He scoffs. “All I’m saying is Veronica’s a pretty girl. Has the potential to be a level ten clinger, but hey, you gotta pick your battles. Either way, you should give her a chance at least. But you won’t. I know you won’t,” he says matter-of-factly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I narrow my eyes at his accusation.
“You never give anyone a chance. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re still stuck on the one ‘that shall not be named.’” He shoves his hands in his front pockets as I unlock the truck.
“Voldemort?” I smirk at him.
“You know who.”
I do, but I pretend to be ignorant about it because I’m trying not to think about her.
Once we’re in the truck, I pull my phone from my pocket and tell Hunter to text Veronica for me. I mentioned my little brother was attending, but I don’t think she fully understood he’d be our third wheel. As long as Hunter is my buffer, I know nothing will happen between us. He’s the greatest reverse wingman ever and always has my best interest in mind, so I know he’ll just randomly ruin the moment. If there are any moments to be interrupted.
Let’s pray there aren’t.
I take the long way across town, so I don’t arrive at her house too early. Once I show up, I have Hunter get in the back seat, then go and meet her at the door. She eyes me up and down like I’m the most delicious piece of cake she’s ever seen. I take it as a compliment.
“Babe. That suit looks good on you, or rather, you make that suit look good,” she says smoothly, lifting her eyebrows as she checks me out.
I smile at her. “You look great too. I love that color on you,” I tell her honestly. Veronica’s a beautiful woman with big blue eyes and thick blonde hair that falls right above her waist. In high school, she was the captain of the cheerleading squad, voted most flirty, and played the lead character in many football player’s fantasies. But I never went there because I was taken and not attracted to her in that way. She came off as a mean girl and that wasn’t appealing to me at all. Time has passed, though, and she’s not like that at all now. Though I’m sure some people would disagree.
As soon as I open the passenger side door for her, she steps up and notices Hunter sitting in the back. He leans over and gives her his signature charming grin because that’s how he is—number one flirt—and the ladies love it.
“Hey, Hunter,” she greets, studying him. “Didn’t realize you were riding with us too.”
His grin doesn’t falter. “I asked Hayden to pick me up on the way in case I drank too much.”
She lets out a light laugh. “Smells like you already got started.”
I shut the door and walk to the driver’s side. I hold back a laugh because Hunter is always two steps ahead of the game. Pretty sure he could write a rule book about women. It dawns on me that he drank that tequila so she wouldn’t question anything. When I get inside the truck, I smile because he’s a little shit. Guy is smart as a whip, no denying that.
After I turn the ignition over, the truck roars to life, and we make our way downtown to the hotel where the wedding and reception will be held. Veronica moves as close as she possibly can to me, and Hunter notices but doesn’t do or say anything. Instead, he sits in the back seat wearing a shit-eating grin and randomly meets my eyes in the rearview mirror. We hold a silent conversation, and I know he’s telling me to give her a chance, but I just don’t feel that way about her. Maybe I could? But if the chemistry isn’t there from the get-go, why force it?
“Are you excited about tonight?” Veronica asks, breaking the silence.
I frown. “Honestly? Not really. I mean, I’m happy for Lena, and she deserves all the happiness. Weddings just aren’t my cup of tea, but she’s an old friend, so I didn’t want to miss it either.”
“Aww. Well lucky for you, I’ll be keeping you company tonight.” She dramatically pauses, but I don’t take the bait and stay quiet. “I wonder who’s all going to be there?”
“I’m sure our entire graduating class and half the high school was invited.” I chuckle. “At least the ones who are still around,” I add.
She tucks her lips into her mouth. “Maybe! I can’t wait to see everyone.”
I wish I felt the same.
Soon we’re pulling up to valet, and I step out, handing over my keys. As I walk around the truck, Veronica loops her arm through mine, and from an outsider’s perspective, by the way she’s looking at me at this moment, they’d think we were a couple. Probably wasn’t the best idea coming with her, considering that’s the last thing I want people assuming.