Page 17 of 7 Miles High
“Eleven. See you then, and I’ll catch you up.”
When we disconnect, I roll the news around in my mind. Bachelor party? Why didn’t Parker tell me? What else is he hiding? Shit! I’ve known the man one day. Why should he tell me anything? My divorce really fucking screwed with my confidence.
This is exactly what I do wrong. Attach too quickly. Expecting things I’m not sure the man is capable of giving. No, that’s not it. It’s expecting things that can only be given with time. Mistaking lust for something deeper.
Get smart, girl. I’ve got to protect my heart and just have fun.
* * *
I’m sure the other guests can hear our conversation and laughter fifty feet away. The long table overlooking the turquoise sea is packed with dirty dishes and half-empty glasses. Champagne, Bloody Marys, beer, we’re starting early.
Parker picks up the last piece of extra crispy bacon and feeds me.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Elizabeth says standing. “To our beautiful friend and soon-to-be bride, Jenna! We love you, baby.”
“Thank you all! I’m sorry I had to miss so much. But it looks like you did the best you could without me.”
It’s funny because it’s true.
Then she addresses the men. “I’m not even mad that you fucking guys shanghaied my bridesmaids.”
“It wasn’t our fault,” Matt says, pitching his thumb at Maggie. “This one couldn’t keep her eyes off me.”
That elicits groans and laughs and a flick of Maggie’s finger on Matt’s head.
“Oh, that’s different then,” Jenna adds. “I totally get it.”
Jenna’s personality is big, like her heart. And she’s comfortable enough in her skin to wear a bikini to breakfast. Doesn’t matter that her body is not the typical bikini-wearing type or that the suit may be one size too small.
“Tell me though, what did I miss?” she asks sincerely.
“You missed everything that could possibly happen,” Matt pipes up. “We almost died in a plane crash, we did the Conga with the kid fromThe Exorcist,and your friend here gave me blue balls.”
He gets a nod of agreement from Maggie for his accurate telling of the story.
“What? Well shit. That sounds like a blast,” Jenna says.
Parker chuckles at her idea of fun.
“No sign of Holly yet? Should we worry?” I wonder.
“Elliott texted. They’re gonna meet us at the beach,” says James.
Elizabeth leans around James and smiles at Parker. “Your brother tells me you’re a stuntman. Sounds exciting.”
“What?!” Before Parker can answer, Jenna responds with the enthusiasm of the crazy movie fan she is. “I’m so excited! Tell me everything!”
Parker thinks it’s funny. He goes right along with her.
“What would you like to know? Want to hear who’s a nightmare on set?”
This makes Jenna almost apoplectic.
“Yes! Who is it? Wait! Let me guess. Is it a guy?”
“No.”
“Okay, a woman then. Is she a blonde?”
