Chapter 18
Dex
Daniela is walking around with a balloon stuck to her ass, and I’m trying not to laugh.
Why do I keep getting roped into helping with all this wedding stuff?
I’m starting to second-guess this best man gig.
When Liam called me an hour ago, asking me to help unload chairs, tables, ice, and a million other things, I drove right over—because that’s what friends do, apparently.
But then I was informed that we don’t even get to stay for the party and enjoy the food and desserts. What kind of shit is that?
We’re almost done with setting up when I stop to watch Daniela hustling around the yard, the half-deflated pink balloon sitting right on top of her round ass, attached to the bottom of her shirt. Not that I’m checking her out, it’s just…there. Well, maybe I was a little bit.
I should probably go tell her.
“Hey,” I call across the yard as I approach.
She barely glances at me, still poking at the flowers in the center of the table. “Hey,” she responds.
I reach out to grab the balloon, and she freezes. “What are you…?”
Realization washes over her face as she contorts her body to look back, and just when I think she’s going to flush with embarrassment, she laughs.
“Wow, was anyone else going to tell me? There are several people walking in and out of here. How long has that been there?” she asks, amused.
“Several minutes. That I know of,” I shrug.
“Well, I appreciate you telling me,” she says, her attention going back to the flowers. “It’s like how I always tell people when they have food stuck in their teeth. Why wouldn’t you? Unless…you hate them and want them to walk around like that all day. Which, I guess you could’ve…”
“What? Why would I do that…I don’t hate you.”
Her gaze flickers back to me for a second, and something in her expression shifts. “Well, maybe you should…” she mumbles.
“Why—” I start, but I’m interrupted by a high-pitched squeal from behind me .
We both straighten and turn toward the source. Two women are heading our way, one of them practically bouncing on her toes. I’d bet money she’s the squealer.
Daniela lets out a squeak of her own and rushes forward, wrapping them both in a powerful embrace.
One of them is tall, with pale skin and blonde hair.
The other has ebony skin, short hair, and is about the same height as Daniela.
I never really thought about Daniela and Layla having other friends.
They seem so wrapped up in each other and I hadn’t heard anything to the contrary.
Not that I talk to either of them extensively about their social lives.
“Hey,” I say as I approach the giddy trio.
Daniela turns to me with a blank expression.
“I’m Dex,” I say with a grin and a wave. “Are you guys friends of Layla’s? And Daniela’s?”
“We are…” they chime in unison.
“Are you part of the wedding party? Or just here setting up?” the taller one asks.
Does it sting a little that these girls have no clue who I am? That Daniela hasn’t mentioned me once? Yes. But then again, why would she?
“I’m the best man,” I say, smiling.
“Oh! I’m Kylie, and this is Britney” the blonde says. They both flash friendly smiles.
“Nice to meet you,” Britney adds.
I sneak a glance at Daniela, who stands silently, chewing on her lip .
“Well, Dex, I’m sure you have a lot left to do. Thanks for your help,” Daniela finally chimes in. It sounds like a dismissal.
I nod my head at them and walk away, but I’m not far enough to miss their hushed conversation.
“Oh my god, you didn’t tell us how hot the best man is! What is wrong with you?” one of them whispers.
“Oh please. Don’t get any ideas, I’m pretty sure he already has a date, anyway,” Daniela replies, a bit gruffly.
I make my way around the house, out of earshot, and hop into my truck. I don’t bother saying goodbye to Liam or anyone else—we’re pretty much done anyway.
I pull out of the pine tree-lined driveway feeling confused.
Why does she think I have a date?