53. Cooper
53
Cooper
“ W elcome to the mile high club, baby.” I grin, holding out my hand. Trin takes it and I pull her up to her feet. I wrap an arm around her waist to steady her as her legs still shake.
“We have to get out there. Someone is going to notice.” I nod and adjust the top of her dress, noticing how her scar peeks out from the valley of her flushed chest.
Opening the door we step out of the bedroom just as Theo comes through the dining cabin.
“Bro really? Her boss and our mother are right on the other side of that door.” Theo shakes his head at me. Clearly the stress of the trip is getting to him.
“What? We were just talking.” I try to play it cool and my brother gives me a look that is basically calling me an idiot without words.
“Oh piss off Coop. The freckles on her chest are pink.” Theo has the nerve to point at my wife’s chest before he turns to her and continues running his mouth. “Your freckles only turn pink Trin after you fuck my brother.” He tosses his hands in the air as I consider if I want to laugh or punch him in the face… Again .
“I’m going to…” Trinia points to the front of the plane and I kiss her forehead before she walks away.
“What’s really going on? Because I know us having airplane sex isn’t a surprise to you.” I insist, pulling out a seat at the table and gesturing for him to take the one next to me.
Theo sits before he spills what’s really on his mind, “I’m glad moms here, obviously.”
“ Obviously .” I say sarcastically.
“Come on, I am… but…” Theo runs his hands through his hair before he finally lets it all out, “She’s driving me nuts man. She’s been calling me multiple times a day. Interfering with all the wedding plans. Not to mention she’s being so mean to Luna.”
Theo stands to swipe a bottle of tequila from the bar cart. “Luna spent hours on a video call with this florist to design these big elaborate centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner and when Luna showed a picture of them to mom she made her fucking cry! Said she was allergic to Spanish roses which is such bullshit because she has an award winning bush in the backyard.” Theo pushes back his chair after he poured two glasses.
Nudging one drink over to me with his knuckles I pick it up and we clink our glasses. Downing our shots in one smooth gulp before Theo visibly relaxes. “Luna has tried so hard to include her and get to know her since her parents aren’t coming but mom’s not making it easy, Coop. Luna thinks she hates her.”
“It’s mom, she probably does hate her.” I huff out a laugh as Theo gives me a ‘that’s not funny’ look. “I mean she probably hates what Luna represents to her. You’re grown up, you have another woman caring for you now, replacing her as she grows older alone. Maybe she just feels like she isn’t needed anymore. You know how dramatic mom can be. Just tell Luna not to take it personally.”
“You gotta talk to her.” Theo pleads, elbows resting on his knees.
“I can try talking to her but I don’t know what you think it’s going to solve. You know how she is. She hates Trin too.” I remind him and he sinks back reclining in the upholstered conference chair. Nodding his head as he thinks so loud I can practically hear the gears turning in his head.
“Maybe Trin can teach Luna how to not give a fuck.”
I stand, giving him a firm pat on his chest before I clarify, “Oh Trin gives a fuck. She’s always given a fuck, but she would never let Carmen see that. She’ll stand strong until we are alone and then I’ll hear about all the slights, side eyes and backhanded compliments until the day I take my last breath. What you need to do brother is learn how to not give a fuck.” I step away walking towards the door to the front cabin when Theo jumps up from his seat and stops me.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re never going to be right if you get in their way. One will always be upset you didn’t take their side. So let them work it out themselves. Pick no side. They will find a rhythm eventually and learn to live with each other or they won’t. One thing is for sure, you hovering around them isn’t going to help. Step in and defend your wife when you feel things have gone too far but Luna is a strong woman. I’m sure she can handle herself.” With that final piece of brotherly advice I open the door and walk into the front cabin of the plane.
All eyes are on me when I spot Trin sitting next to Luna and Stella. Theo nods as he takes a seat next to Sebastian, his buddy I’ve met a few times. Including the first time I ever met Luna.
Taking a seat next to the guys I look around the plane and I’m so grateful for the loyal friends and loving family my brother has by his side.
* * *
A few hours later we’re being dropped off by a car service in front of one of the most gorgeous mansions I’ve ever seen. The traditional style home is covered in floral vines and the fountains make this place feel like a Spanish fairy tale.
“You’ve outdone yourself little bro.” I marvel, staring out at the view as I toss an arm around my brother.
“It’s better than a hotel right? Luna got this place on a killer deal. Some social media thing I guess.” He shrugs, going along with it as he unloads luggage from the back of the SUV.
“It’s perfect.” Luna swoons as she bounces over before wrapping herself around Theo’s arm. Giving him a kiss on the cheek she boasts, “I can’t wait to marry you here.”
Mom’s head whips around before she shouts from across the drive, “You’re not getting married in a church?”
Theo and I both put our hands up, “Mom wait.” We plead at the same time in a wasted effort to keep her from over reacting.
“First you pretend to marry Cooper in a hospital, and for what? Insurance money? You don’t even invite tu madre! Now mi ni?ito is not getting married in a church, but in a stranger’s home?” Her anger doesn’t stop the well of tears in her eyes before she waves us off and storms inside the house.
“Theo! I thought you were going to talk to her?” Luna whisper-shouts as she smacks her fiance’s shoulder.
I turn my back like I didn’t see anything and grab my bags. I’m not claiming him as my brother right now because we have spoken about how he needed to talk to mom and explain the whole ‘not getting married in a Catholic church’ situation.
Eventually we all make our way inside as Luna turns her gaze to the crowd now assembled in the front room, slapping on a happy face. “I have room assignments, itineraries, and maps with details of local shops and amenities all here in these bags with a few little items to make your stay here more comfortable.” She hands out wedding week swag bags and we all dive in.
Pulling out a set of keys with a personalized tag, I toss an arm around Trin’s shoulders as we set off down the hall in search of our room.