I hung up and looked at my miserable friend. “He said he’ll be here in five minutes.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” I thought I already saw the color coming back to her cheeks.
“Yes, I did. Sometimes the only thing that can make you feel better and reassure you everything is ok is a pair of strong arms.”
“Speaking from experience?” She smiled.
I laughed. “Totally. Now, I’ll go out, mingle for a few minutes, and tell them you’re in the bathroom or something. Why don’t you wait on the kitchen porch for your man?” I motioned to the door.
She hugged me through a sniffle. “When I get through this, I’m giving you the award for best bridesmaid.”
“I don’t need that. I only want you and Pick to get married. Courthouse, beach, church, Jamaica. I don’t care—as long as you are happy and get to wear that awesome dress.”
“How was the shower?” Grey lifted his head from the computer long enough to see I was in the house.
“Umm… it was interesting. A little overwhelming.” I slumped into an open kitchen chair.
His brow furrowed and he typed rapidly on the keyboard.
“What are you working on?”
“Legal research for the Palm. Thought I should read up on what’s involved for someone to contest a will.”
“Doesn’t sound very fun.” I was hoping we could watch a movie in bed and pretend we weren’t in the middle of a legal storm.
“No, it’s not, but I need to know what I’m up against before I even start trying to hire an attorney.” He scribbled something on a notepad.
This didn’t sound like good news. I wanted Grey to keep the Palm if that’s what he wanted, but it was hard to believe it was worth ruining his financial future. There had to be another way. I just hadn’t figured out what that was yet.
“Don’t you know anyone you could ask for advice before you have to hire someone?” I tried to think about my circle of friends. No one was in law school.
“I’d rather not get my friends involved. This is going to be brutal.”
I didn’t like the way he said that. Maybe we could talk about something else.
“I can’t believe the wedding is next weekend.” I waited for Grey to tear himself away from the screen.
“Mmm-hmm.” No luck.
“I think I’ll get naked and crawl in bed.”
“Ok.” He never looked up.
“Or maybe I’ll just pick out a couch for us.” I arched my eyebrows.
I wondered if I laid myself across the kitchen table if he’d notice that. I walked to the bedroom with a furniture catalog in my hand, thinking this lawsuit might as well be a hot blonde.
The only reason I knew Mason was back in town was because Taylor called to tell me how incredible the good-bye sex had been. I didn’t need to know that.
I hadn’t seen him near the Palm. I kept my eyes peeled for his convertible. I assumed since he filed the lawsuit he was done trying to finesse his way into our lives. He had a one-track business mind now. I was out of ideas. Grey seemed determined to file a counter suit. The last thing I wanted was our lives embroiled in endless months of legal battles.
Today was a good day though. Grey was on his way to see the orthopedic specialist to get the ok to have his brace removed. My fingers had been crossed since I woke up this morning. No brace meant he was going to have full mobility, and I couldn’t wait to have him to myself again. It had been way too long.
I had three final bridesmaid responsibilities: tonight’s bachelorette party, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding. Tomorrow night was Marin and Pick’s rehearsal dinner. Afterward, her parents were throwing a party at their beach house. The wedding was at five Saturday night. We’d have all day to get ready and help Marin with her nerves.
It seemed, as long as she was around Pick, she was completely fine. Remove him from the equation and she became an instant wreck. I was certain after the wedding she would be fine. They needed the honeymoon they had planned.
October on the island was still warm, but not sweltering like the summer. Even if it was rushed, Marin had chosen the perfect time of year to get married.
The bachelorette party was going to be small: Mindy, Tara, the bride, and me. There was no way we’d let the wedding overwhelm Marin tonight. She needed a night of fun before the real insanity started.
I closed the office and made my way to the beach cottage. I had thirty minutes to get ready before I met the girls for drinks.
My phone rang.
“Hey!”
“Guess who is one brace-less man?” Grey sounded happy.
“That is the best news! Congratulations. Now I have a dance partner for the wedding.” I almost squealed.
“That’s right. Walking, dancing…anything you want, baby. So, what do you say we try your naked movie idea tonight?”
My heart sank. “Aww, I can’t. Remember, tonight’s Marin’s bachelorette party. I’m on my way to get dressed now. How far away are you?” I was not above being a few minutes late.