Chapter 2 #3
“Well, I can’t say that Lucille or I know much about her, dear.
I know she works at the mayor’s office as a receptionist. I suppose I could ask Mayor Sharkey Smith what he thinks about her, but if she and Rex are in love, then what can I say?
” She pauses again, as if she’s waiting on me to tell her what to say, but I know better than that.
Bitsy Haverbrook needs no help in any of her conversations.
“I was just calling to see if you’d gotten the invitation and if you were going to partake in all the festivities. ”
“Two weeks is a long time for me to be away from work. I’ve never even heard of expecting people to spend two weeks together to celebrate a wedding.”
“Well, it’s also a way for us all to get together with family and friends,” she says softly. “It was actually my suggestion to Rex that it be that long so that everyone can celebrate. Not every guest will be there for two weeks. Just family.”
“But Mia got invited for the festivities as well.”
“She is family, Luke. She’s your best friend, and she’s Lucille’s granddaughter. And you know Lucille and I have been best friends for decades, since before I met your grandfather. She and I are thick as thieves. She’s like my sister.”
“I know, Nana.” I laugh. “No need to remind me. I think it’s a last-minute notice for such a celebration when so many of us are busy.”
“You will come though?” Her voice is hesitant. “You don’t want Rex to think that you’re upset that he has someone and you don’t.”
“Who says I have no one?” I don’t know why I say that. Maybe it’s because I don’t want my nana to feel bad for me as well. Maybe it’s because I want to force Mia’s hand.
“You’re dating?” She sounds shocked. “Who? Does Mia know?”
“Nana, I can’t talk about this right now, but …” I chew on my lower lip. I don’t want to say too much because what if Mia doesn’t agree to the plan?
My stomach churns at the thought. A part of me is nervous that she will say no, though I know that feeling is stupid. I literally have nothing to lose either way.
“You have a girlfriend, and you haven’t told me.” She sniffles, and then I hear her whispering to someone. “I don’t know,” she mumbles, and I frown.
“Who are you with, Nana?”
“Lucille and I were just going to bingo. She was curious if you’d gotten the invitation.
We know that Mia got hers and was a little upset about a note.
” She sounds dazed. “Not sure what it said exactly, but supposedly, Rex was a little rude, and we just wondered if you’d perhaps received something similar. ”
“Yeah, maybe.” Something seems off, but I don’t question her. “Mia and I were just on the phone, actually.”
“Oh, really? One sec.” There’s an odd noise on the phone, and then I hear her talking as if in the distance.
“Mia and Luke were just on the phone.” She is obviously talking to Lucille again.
“Well, I didn’t want to disturb you, darling.
Give me a call this weekend, and we can catch up.
Granddad and I were talking about flying out to see you next month, if you don’t happen to make it to the wedding. ”
“I’ll be there, Nana.”
“Oh, great, great. I can’t wait to hold you and hug you. I’m so excited you’ll be back home.” She sounds delighted, and I feel guilty for not having returned home for so long. “We will all be super excited to see you and to hear about your girlfriend, of course.”
“Who knows? You might even get to meet her.” I am not sure why I add those words. I must be out of my mind. “I’ll send you my trip details soon. Give Lucille a kiss and a hug from me. Love you, Nana. I’ll call you soon.”
I hang up and wonder what the hell I just did. I must be out of my mind. Why am I going so hard with this narrative?
I don’t have time to ponder my thoughts, though, because my phone pings with a text from Mia.
Mia: Spoke to Juniper, Josie, and Wendy about your idea. And they think it is ingenious. So, I’m in. But we need to set some ground rules. :P
Luke: Sounds like a plan to me, girlfriend.
Mia: Don’t be goofy, boyfriend. I’ll call you tonight to plan, if I’m not too sloshed.
Luke: Great. I can’t wait to see Rex’s face when he realizes we’re together.
Mia: He’s going to feel like a fool.
Luke: I know. This is going to be perfect. Have fun tonight and stay safe.
I drop the phone onto my desk and take a seat. There’s a huge grin on my face, and for the first time in a long time, I’m excited about heading back to Coconut Beach, seeing my old friends, and all the new friends that Mia has told me about.
I’ll still have to do a shit-ton of work while I am there, but Mia will understand.
She can cover for me when I'm in meetings or on calls. That is what makes this arrangement so great. She isn’t my real girlfriend, so she won’t expect me to be with her one hundred percent of the time.
I’ll have to show up to key events, and that will be enough.
I will be able to close this deal and show up for the wedding.
It will be perfect. And it will wipe that cocky smile off my brother’s face.
He’s always thought he’s better than me. He’s always known my secret. Well, this time, I’ll show him. I’ll finally come out on top.