Page 124 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Yuna and Julie also wait for my answer.
“Just a friend dropping by,” I say, not wanting to tell them now and get them overexcited. It’s going to be bad fast enough. At least there are only three women.
A few minutes later, Ryder walks into the place like he owns it. All three women yelp with surprise. Julie’s in particular is piercing. I wince. Maybe Byron Fucking Pearce is trying to turn me deaf using his sister.
Even Mr. Kim’s normally stoic demeanor cracks slightly. “I don’t know why they’re reacting like that. It isn’t like you cured cancer,” I say.
“Don’t hate the player.” Grinning shamelessly, Ryder gives me a man-hug, slapping my back. “I see Iris is here, so we all good?” he says into my ear.
Before I can answer, Yuna says, “They’re engaged!”
“What? Did I say that loud enough for everyone?” Ryder asks.
“Yes,” I say.
I herd everyone into the living room so we can all sit down. Iris and I share a loveseat, and Ryder’s wedged between Yuna and Julie on a long couch. Mr. Kim almost vanishes into the background. It’s a talent.
Ryder gives me the smile he reserves for billboard advertising. “So, engaged! I knew it! You lucky dog. I’m happy for you, man.”
“Thanks. Where’s Paige?”
“Stayed home. Benni’s been fussy all day, and she didn’t want to leave her with the nanny.” Ryder leans back in his seat with a satisfied grin. “So I’m your best man, right?”
Again, before I can answer, Yuna and Julie gasp like they just won the jackpot, hands over their mouths and chins.
“Why are you so excited?” Julie asks Yuna.
“Why are you?”
“Because I’m going to be Iris’s maid of honor.”
Yuna rests her hands on her hips. “I don’t think that’s been decided yet.”
“Ladies, ladies! I’m a married man.” Ryder spreads his arms innocently.
I don’t buy the act. He might be married. He might be devoted to his wife. But he’s still a showman. He thrives under the attention. “I haven’t decided who’s going to be my best man,” I say.
Ryder snorts. The meaning is clear—who could possibly be better suited for best-manning than him? “You have other candidates?”
“I don’t know. Maybe one of my brothers?”
“Oh come on! You know Harry’ll lose the ring.”
“That’s slander. Besides, I have two brothers.”
“Edgar?” He laughs. “Are you trying to have a wedding or a funeral?”
I have to laugh as well. “Edgar’s a rule follower, but he isn’t that bad.”
“Dude. I haven’t met a single rule follower who was any fun.”
Iris loops her arm around mine. “You have two brothers?”
I nod. Soon, she’s going to get to know them all, and I need to prep Edgar. “You already met Harry. Edgar is older and lives in Louisiana.”
“Why do I feel like there’s so much more to know about you?” she asks.
Because I haven’t told you everything, especially about my family.It’s one topic I almost never discuss. “Because I’m mysterious, with lots and lots of layers. You need to stick around if you want to peel them all,” I whisper into her ear.
Before Iris can respond, Yuna raises her hand. “Since I’m in charge of the engagement party, I feel like I should definitely be the chosen one.”
“That’s not fair. I never got a chance to volunteer for the position!” Julie says.
“Nobody volunteers.” Ryder waves a hand. “You just do it. Tell me more about this party you’re planning. I love parties, and I know exactly what makes them memorable.” Then he pauses. “And somebody order dinner. I’m getting hungry.”
