wedding but right now I’ve got something to do.
TABI: Please fucking God, tell me it’s not your wife.
JONATHAN: {Selfie of Juliet driving a tractor with Jonathan’s head on Jules’ shoulder} This is Juliet. The love of my life.
RORY: Is that a John Deere4044R Compact Utility Tractor?
JONATHAN: Yes. I stole it from a guy in town who tricked it out. I have one too. I also have a JCB for the real work.
RORY: Seriously, the best tractor, right, mate? Good on you.
BEN: Can we skip the farm talk?
RORY: Never.
SABRINA: Why does it look like there’s a fire behind you? And is Tanya toast?
TRISTAN: I’d say. She’s been babbling on the church steps amid the firework carnage for ten minutes now about her brand and would we all follow her on TikTok. I really do need to get moving but can’t look away from the automobile wreck that is this woman.
BEN: And yours, Tristan?
TRISTAN: Let’s focus on Jonathan and the spectacular non-nuptials he pulled off. And hats off the lovely and sticky Miss Juliet. Ask them about the sticky!
SABRINA: Do not brush us off dear Tristan. Do you need me? Do you need anything in Chicago? I mean, anything that would require me to leave the woods? I have to leave the woods. And Patrick loves it. A lot. I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m not good at relaxing. Tell me there’s some emergency that takes me away from the woods.
TRISTAN: Thanks, dear Bree, but dinner on Wednesday with you is sufficient enough for right now. I’m driving right now and must be safe. Talk later all. Congrats again, Jonathan.
RORY: You’re rather silent on this subject, Tabi. If I have to be on this bloody chat, you have to answer.
TABI: I’m busy, ok.
BEN: You’re never too busy to snark at Rory.
TABI: Fine. I’m busy being a mother. And one of the animals was about to run into the street.
