“At least forty minutes.”
My lips pouted. “Rain check?” This was the last thing I wanted to take a rain check on.
“Sure. I think we could wait another day, although if you drink any tequila tonight I wouldn’t be opposed to you waking me up.”
My stomach flipped. Tequila was the devil. “It’s not going to be margaritas for me, but I have no problem waking you up.” I giggled. I was tempted to call Marin and tell her I’d be an hour late, but I couldn’t do that. I was best bridesmaid.
“I’ll see you later, darlin’.”
I hung up and tucked my phone in my back pocket.
My steps to the top of the landing weren’t as light as before he called.
“I still can’t believe you are getting married, Marin. You’re going to be a married cougar.” Tara laughed at her friend.
“I’m not that much older than him.” Marin giggled. She was happy and relaxed tonight. It was good to see her having fun.
As far as bachelorette parties go, this one was tame. Mindy had brought a veil for Marin to wear, and Tara made us wear tags shaped like penises that said bridesmaid. Overall, I thought they did a good job of keeping the embarrassing bride harassment to a minimal.
We were at our third bar when I got a text from Grey. I read the text out loud.
Going out with Connor and Pick. Guys night for the groom. Call you later.
“Oh good,” Marin gushed. I was worried Pick wasn’t going to have any way to celebrate. Connor didn’t really step up on this one.”
“Those boys are so sweet.” Tara might have had a few glasses of champagne. I couldn’t keep track of those two. My eyes were on Marin for the night. I didn’t want her getting sick before her rehearsal dinner.
I texted a quick response.
Hope you’re still up when I get home.
Marin laughed. “What’s that look all about? Your cheeks totally turned red, Eden. Are you sexting?”
I almost spit out my champagne. “You cannot ask me that.” Although, I think I just answered her question.
Mindy, who was always the quietest one in the group, piped in. “I’m so glad you and Grey ended up together. He was no good with Laura.”
Ugh, the dreaded L-word. “Thanks.” I didn’t know how to respond to that.
“Yeah, Laura was so involved in her own stuff. She never had time for Grey. It was never going to work between them.” Tara threw in her two cents.
“Ok, good to know.” I was desperately trying to think how we could turn the conversation to the wedding and away from Grey’s ex.
“Is she going to be at the wedding?” Mindy asked Marin.
My head swiveled toward her. I had only seen Laura once. I hadn’t been particularly rational on our first encounter. I had doused Grey with a drink and stormed out of Pete’s. Not my proudest moment.
“I was going to tell you, Eden, but my mom added everyone in Connor’s family. Laura too.” She shrank on her bar stool. “I’m sorry. I don’t want it to be awkward for you.”
I shook my head. I couldn’t make an issue out of this. She was the past. I was Grey’s present. “Of course she would be invited. It’s no big deal.” I reached for my drink.
“You sure?” Marin didn’t look convinced.
It wasn’t as if she could un-invite her two days before the wedding. “Of course. I’m over that whole situation. Grey and I are living together now. I don’t have anything to worry about.” I added the last sentence as if that would move all my doubts from the bucket of insecurity into the bucket of confidence.
“Ok, good. I don’t want it to be awkward for you.” She smiled meekly.
“Marin, it’s going to be your wedding day. The last person I’m going to think about is Laura.”
I noticed she shifted on her stool again. I was not supposed to upset the bride. What kind of bridesmaid was I?
“So, there’s one more guest I have to tell you about.”
Mindy and Tara looked confused.
“Ok…who else is there?” I asked. I couldn’t imagine anyone other than Laura causing a problem.
Marin sucked in a big breath, and took a sip of champagne before spilling the secret. “My mom invited Mason and he’s bringing a date.”
“You’re kidding.” I stared at a spot on her veil. It kept my eyes from bulging out of my head.
“No, I’m not. He’s doing some kind of deal with my dad, and she said she had to invite him. They are some kind of business partners now. I’m sorry. Again.”
The vision of dancing in Grey’s arms under a moonlit Texas night at the reception fizzled. All the romance would be washed away the instant he set eyes on Mason. So much for that.
“Marin, don’t worry about it. All I care about is you and Pick. Let’s have a toast.” I raised my half-empty glass, and squashed the anxious feelings her guest list had stirred. This was supposed to be a bachelorette party. Not my pity-party.