Page 91 of Taste of Surrender
After our show in Boston, we rescheduled the missed tour dates a few weeks later. Since then, Surrender had been back on track. Jasper continued as our chef on the road and once our final show was done in NYC, we went back to Boston, grabbed all of Jasper’s stuff and he moved in with me in LA.
I leaned over and whispered into his ear, “I can’t wait to get you out of that tux.”
“Behave.” He chuckled.
“I can’t help it. You look so hot all dressed up.”
“I feel the same way about you.” He winked.
A sudden, loud whirring sound interrupted our flirting, and I glanced up in annoyance. A helicopter circled above, and I had no doubt it was paparazzi or someone working for a news outlet. The media was desperate to get pictures of Jesse’s wedding, and their presence was always as bothersome as a swarm of buzzing flies. I shot a glare at the sky, wishing they’d just disappear. That they’d give our circle some peace at least this once.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jesse groaned beside me.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Just drown them out, man. Just drown them out.”
“Yeah, okay.” He snorted.
“Don’t forget you’re the reason we made it big,” I teased, reminding him he was the one to come up with the plan to try out forThe Band Showdown.
“Where do you think we’d be if I hadn’t suggested TBS?”
I glanced at Jasper and smiled. “Don’t know, but hopefully we’d all be together one way or another.”
A moment later, Midnight Thunder started to play the melody to a song we wrote for Olivia to walk down the aisle to. Jesse had asked the band—and our friends who had opened for us on tour—to play at his wedding. They were the perfect choice to help celebrate the day.
Taking a quick peek at Jesse, I could see his eyes were locked on Olivia as she held onto her father’s arm and moved toward us. She looked radiant, her white gown flowing in the wind, her smile as bright as the setting sun. This was the moment Jesse had been dreaming about since we were in high school, and I couldn’t have been happier for him.
As we madeour way to the reception area—after the paid photographer had taken a gazillion pictures—I walked over next to Silas while Jasper went to the open bar to get us a drink.
Not only was Silas not doing drugs anymore, but he was 100% sober, which meant no alcohol either. Having his sober companion with him all the time helped him a lot, and I had to hand it to him because he was doing amazing with his recovery. While we were finishing our tour, he was the first to wake up and do yoga while we all slept. He’d also had Jasper make him green smoothies every morning, and while I had never really noticed it before, there was now a little spark in his eyes that spoke volumes about his recovery.
“How are you holding up?” I asked my friend.
“Good. Just glad I could be here today to see them finally tie the knot.” He smiled at Cash as he walked up and handed Silas a cup of water.
“I’m glad you’re here too,” I gave Cash a head nod in greeting, then said to Silas, “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
Elliott joined us, his eyes fixed on Savannah as she talked with Rina across the lawn. We were waiting for the bride and groom to enter so we could eat and really get the party started.
“How’s it going with Savvy?” I asked, nodding toward Savannah.
He smiled wide, still not looking away from her. “Things are really good.”
“Happy for you, man.” I squeezed his shoulder.
“Thanks, bro.”
Jasper walked over and handed me a beer. I kissed his cheek before taking a quick sip.
“Tomorrow—” Jasper started to say but before he could, the lead singer for Midnight Thunder, Adam, started to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. We clapped and then took our seats at the head table.
I was counting down the minutes because I had something up my sleeve for after Jesse and Olivia rode off into the night.
After the mealand some dancing, it was time for the speeches. I stood up, holding my glass, and tapped it with a fork to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, and those who are just here for the free food and open bar, good evening! For those who don’t know me, I’m Malachi, the best man. And for those who do know me, well, I apologize in advance.”
A little bit of laughter rose up from the audience, and I went on. “It’s an absolute honor to stand here today as the best man for my best friend Jesse. But really, it’s just as much of an honor to be standing here for Olivia too. You see, we’ve all been friends since high school, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching these two evolve from awkward teens who spent countless hours texting back and forth when they weren’t together, to this incredible couple we see before us today who can’t keep their hands off of each other.
“They truly are perfect for each other, so let’s give a big thanks to Olivia’s parents for raising such a wonderful person, and to Jesse’s parents for raising … well, Jesse. Seriously, well done on both counts!”
