29. Reid
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
reid
I glanced across the dance floor where Isabelle and Erin were talking. Isa held her flute of champagne before taking a large swig of it, and Erin was looking over in my direction throughout their conversation.
Isa shook her head at something Erin said, but I wasn’t able to watch the rest of their exchange, because Jake strolled over to me.
“Man, you and Isabelle have been really getting along haven’t you?”
“What do you mean?” I raised an eyebrow, still keeping her in my periphery.
He rolled his eyes. “Come on, Reid. Enough with it. We all know you have feelings for her. You’re about as subtle as an elephant wearing a pink tutu.”
“I—”
“And it’s not like Isabelle is hiding anything either. I mean, she’s looking at you right now.” He not-so-subtly nodded toward her, and I fought the urge to look.
I lost.
I turned my head, and our eyes met briefly, but then she turned away, pretending to be more interested in her drink.
“See?” Jake pointed out, having proven his claim.
“You were there, though. In Houston.” I couldn’t get past the night I messed everything up by saying we’d never be more than friends. The night she agreed.
“That was over a year ago. Maybe things have changed for her. Or maybe she never actually wanted to be just friends. I’m not going to pretend I know anything about what goes on in the minds of women, but I’m telling you, she doesn’t see you as just a friend now.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Mikey and Hayden walked over in perfect timing.
“Isabelle,” Jake replied.
“Oh,” Mikey drawled. “Listen, I know you like her, but if you don’t snatch her up, someone will.”
Hayden gave him a look as Jake raised his eyebrows at me as if to say, “I told you.”
I huffed out a breath.
“Never said it was going to be me. I’ve already been threatened by Ellison.” Mikey threw up his hands.
“He’s in denial about it.” Jake turned to Mikey.
“I am not!” I attempted to defend myself as Colter walked up and laid a hand on my shoulder.
He looked at me square in the face. “Who is the person you always go to when you have a problem?”
I thought about it for a minute, but he cut in again before I could answer.
“Besides me.”
I sighed before admitting what I hadn’t been able to express out loud. “Isabelle. I feel like I can talk to her about anything.”
“Do you remember what you said to me about Ellison?” he asked. “About how good we are for each other, and if Ellison was really as special as I saw she was, she wouldn’t judge me for the things that happened in my past?”
I nodded.
“I see the same thing in you and Isa. It’s clear you understand each other. And I hate to admit that Mikey’s right, but he’s right. Everyone can see the torch you’re holding for her, but if you don’t act on it, someone’s gonna steal her away. All I want is for you to be happy, buddy. But you have to want it for yourself too.”
“You’re right.” I nodded again, not sure if I was trying to convince myself or Colter more. “I’ll talk to her.” I started to walk over to her, but time was not on my side, because the DJ picked up his microphone and called for the bouquet toss.
Fuck.
Colter gave me a sympathetic look as women and girls lined up behind Ellison, who was holding a smaller version of her ceremony bouquet.
“Let’s count it down, everyone,” The DJ called out. “Three! Two! One!”
She tossed the bouquet over her head, and it practically landed in Isabelle’s arms. In no time, her face was a bright-pink shade and she practically tossed the bouquet at Sloane and Erin, the two bursting into laughter at the sight.
“Isa! You’re literally a hopeless romantic!” Erin teased her.
“Exactly! But it has to be the right moment! Catching the bouquet is too much pressure,” she protested, stating her case.
“How do you know it’s not the right moment?” Erin asked, a little too loudly, as she snuck a quick glance over at me.
I fought the urge to look away, to not let Isa catch me staring.
This is it. This is the right moment to tell her how I feel. The reception is ending soon, so this may be your last chance to talk to her. Just don’t scare her off.
My feet, as if they had a mind of their own, started walking in the direction of the bridesmaids.
Isa looked up at me, and a hint of a smile formed on her face as the rest of the guests started piling onto the dance floor. I was having to fight through the sea of people forming a dance circle. But before I could get to her, she glanced down at her phone and her face paled before she looked around then ran out of the ballroom.