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“Not dating. Just taking her as my date,” I corrected.
“There’s a difference?” he asked.
“Yes. Means just one date,” I stated.
“Funny. I could be wrong, but a little birdy may have mentioned that you were at the resort for dinner earlier. I wonder who you would’ve been eating with. Anyone I know?” he teased.
Tabiq will never change. They don’t like to talk about their own lives but have no problem spreading gossip about others. “Yes, I was with Crystal before picking you up. As I said, she doesn’t know anyone here except for us.”
“But she must have expected to be alone. I mean she booked a vacation alone so this was no surprise. What was she planning on doing if you hadn’t come along?” he asked.
“Read.”
“Read? She traveled halfway around the world to read? I’m sure she could’ve gone to a cafe or a library. Both are a lot cheaper than coming here. Maybe it was the universe bringing the two of you together,” he said. Before I could tell him off, he quickly added, “Sorry, that was from Raya and Kathy. I believe their exact words for the two of you are ‘you look so good together’.”
“Maybe Crystal shouldn’t help you. I’m beginning to think Kathy would fit in just fine in your house,” I glared at him.
“You win. I’ll shut up,” he said.
Good, because I don’t need to be thinking about Crystal any more than I already am.
I held up my half-empty beer and said, “Here is to the last night as a single man.”
Orion raised his bottle against mine. “And may you be the next to fall.”
No way in hell is that going to happen.
CHAPTER 9
Crystal
Because Mayson was in the wedding party, he had to get dressed with all of the others. and I would need to join him there. That meant I had to get my own transportation to the wedding. Thankfully, Bennett Stone was able to make arrangements for me.
When I arrived, I saw the huge white tent and more guests than I’d expected. Why did I think this was going to be a small wedding? Orion was the Vice President of Tabiq. Instantly I started regretting accepting Mayson’s offer. I didn’t belong here. But before I could back out, I saw Bennett and a stunning woman on his arm. They approached me.
“You must be Crystal. My husband told me all about you. I’m Zoey. So nice to meet you,” she said. “And by the way, that dress is amazing.”
“Thank you. Mayson brought me to a shop yesterday and I was lucky they had exactly what I needed in my size.”
She elbowed Bennett and said, “Did you hear that? Mayson brought her shopping. Why don’t you go with me?”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin your outings with your sisters-in-law,” he replied.
Zoey smiled at him. “And you do get to stay home with the kids. So, I guess I can’t complain.” She turned back to me and said, “Bennett told me you’re a nurse. You should have Mayson give you a tour of the hospital here.”
A strange thing to do on vacation but if it meant more time with Mayson, I’d do it. “I’d definitely ask.”
“No. I’ll suggest it. I find men are more obliging when it comes from someone else,” she said.
“Hey. Do you do that to me too?” Bennett asked.
She kissed briefly and said, “Oh course not.” Then gave me a wink. “Come, let’s find our seats. The wedding should be starting any time.”
Even though I could’ve sat closer, I chose to sit towards the back. This was something meant for family and close friends. I was honored to be there but still felt like I was intruding. That didn’t mean I didn’t tear up as they exchanged vows. Mayson hadn’t exaggerated when he said Orion and Raya were soulmates. I could tell not just by their words, but how they looked at each other as they uttered them.
I’d never had anyone look at me with such adoration and love. Probably wouldn’t either, as all I seem to do, is work.
“You may now kiss your bride,” the officiant announced.
