I open my list of items on my phone. “Dad and Haley, plus Sophie and Mason, are coming here tomorrow, then we’ll all fly from LA together on the charter Wednesday. A few other people, including Pen—who’s covering a concert in Tokyo—are coming in later.
“The wedding is Saturday with the rehearsal at sunset on the beach the night before. Thursday and Friday, I have a few things planned… No known allergies? No crazy phobias?”
“No foursomes. It’s in my new contract,” Beck says, apologetic.
Rae presses her lips together to keep from laughing. “I’m sure Annie will keep that in mind.”
“Speaking of wedding events, thanks for not making us wear matching powder-puff dresses,” Elle says.
Beck shakes his head. “I still can’t believe you’re shunning the time-honored tradition of dressing your friends in shrouds so you look hotter. It’s bad karma.”
I laugh as he straightens in his seat.
“So listen. I know you said there wasn’t going to be a wedding party.”
“Right.” I didn’t want them to have to do any extra work, and it was simpler to organize things myself.
“But”—he spreads his hands—“we’re going to have one.”
I frown into my drink. “One what?”
“A wedding party.” Beck’s eyes gleam. “Elle and Rae figured I should tell you, though I wanted to keep it a surprise longer. The day after tomorrow, I’m hosting an epic event for all the people not cool enough to get an invite to the knot-tying.”
My pulse picks up. “Beck, we’re not having a party this week.” I swallow as I think of the logistics—dress fittings, calls with the officiant, packing, and now this business deal of Tyler and my dad’s. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s thoughtful of you. But you don’t need to lift a finger.”
“Oh.” He offers a charming grin. “The fingers have already been lifted.”
A man with cables wrapped around one shoulder crosses to our booth, looking apologetic. “Can I get your eyes on something?” he asks Rae.
She hands me the phone with Elle, leaving me with a phone in each hand. Then she shifts out of the booth by standing on the seat and swinging both legs out to drop off the other side.
“I appreciate the thought, but…” I try to think of the best way to say that even though I’m touched, we simply don’t have time. “I’m not sure everyone will be able to make a party at the last minute.”
He waves. “Everyone already knows except you, Manatee.” He cocks his head, glancing back at the walls. “Do sharks eat manatees? Anyway, whatever’s on this little list”—he lifts the phone from my hand and surveys it while I stretch across the table, trying to snatch it back—“you’re gonna clear it for two nights from now.”
“Annie? Take a breath. You’re turning purple,” Elle advises from the phone. “Now, I have to go if I’m going to see you in person for the party.” She blows a kiss and clicks off.
I’m still numb when Rae returns, leaning over the back of the booth.
“We good?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say and try to mean it as I shift out of my seat.
Beck stands as well. “Your folks get in tomorrow, right? When was the last time you saw them?”
“This winter,” I admit.
“It’ll be good to catch up.”
“It’ll be something,” I say, thinking of the text I sent Haley as my stomach knots all over again.
When we reach the door, Beck squeezes my shoulder. “Hey. I know you’re a Jamieson by blood. But you know who your real family is, don’t you?”
I huff out a breath. “Yeah.”
“Fuck anyone who messes with you,” he calls after me. “Including Ty. You’ve got us. Right, Rae?”
“Go Avengers.” Her deadpan has my mouth twitching.
“Thank you, guys.”
Their love carries me all the way to my car, until I check my phone to find a group text to me, Tyler, and Dad.
Haley: Family meeting tomorrow morning.