Page 4 of The Golden Scoop

The crowd yells “No!” and I point at a lady in the back who I’m pretty sure is some distant relative on Julia’s mom’s side. “If you don’t know me, then consider yourself lucky you scored an invite.”

Laughter breaks out, and the nerves start to fade.

“I’m usually referred to as the crazy one, but today I’m Julia’s maid of honor. We’ve known each other since we were in diapers. She’s like the sister I never had—Olivia, hide.” I gesture to my younger sister, who immediately ducks under the table, earning another round of chuckles.

“In all honesty, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for you. We’re like yin and yang: you cook, and I eat; I get us into trouble, and you get us out of it; you make the plans, and I inevitably show up late.”

Julia laughs next to me, reaching for my hand.

“We’ve both had our ups and downs, but the truth is, none of it ever felt bad because I had you by my side.” I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat as Julia gives me a squeeze.

“Harrison, you should know: our weddings have been a topic of conversation for a long time. And as much as I looked forward to this day, there was always a part of me that feared the man who’d end up sharing my best friend’s life with her wouldn’t be a match for her, or for me.” A ripple of laughter moves through the crowd.

“Of course, I knew who you were before I met you in person, but I never once expected you two to be this great together. I will forever cherish you for finally showing Julia what she deserves. And even though that’s probably why I don’t have a plus one today myself, thank you for raising my own standards.”

I lift my glass and grin. “To Julia and Harrison, may your life be filled with love, laughter, and adventures that require a third person!”

The room breaks into claps and cheers. Matt wastes no time in standing up to steal the spotlight. I let him and focus on the teary-eyed bride.

“Moving, Mills, really,” he says, knowing I hate when he calls me that. At least he looks like an idiot who doesn’t know my name. “I should’ve gone first. Now anything I say is going to sound terrible!”

“Oh, don’t be so modest,” I say into the microphone, my sarcasm tucked neatly beneath my fake smile.

“By the way,” he adds, turning to me with that infuriating smirk, “you might’ve come here without a plus one, but that doesn’t mean you have to go home alone.”

My mouth drops open. Did he just say that? Out loud? In front of everyone?

Heat floods my cheeks, betraying me completely, and he winks.

My dad’s face has now settled into a deep frown, and I have no choice but to sit back down and pretend like this was all part of the plan.

“If I’d have known that was all it took to leave Emma speechless,” he continues, clearly enjoying himself, “I would’ve said it a long time ago.”

I shoot him my best “Quit it!” glare.

“Alright, alright. Putting all jokes aside,” he says, straightening his tie. “I’m Matt Hunt, the best man. And unlike what the girls experienced growing up, I never had anything constant in my life until I met Harrison a little over a decade ago.”

He clears his throat and pulls at his collar uncomfortably.

“I had moved here from the East Coast; Harrison had been here for a couple of months already. I found him through a Craigslist ad looking for a roommate. I never expected it would turn into the friendship we have today, but if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

They were roommates? I feel like I would’ve known about that if it were true.

“I guess, in a sense, we’re pretty much like Julia and Emma. He was always keeping me in check, and eventually we became each other’s family when everyone else was far away. I wouldn’t be who I am if not for you,” he says, looking straight at him.

Harrison smiles gently, and for a moment I wonder if they’re going to get emotional. Matt sounds genuine. Then again, acting is his job.

“And I couldn’t be happier that you found your person. Because thanks to you, now there’s someone else in this little makeshift family we created. And for once, I’m not the one you have to worry about keeping in line. To Julia and Harrison.”

Everyone stands, cheering him on as if they were attending one of his exclusive movie premieres. I roll my eyes. No way any of that was true. If it were, it means he might actually have feelings behind all that charm after all.

“Let’s get some songs in while we prep the bride and groom’s first dance!” the DJ says, kicking things off with The Way You Look Tonight.

I turn back to our table, where Harrison wraps Matt in a manly hug. They’re patting it out when a petite blonde taps Matt on the shoulder.

“Do you want to dance?” she purrs, way too sensual for public consumption.

Matt nods politely, but doesn’t look entirely convinced. Typical. Not enough class for him. His eyes find mine and I scowl.