“Axel?”
Okay, scratch that.
Hearing my name, I turn and find a face I recognize. Dark eyes, close cut dark hair, and a dimpled smile.
The man places a hand on his chest, “Tony Stoleman.”
I nod as it comes back to me. “GTO.”
He grins, “That’s right. You guys did a killer job.”
My chin dips, “Glad to hear.”
“Hey, let me get you a drink.”
“A drink?”
“Yeah,” he smiles over his shoulder at me as he makes his way over to a bar that’s been set up along the side wall of the lobby.
“Well, hell.” I step up next to him and look at the selection. “This is a tradition I can get behind.”
Tony laughs and orders a Jack and Coke.
“I’ll have the same,” I tell the bartender.
“So,” Tony turns to face me while our drinks are being made, “do you know the bride or my brother?”
Brother?
My head gives a slow shake, “Neither, actually.”
Tony’s head tips back as he laughs, “Oh man, please tell me you just decided to randomly crash this wedding.”
The bartender hands over our drinks and Tony slips some money into the tip jar.
“I’m here with Maddie. Or, I will be,” I gesture with my free hand, “whenever she comes out from doing wedding things.”
Tony’s head tilts a little as he looks at me. Really looks at me. And his features harden for just a flicker before they soften again.
“Ya know, I can see it.” He taps his plastic cup against my own. “I don’t know her well, but small town, best friend’s little sister’s friend.” He lifts a shoulder and I try to follow that trail of breadcrumbs. “You might be good for her.”
I take a drink and admit the truth, “She’s too good for me.”
Tony barks out a laugh, “Of course she is, but that’s the burden we bear as men surrounded by amazing women. Just treat her well. I’d hate to have to burn your shop down.”
He’s smiling when he says it, but there’s a glimmer of true threat in his eyes.
I tip my glass in his direction. “That makes two of us.”
Chapter46
Maddie
“Alright ladies,we’ll get going in about fifteen,” the photographer tells us, poking her head through the door.
“Thanks!” I call back, handing Elouise a water. “You ready?”
Elouise lets out a happy laugh. “So ready.”