Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
JESSICA
I bristle in the limousine the girls insisted on hiring for the night. They might be more accustomed to this mode of transport, but me, not so much.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask again for what feels like the twentieth time.
Avery taps the side of her nose. “That’s for us to know and you to find out,” she replies, refilling my champagne glass.
I roll my eyes but smile. I can’t even be mad about the two of them keeping it a secret. If I had my way, we’d have just gone out for afternoon tea. Which I did already, in fact, do with Maggie. She’s been a rock since I moved in with the guys, and I adore her as much as I did my nan.
I’m already anticipating shots and dancing, if our attire is anything to go by. It shouts club vibes, and I secretly pray it’s not a strip club. I doubt either Caleb or Noah would take too kindly to that, but what can I say? I love how possessive they are of me.
The limo pulls to a stop, and I realise that must mean we’re here. I look out of the tinted windows and recognise where we are.
My jaw drops. “You brought me to Formidable,” I say. Okay, I did not see that coming.
“Yeah, I spoke to Octavia. She’s reserved a section in the main bar VIP area where she’s going to join us. Don’t worry we won’t be partaking in any kinky antics. Unless you want to give this a whirl,” Avery motions to herself, wiggling her eyebrows.
I shake my head. “Not at the expense of the men I love,” I retort. Even though I know she’s likely only joking, I say it anyway.
She throws her head back and laughs. “Your face was priceless. It’s okay, Jess, I know you only have eyes for two men and two dicks.”
Lily shakes her head. “She’s playing.”
Avery looks affronted. “Are you trying to imply I couldn’t have my wicked way with Jessica if I wanted to?”
“That’s not something I can answer,” Lily replies, looking between us.
Avery smirks but chooses to forgo replying. “Anyway, let’s go have some fun. You never know, I might find myself a suitable date for the wedding,” she says.
“You wouldn’t,” Lily replies incredulously.
She shrugs as the driver opens the door and climbs out much more gracefully than I’m sure I will.
“Did you give her a plus one on her invite?” Lily asks me as she shifts towards the door.
I nod. “Yeah, I did.” I hook my thumb over my shoulder. “You don’t think she’ll bring some random to my wedding, do you?”
Her lips pull into a grim line. “I guess we’re about to find out. After you,” she says, waving towards the still-open door.
I climb out without flashing my knickers and straighten my dress while waiting for Lily to join me. Avery talks to the bouncer like they’re old friends.
Avery turns to me and Lily as we approach. “This is the bride-to-be, in case you couldn’t guess,” she says, waving at the sash she insisted I wear as well as a sparkly tiara, one I think may, in fact, not be cubic zirconia. “And Lily, but she already has four men vying for her attention.”
The bouncer laughs. “Duly noted, I’ve been with my partner for ten years, and we’re very happy,” he says.
“Just my luck,” Avery mutters under her breath as she pushes her hair over her shoulder.
“Sorry,” he replies, removing the hook to pull back the rope and let us pass.
“It’s okay, Jake. I’m glad to see there are still good men out there who are faithful.”
He nods, replacing the rope. “Have a lovely evening.”
“Thank you,” we reply as we make our way inside.
“Do we want to check-in our jackets?” Lily asks as we get closer to the cloakroom.
“No, we can just leave them where we’re sitting,” Avery replies.
It makes sense since we’re only in light jackets, and that way, when we’re ready to leave, we can just go.
Avery gives her name to the hostess. “Welcome, please follow me. If you need anything, just let me know. You already have champagne waiting for you.”
My face heats as Avery and Lily usher me to go first as we approach the cornered-off VIP area. Once we’re seated, the hostess pops the cork, pours us all a glass of champagne and then leaves us to it.
A little while later, I see a familiar face and stand up as Octavia approaches.
“Hi Jessica,” she kisses my cheek in greeting, followed by the girls.
“You don’t mind me crashing your hen do, do you?”
I shake my head. “Of course not. I’d be upset if you didn’t,” I reply honestly, wanting to spend the night with my closest friends.
“So, are you ready for the wedding?” she asks, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a sip.
“I am,” I reply, unable to stop from smiling. I still can’t believe that I'll be getting married in just over a week.
“They’re lucky,” she replies, looking around at the other patrons nearby.
I shake my head. “No, I’m the lucky one.”
“Well, in that case, you’re all lucky, and for the record, I’m glad it’s you.”
Her words hit their mark, and I find myself waving away unshed tears.
We talk and laugh as we listen to music when Avery’s voice cuts through the happy buzz I currently have going on.
“You have got to be freaking kidding me,” she says, her eyes turning to slits.
“What?” I ask concerned, and look over my shoulder when I see a group of men as they move in our direction.
Caleb spots me first, his lips curving into a salacious grin, followed by Noah, who smiles when he sees me.
Avery stands and pushes towards Mase.
“You can’t be serious,” she says as she pokes his chest.
He tries but fails to hold back his smirk. “What? I didn’t know you’d be here. You wouldn’t tell me, remember?”
She places her hands on her hips. “Because it’s none of your business, that’s why.”
He tilts his head. “Actually, it kind of is.” He signals to Caleb and Noah. “Best man. And brother of the bride.”
She huffs, and I swear she just stomped her foot, but I can’t be sure as Octavia blocks my view.
“And I’m the bridesmaid.”
Mason shrugs. “Hmm, but I’m a blood relative.”
Okay, yeah, no. I stand up, ready to come to her defence, but Caleb and Noah intercept me before I even get the chance.