"I don’t plan on rushing in, but I’ll do what I have to do."
The rest of my weekend was the same. Oscar had been sleeping or had other plans, Dixon was working, and I couldn’t get a hold of James at all. I spent my weekend working on business and pondering outcomes for my situation.
Soon Monday arrived and it was time to return to the office. Everything was going in the typical corporate fashion until Thursday afternoon when James burst through my door.
"Cousin!" He walked in large strides, taking a seat on the corner of my desk. Leaning back in my chair, I raised an eyebrow.
"Cousin?" I grinned. "Someone’s in a good mood."
"Of course I am." He smiled wide.
"Because of?" I prodded.
"I’m getting married." He blurted.
My mouth fell open in shock.
"You’re what?" I leaned forward, clasping my hands on the desk in front of me.
"You heard me." He picked up pen off my desk, twirling it in his fingers.
"But—"
"I asked her Sunday," he said before I could finish. "After everything that's happened I realized I love her more than anything, Aidan. Elora is my…is mine. I went out Saturday and bought the ring then arranged a lunch at the Botanical Gardens and proposed." Slipping off the desk, he sat down in one of the leather office chairs in front of me.
"What about all your friends?" Both brows rose.
"To be honest, I was stupid to keep Elora at arm's length," he looked down remorsefully. "When I thought that she may be gone…with you…" he looked up to meet my gaze, "it was my reality check." He smiled small, unsure of my reaction.
I stood up and walked over to him quickly.
"Congratulations!" I pulled him into a tight hug.
"Thanks!" He looked genuinely happy. "You know you’re my best man, right?"
"I better be!" With a smack to his back, he led us toward my office door. Once James was gone, I sat back into my chair and put my head in my hands.
How is it that I go on a date and she leaves with my best friend? Then the girl I had been dating ends up in love and engaged to my cousin? What the hell is wrong with this picture?
Three hours later, as I sat listening to the marketing department debate with the sales team about the cost and inefficiency of customizing all of our marketing pieces, I began to debate my decision to be a part of the monthly department update calls.
A text from James quickly drew my attention away from the discussion.
Club, Inc.. Tonight. 9pm. Be There Fuckers!
Dropping the cell back onto my desk, I couldn’t wait for this call to finish up. Drinks at the club were looking more and more appealing.
Around eight thirty, I arrived to the club. Celia stood behind the bar. She sauntered over, smiling, as I slipped onto a barstool,.
"What can I get you?" She leaned forward, working the cleavage angle.
"Bourbon," I replied.
"Sure thing," she spun around. As she did I could smell vanilla and sugar.
Scanning the club, I looked around for anyone in our group. My attention was caught by two words.
"Hey Loser!" I turned to see Lilli throwing her bag under the bar.
"Hey," I grinned. A tingling sensation traveled through my body as my eyes traveled over every curve and exposed inch of flesh.
"Please don’t tell me that—"
"No. No blind dates. I’m here to celebrate my cousin’s engagement." Celia walked my drink over and placed it in front of me. "Thanks!"
"That’s cool, but I thought you were the one looking…or something," Lilli raised a brow.
"It’s complicated," I forced a smile. "I’m surprised Dixon hasn’t told you all about it like he has everyone else."
She shook her head, causing a thick strand of long dark hair to fall over her right shoulder.
"We really haven’t been home at the same time lately," she smiled, but something in her face gave away to sadness. I was about to speak again when she held up a finger and walked towards some guys that just sat down to the bar.
Watching Lilli at the other end of the bar, I felt a smack on my back.
"Hey Aid-man."
Turning around I was greeted by Dixon’s large bright smile. He slipped onto the stool next to me, his blue button down tightening around his biceps. It looked like he would rip the shirt if he flexed. I was about to argue the nickname but saw his eyes were following Celia. With his attention on her, I knew I’d never get it.
Finally, James and Oscar arrived. Soon Uncle Liam, along with two of James’s buddies, showed up as well.
"Liam, does Viola know where you are?" I teased.
He cleared his throat.
"Well, yes, but I don’t think she realized…" He drifted off, looking around at the half dressed waitresses, shot girls, dancers and bartenders. In his traditional Armani gray suit, he seemed out of place. With the loud music, flashing lights and the furrow of his brow, he looked uncomfortable.
"Dixon," Lilli leaned up on the bar, wrapping her arms around Dixon in a hug.
"Hey, Lilli," he returned the hug.