ROMAN
My leg bounces and I think about leaving before she can arrive. Talking to Bella and a good idea in the same sentence was a terrible plan. I reach for my phone, ready to call Bella and tell her I’m sick, but then she’s standing there, her lips pursed, pushing her sunglasses up.
She huffs, then pulls a chair out and sits. “What, Roman?”
“How’s the wedding planning?” I ask.
She rubs the back of her neck. “It’s stressful as hell. Matthew and I have actually been talking. I mean, Hawaii? If I could, I’d change it at this point. Trying to get all the vendors taken care of from here is killing me.”
“It’ll be worth it once you’re there,” I assure her.
We order quickly, then Bella looks me over. “You look good. After everything with Miles I was almost worried about you.”
“Bella.” I sigh.
“Look, we’ve kept everything professional since things … ended.” She shakes her head. “Which has worked, so why lunch? Why now?”
“I have a plus one for the wedding.”
“And you have a girl to bring, great. I already have everything set.” She drums her fingers on the table. “So? That requires lunch?”
“I’ll be sharing that plus one with the guys.”
She stares at me, laughs, then shakes her head. “What, did Gunner put you up to this? It’s a terrible joke.”
“It’s not.”
She keeps her smile but finally takes off her glasses, revealing sharp dark eyes. “I know you’re lying. Because if you were telling the truth, I’d be pissed. And you, Roman, responsible, reliable Roman would never make me cause a scene or throw this at me with my wedding in a week.”
“Bell-”
“You’re supposed to be the smart one!” She hisses. “Out of everyone! You … you. How could you even ask this of me! You think I want four guys mooning over one girl, creating a ton of gossip on my big day?”
“But-”
“The one day that’s actually about me. Do you think I want everything rubbed in my face? Huh? Reminded of what I left behind while I’m marrying Matthew? Are you …Are you fucking kidding me!” She barely manages to keep her voice down.
“I’m asking before we do anything. But this isn’t like what it was. We love her.” I say. “We do.”
“This is insane. Absolutely insane. There is nothing you could possibly say, nothing, that would get me to say yes to this.”
“Come on, Bella.” I rub my jaw. “I haven’t asked you for anything.”
“That’s because I was always the one asking.” Bella reminds me. “Roman, please take me out to dinner. Roman, please stay, don’t leave me naked and alone. Roman, please understand.”
I take a slow breath.
“I did the asking, and now I’m telling you no. Absolutely not.”
“She’s Miles’ daughter. I’m asking even though at least two of us have put down for a plus one.”
“Then get some fucking hookers. You had no problem enjoying other people with me. Why’s it any different now?” She wraps her hand around the water and takes a slow sip.
“We love her. It’s just like that.” I say. “If you say no, fine. She won’t come … and neither will I.”
She sits on that until the food comes. After a bite, she looks up at me again. “Does she have a magic pussy? Is that what it is?”
“Don’t be crass,” I growl. “It’s as simple as me wanting her there.”