Текст книги "Alien in the Family"

Автор книги: Gini Koch

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Текущая страница: 27 (всего у книги 32 страниц)

CHAPTER 66

OF COURSE, READER WAS TRUE to his word and dragged the wedding party off at midnight. I made some Cinderella jokes he didn’t laugh at. I was allowed to stay with Martini all the way through the casino and up the elevator. Martini carried me through the casino—some I figured because he enjoyed it, some because I’d whined that we’d been here ages and I hadn’t gotten to gamble once, and he wasn’t taking any chances.

For once I didn’t feel like I was being watched. Apparently the plan Chuckie and Reader had in place was working. Let the one paparazzo in, and the others were miraculously kept out. Worked for me.

Reader actually let us take our own elevator but left Christopher and Chuckie stationed at the top floor and himself at the lobby level.

“James, you’re taking this whole Wedding Planner from Hell thing a little far, aren’t you?”

“Uh-huh. The elevators send off major alarms if you stop them on the way up or down. I’ll be paying attention, but if you try getting off on another floor and hyperspeeding somewhere, we’ll know.”

“It’s the night before our wedding,” Martini grumbled.

“Yeah. You know, in the olden days, I’d have her under lock and key because you still wouldn’t have scored a tongue-kiss, let alone anything else.”

“Thank God for modern times.” Martini carried me into the elevator, waited for the door to close, then pushed every button at hyperspeed. “Let ’em worry.” He put me up against the side of the car, and we proceeded to make out like mad.

The positive on stopping at every floor was that we got to make out a lot longer. The negative was that we couldn’t do anything more because, well, we were stopping at every floor, and this was Vegas—people were up at any and all hours. We knew there were people on some of the floors because we heard them. All but one guy were nice and didn’t try to join us in the elevator. The one guy came in, made a comment, Martini reached out, grabbed him, and threw him out, all while continuing to ravage my mouth and grind against me. I found this so awesome I almost ripped his clothes off.

We finally got to the top floor.

“You know, some of us have to sleep and get up tomorrow,” Christopher snapped.

“I expected you to go up and down a few times,” Chuckie said. “You’re slipping, Martini.”

“Good idea.” Martini moved for the “door close” button, but Christopher was faster and got his body blocking the doors just in time.

“Out.” We didn’t move. “Now.” Still didn’t move. “Or I get Renata.”

We moved.

Martini put me down and walked me to the door. I could hear the girls in there, shrieking with laughter. He leaned against the wall and stroked my face. “I don’t want to sleep apart tonight.”

“Me, either. But James has rules.”

“Humans have silly rules.”

“And aliens are weird. What’s your point?” I’d unbuttoned his shirt while we were in the elevator. I ran my fingers over his chest.

“You really liked the concert?”

“You know I did. Especially the encore.”

He smiled. “Then it’s all worth it.” He bent and kissed me. “I feel like we’re on a date.”

“And you’re taking me back to my sorority. Yeah.”

“What’re you going to tell the girls when they ask you how the date went?”

“That I just went out with the guy I’m going to marry.”

Martini grinned. “Then it was a good date.”

I leaned up. “The best ever.”

He kissed me again, then opened the door, handed me the key, and walked back to Christopher and the elevators. Chuckie was already in his room. I watched Martini walk away, turn around, and watch me until the elevator came and Christopher dragged him inside it.

Heaved a sigh, closed the door.

“So?” Lorraine shouted. “Did you two do it in the elevator?” All the girls were giggling—it was a slumber party.

“No, but we hit the buttons to stop it on every floor. And made out the whole way.”

“Wow, total restraint,” Claudia said. “I’m impressed.” She looked at Lorraine. “Pay up.”

Lorraine sighed and slapped a bill in Claudia’s hand. My grandmothers had clearly rubbed off on everyone.

A lot more bantering, laughing, and joking went on while I worked my way to the bedroom. Everyone had loved the concert, even Jareen, Renata, Wahoa, and Felicia. Apparently Princess Victoria had been in the audience as well, though I’d missed her. Alexander was also on the premises.

“They left their world unattended? Just to show up for all our wedding stuff?”

Renata nodded. “This is an important diplomatic mission. Earth has shown its power, and our solar system must ensure we remain on friendly terms.”

“Diplomacy and marketing have a lot in common. Both use a lot of fancy words to lie really impressively.”

She laughed. “True. But the result is the same—this will solidify relationships. Victoria said they were most impressed that you asked representatives from each of the loyal worlds to be a part of the prince’s wedding.”

“I really don’t think of him as a prince. I mean a royal prince. And I know Jeff doesn’t think of himself that way.” For which I was very thankful.

“No. But it is better for all of us if he is presented as such. I assure you, his reasons for refusing the throne will filter down to the idea that he rules here already, or soon will, and that he chose Earth over Alpha Four because Earth is stronger.”

“But Alexander was just made king. Shouldn’t he be there, reassuring his people he’s on top of things and ready to rule?”

Renata shrugged. “Chief Councillor Leonidas is there. His presence is more vital right now than the royal family’s.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. Charles said that, should you ask, to mention the Churchill and royal family of England relationship. He felt you would ask, I must add.”

“He does know me well.” Guilt tried to muscle in, but I kicked it to the curb. Fine, so Leonidas was the glue and the real leader and Alexander was the figurehead with power. I decided I’d ask Chuckie about the ramifications. Later. After honeymoon later. “Okay, well, good.”

Renata chuckled. “You need to get some sleep.” She mother-henned me into the bedroom and started shushing the other girls.

I didn’t argue. I was wiped. Undressed and looked for nightclothes. No A-C Elves here, but what seemed like ages but was only a couple of days ago, I’d unpacked our stuff and put it somewhere. Couldn’t remember where. Went to hang my clothes up and discovered a cute shortie nightgown hanging there. Wasn’t mine, but I assumed Reader had left it for me. Didn’t argue; put it on, and crawled into bed.

I was almost asleep when I heard some soft mewling. “Come on.” I had Poofs on me immediately. Harlie and Poofikins, but there was a third one. “Are you Fluffy?” No reaction. “Fuzzball?” Again, nothing. “Gatita?” Nada. Called Christopher on the house phone. “Is your Poof with me?”

“Yeah. Jeff’s got the jealousy thing, you might remember? Wanted it there just in case Reynolds tried to slip past seven women, including the Amazon Queen, in order to steal you away in the night.”

I snorted. “Sweet. So, what’s your Poof’s name?”

Silence.

“Christopher, I know everyone else’s, and I don’t want to say, ‘hey you,’ to it.”

More silence.

“How bad could it be? Chuckie’s is named Fluffy, for God’s sake.”

“Fine. Toby.” I heard Martini start laughing in the background.

“Toby?”

“Yes, Toby.” Christopher sounded really annoyed and I was worried Martini was going to die, he was laughing so hard.

“Why is Toby such a funny name to Jeff?” I heard some mumbling, but no answer. “What? Speak up.”

He heaved a sigh. “It was the name of my stuffed toy when I was little, okay?”

“Awww, that’s sweet.”

“Yeah, thanks.” He didn’t sound thankful. Martini was still laughing.

“Did Jeff have a stuffed toy when he was little, too?”

“Yes, he did,” Christopher shouted this. Didn’t slow down Martini’s laughter. “His was named Murphy.”

“Also sweet. There’s nothing embarrassing about naming your Poof Toby, you know. I think it’s cute.”

“Wonderful. Jeff’s Poof came named. Have I mentioned that we look like idiots with those things?”

“Oh, no! Toby! Don’t touch that!”

“What? Is it hurt? What happened?” He sounded totally freaked.

“Toby’s fine. I think you can stop pretending you don’t like it now.”

“I hate you.”

“Yeah, yeah, just stop trying to be all Mister Macho about them. They’re adorable, and you know it.”

“Fine. Can we hang up now?”

“Sure, I’m tired. See you in the morning.”

“Doubt it. Our drill sergeant has views on when any of us will see you again.”

I yawned. “Fine. Well, whenever. Night, Christopher. Love to Jeff.”

“Goodnight, Kitty. Enjoy your last night as a single woman.”

We hung up, and I snuggled into the bed. It seemed huge without Martini in it. The three Poofs cuddled up around my head and started purring quietly. Heard the girls out in the other room—they were still wide awake and having fun. Me, all I wanted was to be cuddled up next to Martini. I wondered if I should get up and work on the enjoying some more but realized I didn’t want to. Maybe marriage wasn’t going to be all that different, after all. Possibly Martini’s jealousy might abate somewhat, that would be a good thing. Of course, maybe he’d want me to cook, too. Then again, maybe he would just want things the way they’d been. On the other hand, I knew he wanted kids, and as soon as possible, though he had said when I was ready. What if I was never ready? What if we couldn’t get pregnant? What if he got bored with me?

My cell phone rang. My purse was by the side of the bed, so didn’t take too long for me to dig it out. “Jeff, what’s wrong?”

“I will not get bored with you. I am not going to force you to cook. My jealousy is never going to go away, get used to it. Yes, I want kids, I’m sure we won’t have a problem, and from what my father’s said, you’re never really ready to have them, you just think you are. Stop worrying or else I’ll have to hurt James in order to get up there with you. I love you, go to sleep.”

“I miss you.”

“Me too. Last night like this, okay? I think that’s James’ sadistic point.”

“Yeah. Would you have named your Poof Murphy if it hadn’t been named Harlie?”

“No idea. Happy I don’t have to worry about it. Go to sleep, baby. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

“Do you like your tux?”

He laughed. “Yes. I just hope you like it. Reynolds insinuated I’d love your dress.”

“I hope so.” I was starting to get sleepy, but I didn’t want to get off the phone.

“You want me to talk you to sleep?” He sounded amused, not upset.

“Sort of. The Poofs aren’t the same as being with you, you know.”

“Thank God. You like the nightgown?”

“Oh, it’s from you? I thought it was from James.”

“There’s nothing like your bride-to-be saying she thought the lingerie you bought her was from another man to make you feel all warm and secure.”

“Oh, stop. He’s been doing everything else. I’m afraid he’s going to drop dead from the exertion.”

“He’s having a field day, I’ll give you that. So, you don’t like it?”

I laughed. “I do like it. I didn’t spend a lot of time looking at it, because I didn’t realize it was from you.”

“Oh, that’s fine, then.” He sounded reasonably pleased.

“You want me to get up and look in the mirror or something?”

“Yeah,” his voice dropped to a purr. “Then think about me.”

“So you can see me?”

“Yeah.”

“Mmmm . . . that sounds interesting.”

“Yeah.” His voice was still a purr. I heard Christopher in the background and Martini sighed. “My nanny says we have to get off the phone. You could still look in the mirror,” he added. I heard Christopher bark, “No.” Martini sighed again. “Or not.”

“Okay. I’m tired anyway.” I was, but it had sounded kind of weird and fun at the same time.

“I love how you think.”

“Then I’ll go to sleep thinking of you.”

“Sweet dreams, baby.”

“They will be. I promise.” Closed the phone, snuggled back up into the pillows and the Poofs, and went to sleep.

My last thought was that maybe, for once, nothing would go wrong with a big, important extravaganza. Our track record wasn’t that good, but I optimistically hoped for a reprieve. Did kind of think I’d earned it.

CHAPTER 67

SOMEONE SHOOK ME AWAKE. It felt like a man’s hand. “Jeff?”

“No. Time to get up, girlfriend.”

I cracked an eye. “It’s dark.”

Reader sighed and walked away. I tried to go back to sleep. I heard a noise and there was bright light right in my face. “What is that?” Flung a pillow over my eyes.

“We call it sunlight on our planet. Get up. We are, as usual, running late.”

“James what are you doing in here?”

“Getting you and the rest of the females moving.”

“Get the guys up first.” I rolled over.

Covers were pulled off. Poofs started grumbling. “Interesting, you sleep commando. Bummer, though . . . I’m still gay.”

“Then go away.”

He laughed. “You want me to give it a shot anyway?” He grabbed my ankles and pulled me to the edge of the bed.

“Oh, fine.” I rolled over and sat up. “There, sitting up. What time is it, anyway?”

“Nine. You’re supposed to be at the salon at nine-thirty.” He dragged me to my feet and into the bathroom. “Shower. Quickly. Don’t worry about your hair.”

“James.” I said this with as much whine in my voice as humanly possible.

He kissed my forehead. “Do it, or I’ll tell Jeff I saw what he wants no other man, gay or straight, ever seeing.”

“He’ll pick it up if you enjoyed it.”

Reader patted my butt as he shoved me into the bathroom. “Guess I’d better plan to say that I object to the wedding, then.” He closed the door but I could tell he was waiting.

“I want to, you know, before I shower.”

“Fine. I’ll be back in five minutes. If you’re not in the shower, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

“Nazi.” I whispered it under my breath. Then felt guilty. “Okay, not a Nazi. Just suddenly a major anal retentive.”

“Heard that, both thats. Get into the shower.”

“Eavesdropper!”

“Laggard.”

Decided he was more awake than me and so likely to win the war of wit right now. Started the water. Showering quickly wasn’t an issue if Martini wasn’t with me. Dried off, wrapped the towel around me. Checked to see if the coast was clear. It was, unless I counted Reader standing there with his arms crossed.

“That’s the fastest you could shower?”

“I had to shave my legs.”

“Fine, I’ll accept that excuse.” He checked my legs out. “Okay.”

“What, you didn’t believe me?”

He rolled his eyes. “Put on the white dress Jeff bought for you. It’s a color match to your wedding dress.”

“Well, how lucky.” I looked at him. “Where are you going to be while I do this?”

“In here.”

“James, we’re about at that point where Jeff and Paul might have real reasons to question us.”

“Yeah. However, there are seven other naked women out there and I’ve already seen everything you own. So I’m sticking with you. I’ll turn my back.”

I looked closely at his head. “Geez, you know, you already have stubble.”

“Yeah, thank God.”

“I didn’t realize your hair grew so fast. That’s really manly and virile.” At least, in my opinion.

“Back to that part where Jeff and Paul start worrying, babe.”

“Fine, fine.” Went into the huge closet. “I put my wedding lingerie on before I get into the wedding dress, not now, right?”

“Right.” He sounded distracted.

Peeked out to see him sitting on the edge of the bed. He had his back to me, and he was playing with the Poofs, the three with me and his own. It dawned on me that he wasn’t an empath. I got dressed and sat down on the bed next to him. I hugged him from behind. “I’m sorry, James. You’re doing everything I couldn’t even think of doing or have planned for myself, let alone someone else. I’m sorry I sound like a whiney brat instead of grateful.”

He chuckled, but I felt him relax. “It’s okay, girlfriend. I know how it is. The person in charge always gets the complaints.”

I leaned my head against his back. “I’ll stop complaining. Because everything you’re doing is beyond wonderful, and I appreciate it a lot more than I’m managing to let you know.”

Reader shifted and hugged me back. “It’s okay. I understand, don’t mind, and love you, so even when you’re being a pain in the butt, you’re still my girl.”

“I love you even when you’re channeling Martha Stewart, Emily Post, and every fashion designer on the planet at the same time.”

The Poofs crawled into our laps and started purring. “The love in the room is amazing. Let’s move before Jeff or Paul come in and I have to turn straight, because we’ll have to run off to the Free Women’s planet in order to escape their wrath.”

“Wise choice.”

We got up, and I got the critical eye. “Not bad. If we’d had to, you could have gotten away with this as your wedding dress.”

“Only if we wanted my side of the family to die of embarrassment. This is sort of revealing for a wedding gown.”

“The lingerie helps.” He rubbed his hands together. “Grab your purse, load up the Poofs, and let’s get going.”

Checked to make sure the other girls were ready—they were. Apparently Reader had woken me up last. He hustled us down to the salon, installed everyone other than me with a stylist, and took me to the back.

A slim, reasonably attractive man was waiting. “Jimmy, it’s about time.” He sounded huffy and like he was faking a French accent.

“We were delayed.” Reader didn’t sound apologetic. He put me into the chair. “Kitty, this is Pierre.”

“Is Peter another cousin of yours?”

“Oh, she’s a bright one, Jimmy,” he said, fake accent gone. “But, no, darling, long ago ex-boyfriend. Still, how can one say no to those cheekbones?”

“No idea, I’ve never been able to.”

“I see we agree. The start of a lovely relationship. Call me Pierre here, though, will you, darling? It’s an image thing.”

“No worries. James, what is Pierre doing to me?”

Pierre answered. “Darling, we’re fluffing you up.” Reader started to cough.

“I know what that term means.”

Pierre gave me a wicked grin in the mirror. “I’m so impressed. No wonder our Jimmy adores you.”

“James?”

Reader managed to recover himself. “Pierre? It’s her wedding day, okay?”

“I imagine her intended can’t wait to lock up the darling who knows how to fluff.”

“He’s all over it. He likes my hair the way it is.”

Pierre snorted. “I’m sure, darling, I’m sure. Jimmy, the veil is, what? A piece of netting? This is all you could come up with?” He pointed to the veil which was hanging off a cabinet at his station. It didn’t look like much, I had to admit.

“I don’t even know if I want her in a veil.” Reader sounded exasperated.

“She’s in a mermaid I presume?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, you’re good.” I was impressed.

“Darling, no one has a better eye for what to wear when than our Jimmy. But he’s lost it with the veil.” Reader started to argue and Pierre put up his hand. “Dearest. You’re tired and look peaky. No one is accusing, no one is berating. Give me a moment.” He pulled out a cell phone. “Dennis, darling! Yes, yes, no time, darling, no time. I have a blushing bride in my chair, and the veil someone foisted off on her is ghastly. It’ll be death, death, to the whole ceremony. Hang on.” He handed his phone to Reader. “Describe the ensemble to Dennis, Jimmy.”

Reader rolled his eyes but took the phone. He wandered off to have this conversation in semiprivate.

Pierre turned back to me. “Now, darling, Dennis will get us something immediately. I know why Jimmy wasn’t thinking veil, no reason to hide that pretty face. Speaking of which, makeup thoughts?”

I got the impression this was a test question. “I pretty much never wear makeup. I don’t think I should today, because Jeff wouldn’t know who I was.”

“Jeff is our eager groom?”

“Yes.” I was hoping Martini was picking up some of this. Pierre was a hoot and a half, and I was actually starting to enjoy being with him.

“Wise choice, darling, very wise. You have enough color in those lovely fair cheeks, your lips clearly haven’t been drained of color by too much lipstick, and your eyes are, or, well, will be once you’ve had a latte, bright and sparkling.” He looked over his shoulder. “Janice! I need a double latte.” He looked back to me.

“Vanilla. Extra vanilla.”

“A double vanilla latte with a triple shot of the vanilla in it, immediately.”

I didn’t see Janice, but I assumed she scampered off to fill my drink order. I was really enjoying this, and Chuckie’s warning from the day before surfaced. I knew he was right—Martini would be open to me doing this all the time. As a thrilling indulgence on the big day, it was great. Every week and I’d feel like the Queen of Shallow.

Reader came back and tossed Pierre his phone. “Dennis says he’ll get the right thing over immediately.”

“Fabulous. Jimmy, dearest, I understand why you didn’t want to cover up her face. But, truly, netting?”

“I had a lot of other things to take care of.”

“James was running around like crazy.”

“She is adorable. I’d wrap her up and take her home if I could. Fine, darlings, all is forgiven. We’ll see what Dennis sends and go from there.”

My latte arrived before Dennis. I shared it with Reader, who was starting to pace like a caged leopard. “James, you okay?” He nodded. “We’re really behind schedule again, aren’t we?”

“No, not so much.” He sounded distracted. Pierre and I exchanged looks in the mirror.

“Darlings, going to step aside just for a moment, be right back.” Pierre trotted off.

I got up out of the chair and grabbed Reader’s arm. “James, what’s wrong?”

“I think I’ve forgotten something.”

“Like what?”

“Something important.” His voice was tense.

I hugged him. “James, whatever it is, I’d have forgotten it, too.”

He hugged me back, tightly. “No, I don’t think so.” He was quiet. “Run though the things you’d think you needed for your wedding. No pause, just rattle them off.”

“Um, location, reception, dresses, tuxedos, rings, gifts for the bridal party—which I don’t have. Shoes, gift for you and for Jeff—which I also don’t have. Flowers, deejay, wedding cake—”

Reader cursed. “I knew it!”

“What? No cake? We can live without a cake.”

“Possibly. However, not without flowers.” His heart was pounding. I was used to this with Martini, but not Reader.

I dragged him to Pierre’s chair and made him sit. “James, it’s okay.” I went behind him and started to massage his shoulders. “Really, it’s okay. Breathe, deep breaths, deep breaths. It’s Vegas, for God’s sake. They have everything here. You seem to know everyone here, too.”

“I’m from here.” He said it like it was a confession.

“So? I’m from Pueblo Caliente. We’re Southwesterners, desert dwellers. Makes us great under pressure. James, really, stop stressing.” I hugged him. “James, you almost died, and you’re miraculously here, doing everything for my wedding. It’s more important to me that you’re with me than if I’m carrying some dead plant life. Okay?”

He closed his eyes. “No, but I’ll take it.”

“So dramatic.” Pierre was back. “As if, as our darling girl said, we don’t have florists all over. We’re a wedding capital, Jimmy.” He shook his head. “He’s such a doll, isn’t he? I know he adores you, he only gets like this with people he cares about.”

“The flowers have to be right.” Reader sounded anal again.

“No, they don’t. They just have to be there. James, I don’t care. I mean, I do, but not this much. You found the most gorgeous dress for me, in a sea of gorgeous dresses. Same for all the other dresses. And I’m sure I’ll love Jeff’s tux. We’ll love everything else, too.”

My phone rang. Made the exasperation sound, let go of Reader, dug it out. Got it on the sixth ring. “Not such a great time.”

“I know,” Martini said. “That’s why I called. Look, what’s wrong with James? Your worry is off the scales, and it’s centered around him. And the less said about what I’m picking up from him the better.”

“Uhhh . . .”

He sighed. “He’s right there, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Me or Paul? Who’s going to solve the problem best?”

“Option two. Fast. Like, really fast.”

“Got it. Love you.” He hung up.

“Who was that?” Reader asked me, sounding stressed.

“Uhhhh . . .” I didn’t know how to answer.

Pierre rolled his eyes where Reader couldn’t see. “She can have a call you’re not privy to, Jimmy.”

“No she can’t.”

“Sure she can, Jamie.” Gower was with us. I tried to remember if I’d ever been this happy to see him before and came up short.

“Paul, what are you doing here?” Reader sounded upset.

Gower shook his head. “What happened?”

“Major screw-up,” Reader snapped.

“We forgot about the flowers. It’s not a problem, Paul.”

Gower nodded. “Jamie, can I talk to you, privately?” Reader looked ready to argue. “Now, Jamie. I mean it.”

“Tanning room, just over there, is quite free and very private.” Pierre pointed and arched his eyebrow meaningfully. Gower nodded. Reader heaved a sigh, got up, and went with Gower into the room. “He’s strung a little tight, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. I think it’s my fault, too. I think I’ve made him feel bad for complaining about him being sort of beyond analretentive about all he’s been doing when I should have been saying thank you, only.”

Pierre snorted and shoved me back into the chair. “Darling, please. I’ve known Jimmy a long time. Straightest gay man I’ve ever met. Other than that gorgeous hunk who, if I’m any judge, is who has Jimmy’s heart these days?”

“Yeah, for a long time. They’re really great together.”

“Then our tall, dark, and fabulously handsome will solve the issue. Jimmy’s got just enough straight man in him to demand everything be in his control at all times. But his beloved should be able deal with him. Sometimes it takes a talking to, sometimes a cuddle. He’ll be fine in a bit.” He looked at me critically. “Sleeveless with spaghetti straps?” I nodded. “I think we’re going to do something simple yet effective. But before we start, must make another call.”

“Florist?”

“You got it, sweetness.” Pierre shook his head. “My darling drama king—face it, can’t call Jimmy a queen, now, can we—needs to relax and let others handle the little details for a bit.”

“I agree. And thank you for handling them.”

Pierre waved his hand to indicate no big deal. “Rebecca! Darling, we’re in a level-five emergency. Yes, for you, the usual. You know how they make the arrangements sound so large and lovely? Well, I have a darling girl from our nearest neighbor of any import, and they have trashed her flowers. Her family refused them, they were that awful. Yes! I know. And, of course, since she’s in my chair, the wedding is today. I know! No, lips are sealed. If I told you who did this atrocity, you could never look at them again, and we’re still a small town, aren’t we?”

Pierre was good. I was impressed. Reader had this entire network of people he never talked about, and they were all interesting. I thought about it. I had interesting friends, too. And the only reason my A-C circle had met any of them was because Brian happened to have been an astronaut, Chuckie had become a C.I.A. bigwig, and some of my sorority sisters had made my bachelorette party. Otherwise, Martini had met Amy, no one had met Sheila or Caroline, and I almost never saw my other friends much because how did you lie to their faces about what you did and who you were in love with all the time?

I reminded myself that at least those friends had been invited to my wedding and, thanks to Chuckie, most were here. I hoped the big extravaganza would cover some of my total lack of good friend-ness for the past year, but I figured it wouldn’t. My luck so rarely ran that way.

Pierre looked at me. “Colors, darling? Of the wedding.”

“Black and white.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

“Our Jimmy. Always so dramatic.” Pierre went back to his call. “Black and white. Yes.” He looked at me. “Fair, excellent skin, no tanning booth for this one. Oooh, Rebecca, darling, that sounds divine.” He looked at me again. “Darling, where are you at?” I looked at him with what I knew was a blank expression. “The wedding, darling, where is it to be? And the reception?”

I had no idea. “Uh, hold that question.” Trotted to the tanning room and knocked softly. “Paul? Can I come in? I’m so sorry, but I have to ask James something.” The door opened. I slipped inside. Gower had his arms around Reader and was rocking him. Reminded me a lot of Martini and me. “Is James okay?”

Gower kissed the top of his head. “Yes. Just overdoing it a bit.”

“I’m fine,” Reader said as he shifted to look at me. “Just sort of feel like you did when you called me the other night.”

Gower reached out and pulled me into the group hug. “Now, before we tell Jeff we’ve decided to go bi and steal Kitty from him, you think you can calm down and remember that we all love you, and if you forget one, or even two, little things, it won’t really matter to her?”

“It won’t James, I promise.” I hugged him harder.

The door opened. “Oh, my. A camera phone would mean I was a rich man, I’d guess. Darlings, Rebecca has to know the location, wedding and reception both, and the times. Can’t save the day without those teensy details.”

Reader took a deep breath and seemed to relax. He stepped away from Gower and me and put out his hand for the phone. He left the room, and Pierre closed the door behind them.

“He doesn’t want me knowing anything, does he?”

“No. He wants this to be perfect for you and Jeff. He doesn’t want you to regret anything about it.”

“Because it’s the only one we’ll have, right?”

“Somewhat.” Gower hugged me. “But mostly it’s because he loves you.” He kissed my forehead. “We both do. And we love Jeff, too. And,” he added softly, “he almost died. Before he could take care of this. He’s trying to make up for lost time that I know you don’t care about, because we both are happier to have him still with us than anything else.”

“Yeah.” I leaned my head against Gower’s chest. “I just want to get it all over with and go to Cabo. Nothing’s worth getting James this upset.”

He kissed my head. “I know. Jeff feels the same way. But you’ll be glad you have the memories of all of this, trust me.”

“Will do.”

Pierre popped his head in again. “Darlings, while I think I’d adore hanging with you people after hours, Dennis is here with some options, and we need to get moving.”

We separated and went out to see another nice-looking man who was carrying a selection of veils. Reader was back to channeling Karl Lagerfeld. He had me try on all of them, discussed the fabrics with Dennis and Pierre, and seemed back to normal. Gower stayed with us, which I thought was probably a really good idea.