Page 80 of It Happened Duo
“Nothing that concerns you or the viewers. I believe David is waiting for you to set up right over there. Excuse us.” I took my brother by the elbow and led him several feet away. “What the hell, man? Mom will be here any minute. Straighten up.”
“Fine, but I’ll be damned if I bring a date to the wedding just to make our mother happy,” he said, referring to the bet our bridal party had made, thanks to Miriam’s threats to match the bridesmaids and groomsmen together. My city guys and Chelsea’s country girls were like oil and water, and didn’t mix well at all at a gathering in Holly Creek earlier this month where we’d arranged for everyone to meet.
It all came to a head and the next thing we knew, Gage proposed a bet to see who would arrive at the wedding with their own plus ones. It was genius, actually, and got Miriam off everyone’s backs. For now. But the pressure was on with the bridal party, each trying to find their own dates, with a charitable donation and an embarrassing chicken dance at stake on my wedding day if they didn’t.
I left Richard slumped against the wall. With the mood he exhibited, it was best to leave him there until he was absolutely needed for measurements. He clearly had lingering issues. If he was like this in late July, how would he be by December?
I tapped a note on my phone to talk with Mom aboutgetting him some help, then read through fifteen messages from her, warning me not to start selecting the type of tuxes we’d all wear until she arrived.
Chelsea had work to catch up on and, knowing Miriam would have things under control, decided she would rather be surprised and trusted that I’d be her handsome groom the day we said I do.
The difference between my mother and my bride couldn’t be more vast, with Mom micromanaging every detail, and Chelsea giving me one simple request, to match the color of red ties the groomsmen would wear with the color of the bridesmaids’ gowns.
I checked for the millionth time for the berry red fabric swatch in my pocket as I sauntered over to where Brooks and Archer stood. “Did you and Maisy patch things up?”
“Not really,” Brooks replied.
“Ha. Pay up,” Archer chuckled and held out his hand. I plucked a crisp hundred-dollar bill from my wallet and paid him off. Brooks grimaced at our little side bet.
“We talked and said goodbye and that was it. I’d love nothing more than to be the man for her, but she’s young yet and on this big journey, her future career at stake. Whatever,” he filled in. Something told me he was far from over her.
“He’s back on the market like me.” Archer clinked his brother’s glass.
“Oh yeah? Who’s your date for the wedding, then?” I asked, but Brooks looked the other way. He wasn’t fooling me about how deep his feelings for Maisy ran. All thingsconsidered, we’d always gotten along well, and he’d make a decent brother-in-law if things ever progressed between the two of them.
“Too bad Tucker’s too busy with off-season hockey training out in California to make it home.” Archer elbowed him. “We’d be the three Bellamy brothers again, each other’s wingmen, and breaking hearts in the city this summer.”
“What happened to—” I started to ask about his girlfriend.
“Don’t even say her name. It took three breakups between us for me to finally be done with her.” Archer’s news about his ex was good to hear. She never struck me as being good enough for him. Same way with Janet for Richard. Guilt sometimes hit me for not doing more earlier on to help Richard see Janet for the bitch she really was.
“I’m here,” Miriam announced, breezing through the door and kissing Sam on the cheek. Despite the heat outside, Mom appeared fresh in a tan linen dress, belted at the waist in black leather with matching shoes. It didn’t stop her from sounding like a militant shrew and every man in the room braced for impact.
“Before we begin, I must insist you do away with this foolish bet,” she announced, with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. “It’s a wedding, and surely you can put up with a bridesmaid to dance with for one night. They are all fine ladies, I’m sure.”
India was standing nearby with the cameras rolling and her interest piqued. “What’s this about a bet? Tell me more.” She poked the microphone in my face. I had no choice thenbut to explain what had happened, and when I was through, all she could do was laugh, with no follow-up questions, thankfully.
“Mrs. Buchanan, with all due respect,” Ford started and cleared his throat, stepping forward to speak for the team. “The bridesmaids are probably lovely. But being matched doesn’t make for a fun chase now, does it? And you know how we blokes love the thrill of the chase when it comes to women.”
Ford winked at her and got her to at least break into a smile. He always had a way about him. Some might even say he was somewhat flirty with my mother, or else it was his Aussie-accented charm that got to her. Either way, ever since we met in college, he seemed to know how to manage her quite well.
She patted his cheek. “Yes. Men do love a good chase. So I expect all of you to have a date or there will be consequences.”
I quickly diverted her attention. “David, let’s get started. We’re ready to see what you recommend.”
“Yes, every suit must be exquisitely tailored for Rex and these fine men. Even for Richard.” Miriam followed the tailor, and my brother groaned in the corner.
“But of course, Madam. Let me show you the latest in fashionable custom formal wear,” David crowed in her presence and led her to a plush chair fit for a queen, like he knew who was the one making all the decisions and footing the bill, while the rest of us stood around her like lapdogs.
A few male models paraded in front of us as Davidexplained the different styles. It became instantly clear Miriam was in favor of formal tails and bow ties.
“I’d prefer a more modern, lean look,” I spoke up, and the guys nodded agreement with me.
“Don’t be silly, Rex. For a formal Christmas wedding, tails and bow ties are theonlyway to go.” Miriam huffed about it. I glanced around the shop, once again in the position of wanting to make my mother happy, while trying to achieve some spirit of my own—a delicate balance. With Richard sulking and the guys interested in how I’d handle this, the pressure was on. But before I could get another word in, she stood and reached for her things.
“David, start taking measurements. Of course, you have Sam’s from the last suit I had made for him. Come, Sam. We have another appointment to get to, so we’re off.” She waved us on as if a queen who had given her decree, and waltzed toward the door with Sam in tow, but I stopped them short.
“I disagree. I want a modern tuxedo with a satin notch lapel and vest,” I said.
