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“You need a minute?”
He doesn’t respond but I know that face. I know the distant look. The regret.
“I wish they were here too,” I say, following his gaze toward the guests making their way in. Guests that won't include Mom or Elliot.
Chase shakes it off and inhales deeply. “Am I allowed a drink?” he asks.
“Only if I have one with you,” Levi says, walking up the path toward us. The ring boy is with him, looking almost as grumpy as his father.
Chase’s friends are hard to miss. They look like the celebrities they are, with their shades, designer suits, and beautiful women by their sides.
I see the flashy Aston Martin parked in the lot. And it’s owner stepping out.
Shit.
I’m a fucking mess. Not because I don't trust that she’d choose me in the end, but what if this whole ‘starting fresh in a new town’ thing wins over? What if I bring up painful memories of rejection and insecurities when Landon is.... not that complicated?
Charlie and I are the definition of ‘it’s complicated’.
I shake my head and turn the other way, finding Chase and Levi watching me. “What's your deal with Humphrey?” Chase asks.
“I’ll give you one guess,” I grit.
My brothers exchange glances. “No, seriously, what?"
“You don't know?” I aim the question at Chase.
“You mean Pepper's attempt to set him up with Charlie? We still on that?” He looks genuinely confused. “Dude, it’s nothing serious. Besides, I'm sure you changed her mind.” He backhands my chest with a laugh.
I thought I did.
But what if he changes her mind back?
Chase scratches his head. “The man does look better in midnight blue than you do.”
I don’t spare him a glance. “Yeah. He looks better on the ice than you do, too.”
“Alright you two.” Levi pushes between us. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on. But if that guy’s got his eyes on Charlie—you need to make it clear she’s unavailable.”
“I’m not going to talk to him.” I roll my eyes.
“If you're going to be a grump about it, I’d rather you get it off your chest. He’s cool. He’ll back off,” Chase assures.
“Maybe later,” I grumble as the devil approaches.
“Hey guys.”
“Landon. Looking good man,” my brother says, and I know it’s for my benefit.
“Hey, congratulations again. Knew you two were it from the start.”
“Thanks. You remember my brother Noah.”
I assess his height. His broad shoulders. I was afraid I’d have a problem seeing him with Charlie today but if I’m getting heated just from having to shake the man’s hand, I’m in trouble.
Levi nudges Chase. “Let’s go get that drink.”
I don’t take the bait for being alone with Landon. I’m about to walk away when he suddenly points a finger at me. “Hey, that’s right. Noah. Man, I'm glad I ran into you. Listen, I know it’s not a good time, but you got like five minutes for a quick chat?”
