9. The Other Her
WEST
Although I’m having fun chatting up the bartender, it’s beyond time I flirt—and I’ve found the target of tonight’s mission. She’s standing by the bar, a dark-haired vision, laughter lighting up her gorgeous face. Her friend has left, probably to the restroom, so this is my chance. My feet move before I can second-guess this.
Here goes nothing.
As I approach her, I shake off the nerves. She’s got this vibe, like she could either kiss you or kill you, and you’d be fine with either. “Hey, there,” I say, my voice steady. “I had to introduce myself because if I keep ordering drinks to stand by you, I’m gonna need a bellhop to roll me back to my room.”
A smile spreads across her face, and, suddenly, it feels like every camera in the room has swiveled our way. Maybe because they have? Of course—they’re hungry for a slip-up or a money shot. Gotta be smooth, no pressure—just my chance to star in Groomsman to Groom, broadcast in high definition.
“Is that the best line you’ve got?” she says, but her eyes twinkle.
“Best? No. But it’s the truth.” I grin. “I’m West, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, West. I’m Brielle.” She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. Her eyes are like two shots of espresso—strong and dark. “And I know who you are. I saw you on Bridesmaid to Bride.” She holds up a sample-sized tube of mango lube. “And I met your parents too.”
“Oh, cool. I see they’re making sure you’re wedding-ready.” I lean against the bar, trying to look casual.
A laugh bubbles up from Brielle, infectious. “That they are. Your mom told me, ‘An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.’”
“Sounds like her. Cheers to that.” We clink and take a swig of our drinks.
“So, West Quinn. I know from Paige’s show that you’re big into superheroes. If you could be one, who would it be?”
“That’s easy. I’d be The Flash. But it’s not for the reason you probably think.”
“Really? So it’s not to be lightning fast?”
“That part is cool, but no.” I inhale. “The Flash is the ultimate speed reader. Can you imagine all the knowledge he can obtain?” I point at her. “And his magnetic abilities allow him to manipulate ferromagnetic fields and objects—like he can stop the clock.”
Brielle’s eyes flicker, amused. “I see you haven’t put much thought into your answer.”
“None at all.” My lips tick up. Eva and I had this conversation after watching The Flash, and she was the one who convinced me to change my choice. I used to want to be Thor because of his superhuman strength, electromagnetic manipulation, and powers of teleportation. But she reminded me of the knowledge The Flash would have, and I changed my mind.
“West?” Brielle brings me back to the moment. Her hand reaches across the bar, tentative. “Still here?”
“Of course!” I say a little too enthusiastically.
“You look like you’re coding in your head.”
“Occupational hazard.”
“Look. I heard your parents. Maybe Groomsman to Groom is the answer you’re looking for, or maybe...” Brielle trails off, leaning back and brushing her tongue over her lips, “...you haven’t asked the right question yet.”
I give her my best smile. “I know I haven’t. Because I have to ask: which superhero would you be?”
She leans in so close I can see the chips of gold in her green eyes. “I used to imagine myself as a shapeshifter. I wanted to blend into any environment and adapt to any situation. But that changed.”
“I’m listening,” I say, but I can feel a current pulling me elsewhere.
Brielle looks into the distance, her expression contemplative. “Now I’d choose to be The Scarlet Phoenix.”
I arch an eyebrow. “I don’t know The Scarlet Phoenix. But I’m fascinated.”
A soft chuckle escapes her lips. “She’s a mysterious figure who possesses the power of transformation and rebirth. She navigates the world with grace and strength, always rising from the ashes, stronger than before.”
“Deep. And intriguing.” I definitely love Brielle’s vibe and how she seems within reach. Eva’s always felt untouchable to me, and at some point, it’s exhausting to fight for someone you don’t feel good enough for. But enough about Eva. “And the reason behind why you’d want to be The Scarlet Phoenix?”
Brielle sips her wine. “When I was ten, I had to start at a new school where I didn’t know anyone. I felt like an outsider, always trying to fit in but never quite getting there.” She sets down her wineglass, turning her focus onto me. “One day I stumbled upon an old book in the library about mythical creatures with incredible powers. It helped me cope, as silly as it sounds.”
“Not silly at all.” I want to tell her I never fit in either. But I’m not there yet, so I say, “I’m the master of using superheroes and mythical creatures to cope.”
Relief flickers in her eyes. “I’m a firm believer in second chances and the power of reinvention. Just like the Scarlet Phoenix, I want to emerge from my past self and soar.”
Her words give me actual goosebumps. “Wow. That’s exactly how I feel.” My voice is low.
Brielle meets my gaze with intensity, as if searching for something in my eyes. Although I’m into this—into her—something’s holding me back, and I don’t want to admit to myself what it is.
Before either of us can say anything else, Skye bursts onto the scene, wearing a flowing mustard-yellow dress and a matching beach hat. “There you are.” She glances at Brielle. “Sorry, cutie, but I need to steal this guy. Disaster Alert!”
“What’s going on?” I say.
“There’s another wedding party setting up on the beach where Paige and Zach’s wedding is supposed to be. They say their ceremony is on Saturday evening too. Eva’s headed to straighten it out, but I don’t want her to go alone.”
Jesus. Seriously?
“Excuse me,” I say to Brielle.
“No problem.” She smiles. “To be continued.”
“Definitely.”
As soon as I’m alone with Skye, she says, “This is bad, West.” Her tone is all business. “We gotta get on it.”
“Lead the way.” I take a last swig of my drink. Skye rushes me over to Eva, who’s stepping off the patio and onto the beach at night, the moon hanging like a spotlight.
“Wait up, Eves. Let me come with you.”
“Thanks, West. Paige always wanted something memorable for her wedding album.” Eva powers ahead with purpose. “But another couple? That’s one hell of a photo bomb.”
“What exactly is the plan here?” I catch my breath. “No hard feelings, but we were here first?”
Eva snorts. “Kind of, yeah.”
Together we stride toward the invaders, ready to save the wedding.