29. Noah
29
Morning.
Charlie : What's wrong?
Nothing is wrong. Why would something be wrong?
Charlie: I told you to text if anything is wrong.
Just checking on you. You seemed nervous last night.
Charlie : Pre-wedding jitters.
It’s almost over.
She doesn't respond and I take the hint, getting back to helping her make today a success rather than distracting her with pleasantries like ‘good morning’ or ‘do you want me to bring you an iced coffee?’
I think twice about that second one. Charlie doesn’t need more jitters today.
I load up the car with what we’ll need and wake my brother—who's crashing on my sofa. He’s well aware that the guest bedroom isn’t available and I sure as hell wasn’t about to give him the bed Charlie and I shared the last few weeks. Groom or not.
He perks up as if he'd been awake for hours, but I know he’s been knocked out cold since eleven o’clock last night.
“You alright?”
He runs a hand down his face. “Anything on our leads?”
Is he joking? He’s concerned about our leads today. “No, man. I'm sorry.”
He sighs. “I just wanted to give her everything.”
I remember Charlie’s words to me from weeks ago. Keep the groom engaged and sane on the day of the wedding.
I grip his shoulder. “Today is going to be the happiest day of her life. But that can’t happen if you’re worried about her. You know she’ll see right through it.”
He rakes his fingers through his hair. “You’re right.”
“I’ll go make some coffee, then we’ll get dressed and head over. Sound good?”
“Yeah—yeah, coffee.”
Pepper wanted an outdoor Spring wedding in the open field near Hideaway Lake. And I don’t have a doubt in my mind that what's sprawled before me is exactly what she envisioned. The air is crisp and fragrant. The sun, warm and inviting. There’s a narrow white pebbled path that leads from the parking lot to the ceremony.
Rows of white chairs decorated with rose ribbons face a canopy made up of sheer white fabric and peach roses. The entire scene is set in front of one of my favorite views of this lake.
My new favorite view? Watching Charlie race into it naked.
That supersedes any décor.
A festival-sized tent is set up a few yards away for the reception, with several open curtain entrances.
“Where is she?” Chase asks.
I hold up my phone, signaling a message from Charlie. “Bridal suite.” I point to the small decked-out tent off to the side. It's next to another one, not as fancy, both separated by an open bar. “You’re free to roam about without running into her. Just don’t go lingering outside of it.”
He narrows his gaze and releases a breath. Then glances at the parking lot slowly filling up behind us.
“You need a minute?”
He doesn’t respond but I know that face. I know the distant look. The regret.
“I wish they were here too,” I say, following his gaze toward the guests making their way in. Guests that won't include Mom or Elliot.
Chase shakes it off and inhales deeply. “Am I allowed a drink?” he asks.
“Only if I have one with you,” Levi says, walking up the path toward us. The ring boy is with him, looking almost as grumpy as his father.
Chase’s friends are hard to miss. They look like the celebrities they are, with their shades, designer suits, and beautiful women by their sides.
I see the flashy Aston Martin parked in the lot. And it’s owner stepping out.
Shit.
I’m a fucking mess. Not because I don't trust that she’d choose me in the end, but what if this whole ‘starting fresh in a new town’ thing wins over? What if I bring up painful memories of rejection and insecurities when Landon is.... not that complicated?
Charlie and I are the definition of ‘it’s complicated’.
I shake my head and turn the other way, finding Chase and Levi watching me. “What's your deal with Humphrey?” Chase asks.
“I’ll give you one guess,” I grit.
My brothers exchange glances. “No, seriously, what?"
“You don't know?” I aim the question at Chase.
“You mean Pepper's attempt to set him up with Charlie? We still on that?” He looks genuinely confused. “Dude, it’s nothing serious. Besides, I'm sure you changed her mind.” He backhands my chest with a laugh.
I thought I did.
But what if he changes her mind back?
Chase scratches his head. “The man does look better in midnight blue than you do.”
I don’t spare him a glance. “Yeah. He looks better on the ice than you do, too.”
“Alright you two.” Levi pushes between us. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on. But if that guy’s got his eyes on Charlie—you need to make it clear she’s unavailable.”
“I’m not going to talk to him.” I roll my eyes.
“If you're going to be a grump about it, I’d rather you get it off your chest. He’s cool. He’ll back off,” Chase assures.
“Maybe later,” I grumble as the devil approaches.
“Hey guys.”
“Landon. Looking good man,” my brother says, and I know it’s for my benefit.
“Hey, congratulations again. Knew you two were it from the start.”
“Thanks. You remember my brother Noah.”
I assess his height. His broad shoulders. I was afraid I’d have a problem seeing him with Charlie today but if I’m getting heated just from having to shake the man’s hand, I’m in trouble.
Levi nudges Chase. “Let’s go get that drink.”
I don’t take the bait for being alone with Landon. I’m about to walk away when he suddenly points a finger at me. “Hey, that’s right. Noah . Man, I'm glad I ran into you. Listen, I know it’s not a good time, but you got like five minutes for a quick chat?”
If it’s about Charlie, I’ve got all the time in the world .
I shrug. “I'm free now. Ceremony starts in thirty minutes.”
“It’s uh…kind of personal. Should we go somewhere?”
I glance at my brothers. “We can use his tent. It’s set up down here.”
I imagine what he wants to talk about on the short walk. Does he want to find out what the deal is with me and Charlie? Did she tell him she’s living with me? He better not be asking me for ‘advice’ as her ex-boyfriend.
“What's up?”
“I need advice.”
Fuck.
I sigh out loud and he holds up his hands. “I’m sorry. Chase told me you’re a lawyer.”
I blink.“You need…legal advice?”
“You review contracts?”
I specialize in them.
“Occasionally. Does this have anything to do with a trade?”
Please say yes.
“No. It’s modeling underwear.”
Of course it is.
“Would you take a look at the terms for me? I’d pay your regular rate.”
I shake my head. “Sorry, that’s not my expertise.”
He nods, but I know he doesn’t believe me since I thoroughly review all of Chase’s contracts.
“I thought maybe you could take a look. I feel like you really can’t trust anyone in the media biz, you know? Chase trusts you with his life so…”
“You know what, yeah, I could review them for you. Give me a call at the office on Monday.”
“Awesome. I owe you big. If there’s anything I can ever do for you—”
“There is,” I blurt out. “You can stay away from Charlie.”
He blinks and frowns like he's trying to remember the name.“Pepper’s friend?”
“Yes. She and I have history. And I want her back. For good this time."
He puts up his hands. “Noah. Hey, man, I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about.” The curtain to the tent opens behind Landon. Charlie’s eyes widen, taking in the sight of the two of us in here. “I'm not into Charlie.”
“Aren't you her date?" I grit, keeping my eyes on the girl behind him.
He looks over his shoulder awkwardly. “If I am…I wasn’t aware.”
I swallow hard, tearing my eyes from Charlie, and look at Landon. “I must have misunderstood.”
He holds up his hands defensively. “No worries. It uh… happens all the time.” He gives an awkward hello to Charlie and steps out.
She blinks and sucks in a breath. “We’re about to start.”