Page 11 of My Brother's Best Men
No. Absolutely not. I can’t even look at the man, let alone talk to him.
I decide not to dwell on the sudden realization; I know it’ll only stress me out more. What I need to do right now is focus on getting showered, talking to my brother, and maybe get some breakfast in me because I’m seriously starving. I barely ate on the plane last night, and when I got in all I wanted was to crawl into bed and just pass out after the shitty day and the long flight.
The scent of vanilla and lime fills the room, and I breathe it in, trying to do those deep breathing exercises Melissa is always raving about. I don’t thinkmindfulnessor whatever is for me, but she swears by it, and she’s one of the least stressed people I know, so maybe there’s something to it.
I suck in a breath, counting to ten in my head before I let it out. I run my hands through my hair, getting all the soap out before I condition it. By the third breath, I think I actually do feel a little better. Once I’m done, and feel like I’ve hidden long enough, I turn off the faucet and set about drying off and getting dressed.
I run the detangler through my long, dark locks. I can still see the contrast of the bright blond highlights peeking through, a testament to the fact that they’re so fresh. I made a point to have all my appointments completed this week so I’d be in tip-top shape for this trip, for this wedding. After fresh highlights, a mani-pedi, and a visit to the spa for a facial—I’ll look perfect for wedding pictures, even if I feel like crap underneath all the makeup and hair.
At least I’ll look pretty for my brother’s immortalized wedding photos even if I don’t feel it…
By the time I’m finished combing, detangling, and drying my hair, it’s nearing eleven fifteen. I drop my clothes off on the bed, steel my resolve, and head to the kitchen with more courage than I truly feel at the moment.
“Hey,” I say, noting the kitchen full of people. My brother leans against the counter with a cup of coffee while Raegan peruses her phone, her coffee just in front of her on the island.
But it’s not either of them my gaze settles on. It’s Benny.
“Morning, princess,” Benny says with a smirk.
Good night, kitten.
I blink, trying to forget the murmured words from last night, the words of a drunk friend.
Is Benny reallymy friend, though? I considered him a friend once, in that adjacent sort of way, but like Elijah, I haven’t talked to him in years, so I’m not sure I can consider us close or anything. Still, he is mybrother’sfriend, so I guess that still counts as friend-ish territory.
“Morning,” I say, avoiding his gaze.
“Coffee?” my brother asks with a smirk as I take a step into the space, toward where Raegan sits. She meets my gaze with a softness that’s so warm and comforting it’s like a cup of coffee all on its own.
“I’d love some fucking coffee,” I say, probably more sarcastically than I mean to sound.
Benny sets his mug on the counter. “Anyway, I’ll catch you guys tonight at the dinner.”
“What dinner?” I ask as I take my seat next to Raegan. She goes back to her phone and I can tell from a quick glance that she’s texting her bridesmaids, judging by theBestiesthread.
Which means I’ll get the text as well.
Shit! My phone! I nearly jump as Sam pours a mug of coffee, almost knocking my barstool and myself over.
Benny gives me a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry, I uh…just forgot my phone’s in the other room.”
Sam slides me my coffee and pushes a bottle of creamer toward me. “Sorry, all we have is Italian Sweet Cream, hope that’s okay. If I had known you were going to stay?—”
It’s the way he says it, that word.Stay.Like he’s just accepted it, which is both comforting and also makes me feel guilty. Just showing up here was probably not the best idea, but…
I didn’t know what else to do. I had to get out of that penthouse, had to get away from Keaton and that woman and the promises he broke.
“Totally fine with me,” I say.
Benny says, “With all the fam and shit coming in, yourmomthought it would be nice to get the family together for a dinner.”
I look back at my brother. “This was never mentioned…”
Sam shrugs as I pour a bit of cream in my coffee. “Well, I mean, you weren’t coming in until later, so I didn’t think to mention it, you know.”
I purse my lips as Benny catches my gaze and says, “I mean, I’m sure you can make room for the princess, right?”
