Page 197 of Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions
“Alex,” June reached out, her hand lying on my shoulder. “For once in your life, stop fucking worrying about me, okay?” She waved a hand at her face, scrunching her nose till her sunglasses slipped down the bridge. “I’m happy. Super happy.”
“Yeah?” My lips wobbled.
“Fuck yeah. I mean—look. This is…exactly what I wanted.” She gestured out at the crowd still hunting through the water. “I told you I didn’t want my wedding to be boring. That’s why we came out here for so long. And this is probably my favorite thing that’s happened all weekend. No offense. I know you spent a long time planning the other activities?—”
“None taken,” I shook my head, eyes chasing where George and Joe had disappeared farther down the shore. “I…”
“Plus. You’re not alone. And I am so…so glad you’re not alone.” June’s smile was serene, like this was exactly what she’d pictured when she’d decided to start throwing dates at me for her wedding.
“I’m–”
“Shhhh,” June understood me better than anyone else. Understood that I didn’t have words for what was happening. Couldn’t explain how much this meant to me, even if I tried. “Shut up and enjoy your man going allDevil Wears Pradaon an entire camp of himbos for you.”
“But—”
“What about shhhh do you not understand? That’s ‘nice person’ for shut the fuck up.”
“My bad.” I twisted so I could ogle George even more, and June’s hand didn’t leave my shoulder. It’s like she could sense how badly I needed her comfort, even without me having to say.
I didn’t know how to ask, so I was glad I didn’t have to.
A half hour later, June had given up on our game of silence and spoiled theending of the book we were supposed to be buddy reading together. Which was—fucking messed up, if you asked me. She’d caught up to me. Surpassed me. Then made it my problem.
I felt better. Way better. And even her fucked up choices couldn’t kill my mood.
It never occurred to me that George would actually find the watch.
I figured it was a lost cause.
As much of a lost cause as my feelings for him.
So, imagine my surprise when I heard what sounded almost suspiciously like a battle cry and George’s arms shot straight up into the air. A cheer erupted, echoing along the shore as all the others began to clap, then quickly abandoned their posts.
“What just…” I trailed off, gaze caught on George and his waddling as he struggled out of the water with Joe behind him like a giant duckling. His mom was ahead of him, and she paused by my seat with a knowing smirk.
“Dinner will be ready in an hour,” she told me. “Don’t be late.”
“Thanks, Mrs. M.”
“I mean it,” she added. “No…dallianceson the way.”
“Oh my god,” June clapped, enjoying my pain.
I did my best not to grimace.
“You too.” Mrs. M winked her way, causing June’s face to scrunch up in confusion. Then Mrs. M linked arms with her silent husband and headed up the trail. The sun was on the move, still peeking above the treetops, but soon, it’d slip behind them.
June had been disgustingly enthusiastic about the idea of me taking George out tonight. But…given the late hour I wasn’t sure he’d still want to go—even considering how badly he needed a suit. The dark circles he’d been sporting made me doubt that taking him ice skating—even if the rink was open by the time we got to Columbus—was a good idea.
I didn’t want him to fall or get hurt.
Sweet baby needed his own long, lovely nap.
George was sluggish in his rubber suit.
My heart would not slow the fuck down.
It wasn’t until he got close enough for me to see the silver glinting between his orange-gloved fingers that I let myself breathe. He’d…he’d really—had he really done it?
