Page 97 of Love Lessons
Drake: Aren’t you going to ask how my night is going?
Crikey: You’re the one who had to put on a tux, so I already know how that’s going.
At least I’m comfortable. As usual, the clothes that Vera picked out for me are tasteful and suited to my fabric issues.
I hope she found my thank-you note.
And I hope she spent a long time looking at the photo.
Drake: I thought you’d be asking me how Vera’s date is going.
Crikey: I don’t want to know. But after I send that, I get worried.Why? Did something happen to her?
Drake: She’s fine. And I met the guy. He introduced himself to me.
Crikey: All right, I’ll bite. Is he an okay guy?
Drake: He’s smart. Polished. Firm handshake. Your basic nightmare.
When I laugh loudly, my mother sighs. “I have the best friends, Mom.”
“I’m so glad,” she grumbles. “But put away your phone.”
But I don’t, because it rings.Drake calling. I answer the call while walking hastily to the edge of the ocean-view terrace and hiding behind a potted topiary. “What’s up, man?”
“Just checking up on you, my friend. I know you’re hung up on Vera even if you won’t say so.”
“What’s there to say?” I argue. “She wants another chance with her ex. I was just the stand-in. And not a very good one, if I’m honest.”
“I guess I don’t understand why the two of you aren’t together tonight.”
“I tried, man. I invited her to this wedding, but she declined.”
“That is a tough break.” Drake sighs.
“You bored or something? I thought you were supposed to be dancing with your lovely wife right now.”
“Oh, I will be after they serve dinner. I’m starving.”
“Same.”
“At least you can get drunk,” Neil says. “To that end, I’m sending you a little something to help you on your way. It’s a very fine bottle of scotch.”
“What? Dude, I’m not even home.”
“I know that. It’s coming to you at the wedding. Aren’t you at the Belle Haven Boat Club? I’ll text you when my driver pulls up. You just have to run outside and get it.”
“That’s a little excessive, man.” Christ, I must’ve been acting more depressed than I thought this summer. “I’ll take it, though. But I’m okay. I mean that.”
“Oh, I know you are. But it’s weird attending your ex’s wedding.”
“Eh, I guess.” I peek around the topiary and look for the bride. It’s easy enough to find a woman wearing a giant white dress. “She looks good and everything. But I’ve been over her for a long time. Swear to God. I hope she’s happy.”
“That’s great, man. Look for my text in twenty minutes, okay? Charli’s giving me the stink eye to get off the phone.”
“I bet. Later, dude. Thanks for everything.”
“Glad you’re still on my team, Crikey. Call me tomorrow.”
