Everything I Dreamed (Everhope Road #2)

9. Hailey

9

HAILEY

M y mother strides straight to me when I enter the restaurant. Her dark blue dress is clingy yet respectful, and her dyed blonde hair is up in a bun. “There you are.” She touches my arms as if she needs to check that I’m here in the flesh.

I paint on a smile. “Yes. I made it.”

Her hand finds her heart. “Thank goodness Oliver could drive you. We weren’t sure you would get here in time.” Oliver is a staple at family dinners and parties. My mom eats up Oliver’s over-the-top charm, even though I’m sure he just throws it on to piss Liam off.

“Well, crisis averted. Anything I can do to help?”

My mother huffs. “Ava’s parents are micromanaging quite a bit, so I would hate to interrupt that.” I hear the annoyance in her tone.

“Just imagine how it will be if Liam and Ava ever have kids. You might have to battle it out for the title of grandparent extraordinaire.”

She begins to play with her necklace and a smile appears. “Careful, or I’ll remind you that you didn’t bring a plus-one.”

I smile tightly at her. “Would it matter? I have bridesmaid responsibilities and a speech to give.”

She touches my shoulders. “Very true. Just be sure to work the room and dance with who you want.” My mother isn’t pushy about my dating life, even if she loves to introduce me to potential guys. She is curious about my dating life, though.

My gaze drifts over her shoulder to the bar, and I see Oliver accepting a glass of wine from the bartender while a woman with overdone white teeth seems to be talking his ear off. She’s a little too touchy-feely, and he seems so obviously uninterested.

“Did you hear me?” My mother snaps her fingers in front of me, and my attention runs back to her. “I’ll throw a BBQ after their honeymoon. Something casual. Just Liam’s friends and some family. I think Oliver has a birthday coming up, and I’ll bake his favorite angel food cake for the menu.”

My lips roll in as I don’t dare inform her that Oliver hates that cake and just tries to be polite every time she offers it. Besides, who the hell prefers angel food for a birthday? My mother often gate-crashes any cookout or group dinner at my brother’s. It’s incredibly funny that she wants to hang with the “cool kids” as she calls us.

“Sounds sweet of you.” The scene behind her keeps grabbing my attention. I have an internal instinct to march on over and rip the extensions out of teeth lady’s hair. Luckily for us all, I’m classy. “I should probably say hi to everyone and find Liam, okay, Mom?”

“Of course. Don’t forget the cousins from Florida are here.”

“I’ll say hi.” Stepping away from her, I approach Oliver and doll lady. He peers up mid-sip from his wine and double-checks when he sees me. He seems pleased by my appearance.

I arrive, and they both look at me curiously. “There you are, Oli.” I’ve never once called him that but maybe that’s the indication for him to know that I’m going to try and save him. “I was getting concerned that you overslept from your nap.” I set my hand on his shoulder, pretending to brush a piece of lint before I lean into him. Blondie’s eyes travel between Oliver and me.

“Aren’t you the groom’s sister?”

“Yes, I am, and you are?” My smile holds a hint of warning.

“Tracy. I’m Ava’s cousin from California. Oliver was telling me about his job. He’s successful and easy on the eyes, right?” She winks at Oliver, and I want to claw her eyes out.

Oliver’s smile is strained. “Did you need me for something, Hails?” Oliver asks, and I can hear that he is improvising, proven by the fact that he never calls me that either.

“Why yes, I do. I think we’re supposed to go practice our speeches for tomorrow. We lost the napkins that we wrote them on… last night .” I dagger my eyes at Tracy. Last night can be her interpretation, but it gets the message across, as her face falls.

“Right. Oh. Well, I guess I should go find my parents. Good luck, you two.” She scurries away, and I hear Oliver chuckling under his breath.

Removing my hand, I step in front of him with a straight face. “She was peachy.”

There is a glint in his eyes that informs me that he is on to me. “Saving me?”

“Yes.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Not feeling a little jealous?” He holds up his long finger and thumb to show size.

I swallow, reminding myself of our agreement. “No,” I lie. “You’re not mine to claim.”

He scans the room before stepping dangerously close to me, invading my air. “I wouldn’t be asking except my cock was buried deep inside you last night.”

There.

That does it. I’m molten and my legs are turning to liquid. I want his breath that dances across my skin to cascade down my body.

“Oliver,” I warn him. “It has nothing to do with that.” Because I’ve always been jealous, even before last night.

“I’m calling bullshit on that, but you’re right.” He sighs. “It shouldn’t matter. We’re in a room full of people, and I need to detox from you.”

I’ve invaded his thoughts and body that much? I like that.

His eyes meet mine, and it’s a tether that we just can’t seem to cut. “I’ll go schmooze the crowd so we both can cool off.”

He nods curtly. “Probably a good idea.”

Walking away from him, I feel his eyes on me, and it’s a weight. That just means it’s harder to run.

The rehearsal dinner was uneventful. A few sappy speeches from parents, a buffet, and I worked the room to speak to distant relatives, colleagues of my brother, Ava’s family, and probably a cousin of a cousin. It was easy to slip away and go to bed with only a few glances from Oliver during dinner. I escaped unscathed.

But now? As we all stand on the gorgeous rooftop overlooking mountains as my brother recites his vows and the audience of eighty look on, I do the stupidest thing that a single bridesmaid could do.

I catch eyes with the single best man.

The softest stretch of his lips causes the corner of my mouth to tick. He’s handsome in a tux, and his eyes review my deep gray gown and burn right through me. I don’t think that’s his intention, but we can’t seem to rip our eyes away until we are broken from our daze by Ava’s ordained friend moving on with the ceremony.

My focus returns to my brother who looks utterly happy and Ava who is in a strapless gown. They’re officially in the newlywed phase and will enjoy the excitement of their new relationship dynamic. I also know that my brother will be a good husband. He has a strong character and will do anything for her.

A tear pools in the corner of my eye at this special moment for my brother and how fortunate he is to have found his soulmate.

It’s a beautiful wedding with bubbles blown as they walk down the aisle, and when it’s photo time, I notice the groomsmen already passing out cigars.

“Okay, I need the happy couple in the middle.” The photographer indicates with his hands. “Now that we’ve had a few photos with the wedding parties on each side, let’s mix it up so we have groomsmen then bridesmaids and so forth.” Everyone shuffles around as he continues to direct us. “You, closer to the best man,” he says so easily.

I glance over my shoulder and Oliver doesn’t seem to be complaining; in fact, his hand touches my waist, and he pulls me closer because that’s what we are instructed to do. My entire core feels as though it just did a summersault.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers so only I can hear.

I’ve heard that many times today but only from his mouth does it feel special and sincere.

“Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself,” I utter back.

I’m lucky we are only looking forward as there’s probably a sinful smirk crawling on his lips.

His hand slides back to touch my hipbone gingerly and keep me in place. I’m beginning to wonder if he is using this innocent opportunity to touch me, maybe even remind me.

After various smiles for the photographer, Oliver has no choice but to drop his hand, leaving a vacant spot.

I refuse to turn around and look at him, and I’m saved by one of Ava’s happily married cousins in the bridal party asking Oliver a question.

I’m also spared when Oliver is seated a good distance from me at the table for dinner. I keep myself occupied with conversations with other people until the wedding planner gives me the indication to deliver my speech. I down a sip from my glass of champagne for my big moment and take the microphone in my other hand.

Someone clinks a glass, and the room grows quiet as I stand. I’m not shy in front of people, but this is the one time that I can’t mess this up.

“Hello, everyone. For those of you who do not know me, I’m Liam’s sister, Hailey.” I glance to my brother who has the warmest of smiles, while his arm is draped across the back of his new wife’s chair. “My brother has done the unthinkable and actually found a woman who found him bearable past the appetizers.” It earns me a little chuckle from the audience.

“But seriously, you two are perfect for one another. A year ago, Liam told me he was going to pop the question, and this guy didn’t do traditional. He decided to propose in costume as a gangster from the 20s because Ava loves murder mystery parties. They actually got engaged under different names. Mr. and Mrs. Feathers, I believe it was… and don’t worry, they weren’t the murderers either.”

My brother’s grin is ear to ear. “My brother has been my protector, my friend, the guy I can count on, and I see that he can do that for someone else too. Liam wanted everything to be perfect for his new bride. So much so that he demanded I drive across the country the very second my flight was canceled in order to get here.” For the briefest of seconds, I catch Oliver staring at me with what I could swear is fondness, but I swing my eyes back to Liam.

“I know you two will have a long life together. Hopefully, you actually remember tonight because I hear a rumor that mezcal is on the menu, and we know how Ava gets. After all, that’s how she managed to get past the appetizers with my brother on their first date. To Liam and Ava.” I lift my glass, and everyone cheers.

I walk straight to my brother for a big hug. “Your speech was classy enough. I love ya, Sis,” he tells me.

Ava smiles when she hugs me. “It was sweet.”

I head back to my seat, passing Oliver the microphone as he stands.

The room grows quiet again, and the attention is on Oliver.

“For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m the best man, Oliver. Liam and I go way back. I believe he chose me as best man because he felt my speech would be safer than if Keats delivered it.” Everyone laughs, and Keats shouts out some refute. “Uh, Liam.” Oliver turns his attention to my brother. “You have a heart of gold, the mouth of a sailor, and who the hell knows what kind of husband you will be. But I’m certain that you will make us all want to take notes. You’re both about to embark on a road trip across the country. I’m sure Liam would kill a bear for you too, Ava. And I have no clue if you plan on resurrecting Mr. and Mrs. Feathers for…” Oliver glances at my parents who are smiling, “absolutely G-rated activities.”

Luckily, my parents find it funny, and my brother buries his face in his hands to hide a giant grin. “The point is, you two have a lot of fun together, and we would all be fools not to see how much you love one another. I have zero experience to back it up, but my guess is that you two are the recipe for a long marriage, and I wish you the best.”

I don’t take notice when he gives them hugs or when everyone drinks another sip of champagne. It’s only when Oliver catches my eye with the same curiosity as my own that my haze breaks.

The music pumps up, and as everyone fills the dance floor, he slowly approaches me.

“Come on.” He offers me his hand.

My face screws up, and it causes him to smirk. “You’re supposed to be on detox from me.”

“I believe it’s normal for the bridal party to dance together,” he highlights coyly.

My eyes flutter, and I swallow because my mouth feels dry, but reluctantly, I take his hand and we make our way to the dance floor.

“Nice speech. Winged it, huh?” I goad him.

“You did too, and we both kept the room laughing and emotional, so we succeeded.”

Immediately, he twirls me around, and the smile that hits me nearly hurts. “Didn’t take you for a dancer.”

“I’m not. You’re drawing attention from the bar, and I thought I would save you.” He indicates to the side, and I look to see one of the guys by the bar who I remember mentioned they were a former frat brother of Liam’s.

“Ah, here I was thinking that you wanted to dance with me for other reasons.”

He tips me back then pulls me tight to him when I come up. “Shh. I’m not supposed to admit that.”

It causes me to blush, and I make a mental note to find a shot of something strong soon. “Well… you might be able to convince me to keep that secret,” I taunt.

“Oh yeah?” Interest floods his face. “What might that take?”

Before I can answer, my brother appears, still dancing with Ava.

“Your brother’s ballroom lessons paid off,” Ava gushes.

“I’m happy you found someone decent to dance with,” my brother tells me. For a millisecond it sparks my attention.

My eyes travel between Liam and Oliver. Liam is all fun, while I can’t help noticing that Oliver’s face is more hardened.

“Not so bad,” I reply politely.

“Good. He’s a keeper.” Again, my eyes ignite from his words, only to be deflated when he opens his mouth again. “He’s number one on my team to ensure you’re closely guarded tonight.”

Ava swats him, and Liam winks at Oliver.

They sway away, and the mood to dance vanishes.

“So, that’s my brother.” I quirk my lips out.

“That he is,” Oliver confirms. “We didn’t need that reminder,” he echoes what I’m thinking, because our few minutes of dancing just had cold water thrown on us. Oliver steps back, and my arms fall from his shoulders in the process. “I think I’m going to grab a drink.”

“Oh… right.”

He can’t get away from me fast enough.

Luckily, Esme arrives with a shot of alcohol for me. “It’s lemon-flavored, they say.”

I knock the shot back into my throat. “I don’t care.” It’s time to let loose.

“You know he couldn’t stop looking at you. During the ceremony, dinner, basically the whole day. I bet if I search over your shoulder, he will be pretending not to be staring at you.”

“Who cares. Will you go to the bar for me? Get me another shot or two. This is a celebration.”

The song changes to something upbeat, and we both set the glasses on a table nearby then head to the middle of the busy dance floor. I’m not sure how many dances it was until I ditched my shoes, or when I decided that I would rather sip champagne than down shots. And now I’m being dragged to the dance floor where a row of women wait with great enthusiasm while my sister-in-law has her back to us.

“Why am I here? Am I not competition if you want to get the bouquet?” I ask Esme.

She throws me a playful look. “Oh, I’m all good. I don’t need flowers to tell me I’m next to be married. But I need to be out here to block others, because you, my friend, are catching those roses.”

I laugh at her. “What?”

“You’ve always told me how much you love weddings and all of the traditions.”

I study the overenthusiastic women behind me while the room watches. Looks like I’m joining them in the fun.

Vaguely, I hear my sister-in-law counting, but I’m too distracted by the two women to my left reaching up in the air, trying to block one another. It’s only when I look forward that something lands in my hands without much effort.

Glancing down, I see that I caught the bouquet. Or rather, the flowers fell into my hands.

And when I glance up, I see Oliver across the room at the bar with a wry smile and his eyes pinned to me.