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Yes, I do.
Vada flattened her lips and nodded. While the statement would seem strange to most people, Vada understood it wholeheartedly. Her wedding had been postponed twice to accommodate her family and their schedule. Ironically, but not surprisingly, the rescheduled date didn’t work out either. It was important to note that had either of the previous wedding dates stuck, her best friend wouldn’t have been pregnant for Vada’s wedding. A fact Trista pointed out every chance she got. No one held a grudge better than Trista.
They spent the next few minutes in silence, making their tacos and retiring into the living room, just like old roomie times. There was something to be said about a best friend. Solid and loyal. Someone who had your back, your front, your side, and when shit really hit the fan, they became a protective shield. The person who gets you, understands you. And when you’re at your lowest, that’s when they love you the hardest. That’s what Vada had found in Trista. And vice versa.
Trista settled in one corner of the couch, and Vada sat in the other. When it came to tacos, they both knew better than to try and strike up any conversation. These women were all in. They ate in silence with Vada occasionally sipping her Margarita.
“Is it good?”
Vada licked her lips and nodded. “It’s perfect.”
Trista scoffed and took a bite of her taco, mumbling, “You better get knocked up on your honeymoon.”
That was the plan. When it came to expanding their family, Vada and Hades were on the same page. They both wanted more children. The more, the merrier in her eyes. This was the good stuff.
Trista placed her plate on the table and grabbed the large book.
“Jesus Christ, Vada. This binder gets thicker every time I see it.”
It was over the top and a bit unnecessary. For the most part, the wedding was lowkey. There would be a lot of guests, but the vibe was fairly casual.
“Just trying to keep it all organized,” she said.
Trista rifled through the binder, flipping through the pages. It was sectioned off for ceremony and reception. It would all be held on the Ghosttown Riders' property. Phoebe and a few others had volunteered to decorate the bar and the yard where the ceremony would take place. Vada still wasn’t sure how Kase had agreed to let them have it at the clubhouse. But he had.
“What’s the final headcount?” Trista asked.
This was her least favorite subject to discuss with Trista. And Hades. It was a sensitive topic, and neither gave much grace. Can I blame them? No.
“Um…” Vada was stalling. She might’ve been able to pull it off with anyone else, but not Trista. Her best friend could read her like no one else. Except maybe Hades.
“Who are you waiting on?” Trista’s question was loaded, and she knew it. Hell, she already knew the answer.
Vada took a long, slow sip of her drink. All the responses had come in by the RSVP date. The third RSVP. This marked the third, and according to Hades, final wedding date. Vada completely agreed. They wouldn’t push off their wedding any further. In her mind, she knew she shouldn’t have even pushed it off in the first place. But…
Vada took another mouthful of her drink and immediately winced. Brain freeze. She pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth and drew in a breath.
“Vada?”
Trista had been around from the very beginning. She’d seen Vada struggle with the relationship with her parents. And all its toxicity. But things had changed, at least with her mother. However, her friend wasn’t nearly as forgiving or open to a new beginning as Vada.
Vada glanced up and shrugged. “It’s not like I need a seating chart, so the final number isn’t that big of a deal.”
It was an excuse. And not a very good one.
Trista narrowed her gaze. “It is a big deal. You have changed the wedding date three times to accommodate them, and your mom always comes up with a reason as to why they can’t come. It’s bullshit.”
Yes, it is. Though Vada refused to vocalize it to anyone. Instead, she made excuses.
“They have busy lives, Tris.” Vada internally cringed at her own words. Lots of people had busy lives and found time to be responsible and respectful enough to respond. All it took was a quick swipe of a pen, a checkmark, and a sealed envelope.
“No,” Trista snapped. “Do not make excuses for them. Your mom pulls the same shit every time, Vada. They have plans that day, and you give them a list of potential dates. They choose the furthest one out and feed you a bullshit line when it gets closer. She just happens to remember…” Trista raised her brow. “They have an event that day? It’s bullshit. You have to see that, Vada.”
Goddammit, how could I not!
“I do.”
“Then why do you continue to put up with it?”
