Page 106 of Husband of the Year
Vincent and I nod as Sheldon rolls his eyes.
“An after-school wedding,” he says. “How romantic. Okay, fine.”
There’s more scribbling, and I make an attempt to shift Sheldon’s mood. “Where’s Theo?”
As I hoped, Sheldon’s expression softens at the mere mention of his fiancé’s name, and the tension in his shoulders eases.
“He’s playing mini-golf with Brodie. Today’s their Big Brother’s Day.”
“Brodie talked about it while he was helping in my class,” Vincent says. “He’s very excited. The two of them are quite the pair. I spied Brodie holding Theo’s hand by the entry at dismissal.”
“Theo would never admit it, but he’s just as excited as Brodie,” Sheldon says.
“Well, that’s sweetest.” I offer a smile.
“Yes, Theo’s the sweetest.” Sheldon’s face mirrors my grin momentarily before he returns to the seriousness of his pre-Theo thoughts. “Now, what are you wearing?”
I glance down at my green hoodie, brown corduroy pants, and white sneakers. “Um, clothes?”
“No, you silly goose. To the wedding.”
“I don’t know. Probably whatever I wear to school on Friday? Olan will probably wear a dress shirt and khakis.”
“His standard uniform,” Vincent says. “I appreciate the predictability of his wardrobe.”
“Plus, his ass looks great in khakis.” Jill smiles. “I’m allowed to say that. Best woman!”
Sheldon shakes his head. “What about dinner? Have you thought about a restaurant? How many people are going? Do we have reservations?”
“We figured we’d go with the flow and see what folks felt like.” I lift my chin because, at this point, I’m simply not going to allow myself to worry. “Worst case, we could grab burgers at The Shake Shack.”
Sheldon’s mouth drops open. My mom is right, he really is adorable.
“Go with the flow?” Sheldon slowly closes his notebook. “Marvin, listen. As your friend…” Sheldon looks toward Jill. “Your gay friend…” He glances at Vincent. “Your gay friend with style, no offense…”
“None taken,” Vincent says.
Sheldon’s lips curl up into a gentle smile. He really does mean well.
“It is my duty to give you the best possible experience. You can cancel the gorgeous invitations, the spectacular decorations, the chairs—jeesh, they were a deep burgundy velvet, oh well—but I cannot allow you to have your wedding dinner at—” Sheldon clears his throat, the slightest gagging noise escaping his mouth. “The Shake Shack.”
“You know,” Jill says, “Nick says you can’t beat their Savory Sliders.”
Sheldon gives her a stare that could melt the polar ice caps.
“Marvin.” Sheldon places his hand on my forearm. “Let me make a reservation someplace nice. Please.”
I steal a glance at Jill and Vincent, who both nod.
“Okay, dinner is up to you. Say five o’clock, so we have time to get there.”
“Dinner at five o’clock.” Sheldon writes in his journal. “Got it.”
On my walk to the ferry, I pull out my phone and make the call I’ve been avoiding since Olan and I changed the wedding plans. Deep breaths. This will be fine.
“Mom, I only have a few minutes. I’m meeting Isabella to pick up Illona, but I wanted to tell you—”
“Sweetie, I already know.” The calmness in her voice makes me uneasy.
