Page 86 of Lost & Found

Lisa’s warm voice rang out as she said something to Chase. There was the distinct laughter of one of our other buddies, Reggie, followed by the playful voice of his girlfriend, Shelia. I smiled and whispered to Isabella.

“That’s Reggie laughing. You’ll love him. He’s laid back and cool like your brother.”

She nodded, and I squeezed my hand once more. We rounded the corner, and Chase was leaning against a fireplace in the center of the lobby. Lisa casually stood in front of him. A loud whistle from Reggie reached my ear, and my face erupted in a huge grin. The whistle was clearly for Isabella.

“Hey, you made it down. Now we wait for the other couple,” Chase exclaimed. “How’d you sleep?”

“Surprisingly well,” I said, and then turned to Lisa. “You look amazing. Wedding planning hasn’t stressed you out one little bit, has it?”

“You know me. I’ve been planning this day since I was five.” Lisa laughed. The sound echoed around us. “Now wait until you hear about all the shenanigans that are planned.”

I turned to Reggie and Shelia. “This is my Isabella,” I said.

The word ‘my’ came out easier than expected. And when I said it, she brushed her body against mine and sighed. We all exchanged greetings, and then Hannah came around the corner with her new boyfriend.

Their presence drew everyone’s attention, just as Hannah liked. Her stride was confident and purposeful. With a toss of her perfectly styled hair, she greeted us with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She centered her attention on me and Isabella.

“Well, look who it is. I honestly didn’t think you’d tear yourself away to attend. Looks like I owe you ten dollars, Shelia,” Hannah practically sneered before smoothing her features and turning to the man next to her. “Trent, these are my friends. Well, most of them.”

She introduced the man standing next to her to the others. He was tall, on the slender side. His blond hair was long and pulled back. He had piercing blue eyes that scanned the room with an air of detached confidence.

His gaze settled on Isabella, making me wonder what Hannah had told him about her. The smile on his face was practiced, almost but not entirely genuine.

Finally, she turned to us. “Trent, this is my old dance partner and his…I’m not sure what she is honestly, but Isabella, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”

“Good to meet you, I’m Pasha.” I offered my name and hand to the man. “And I told you the last time we spoke in London that Isabella and I are dating now.”

“Did you? Between her and that club-whore you were seeing, I can’t keep up.”

I sighed and ran my hand down Isabella’s back. Isabella chuckled. “Well, from what I understand, his previous relationship was as barren as the Atacama Desert, so it was understandable. But don’t worry, I’ve got him on lock now.”

Isabella turned her vivid blue eyes my way and smirked.

“Well, I hope everyone is ready to start the day. I don’t know about you all, but I am starving. I know an amazing restaurant for breakfast.” Lisa spoke, cutting off whatever reply Hannah was going to give and the soft laughter of my friends.

Trent looked like he was fighting back laughter as well, and he relaxed somewhat. I made a mental note to keep my distance from Hannah as much as possible.

Thankfully, I knew in my heart Isabella could not only take what Hannah dished out, but in return, she would meet her head on. There would be no backing down.

Not with my little princess.

With the entire wedding party of eight ready to go, we stepped outside. The cool morning air hit my skin, and I drew it in, letting it settle. Salt. Wind and open spaces. Seagulls could be heard in the distance. Pasha’s arms wrapped around me. I turned my head as he nestled his between my shoulder and neck. I closed my eyes and breathed him in.

“You okay?” he asked.

“It’s beautiful. You know I love the beach,” I answered, thankful for his strength, anchoring me.

“We can take a walk alone later if you’d like.”

“Promise?” I turned to hug him, suddenly feeling a rush of emotions.

“Yes, but you’ll have to earn it,” he teased and reluctantly pulled away as a gleaming black car rolled up in front of us. Chase sat behind the wheel.

“Game on,” I replied with a smirk.

Hannah, Shelia, and I hopped into the very back while Pasha, Trent, and Reggie sat in the middle. Soon we were off and on our way to a local diner Lisa suggested. Today was a casual, relaxing day before a two-day intensive that Lisa’s father had arranged.

Cirque du Soleil was scheduled for a show while we were here. I was excited to see not only the show but to watch them practice something so intense together. After the intensive was the show itself, and then the bachelor and bachelorette parties, before the big wedding on Saturday.