FIVE
Jesse tossed his duffel bag on the bed closest to the sliders that led to the second-story deck that overlooked the gulf. Jed could have the one nearest the door, since he’d probably be coming back in the middle of the night.
He had to hand it to Owen and Miranda. No way would Jesse be able to afford to stay in any resort this luxurious without the pull those two had with the owner. They had secured the largest villa at Casa Blanca for Owen’s family—Mom and Dad, Luke and Lily, and he and Jed. Mike and Kelly and Sky and AJ shared the townhouse just north of the resort. This villa had three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and a kitchen his mother practically swooned over. Not that she’d be doing much cooking. The Casa Blanca Resort & Spa was a vacationer’s dream. Moroccan architecture, turquoise water gently lapping at the white sand beach, and friendly, efficient staff made it easy to imagine being on the shore of the Mediterranean instead of the Gulf of Mexico. It was beautiful enough to make him forget the kind of sand he’d spent years slogging through with a full pack.
Two tuxedos in plastic bags hung in the closet, his name on one, Jed’s on the other. There was a handwritten note on the dresser.
“Welcome to Barefoot Bay! Please try on your tuxedo to make sure there hasn’t been any mix-up, then join us for cocktails on the deck at six. We’re so glad you’re here!” It was signed “Owen and Miranda.” And while Owen was quite an organized guy, the handwriting had to be Miranda’s—Owen’s chicken scratch was barely readable. On the back was the day and time of the rehearsal dinner and, of course, the wedding. Miranda apparently left nothing to chance.
Jed appeared in the doorway. “Looks like Owen and Miranda spared no expense, huh?”
“Looks like.” Jesse pointed to the note.
Jed read it, then stripped out of his travel clothes in record time and tried on his tux. “Fits fine,” he concluded, and was out of it in less than sixty seconds. “Okay, you check out your duds while I head for the beach. Surely there are some single females lounging at the water’s edge, hoping for a hot guy to wander by.”
“And you’re hoping one will settle for you instead?”
Jed flipped him the bird. “Let’s make a wager, bro, on who gets laid first while we’re here.”
“Is there ever anything on your mind besides sex?”
“Seldom. I do not plan on wasting my youth being sensible and level-headed. I plan to sow several fields of wild oats so I’ll have something to look back on in my dotage.” He put on his swimsuit. “Try on your tux, Jess. Once you’re sure it fits, you and I can scan the beach for likely contenders. I understand the motto here is ‘Kick off your shoes and fall in love.’ No reason to get that carried away, but I’m ready to test the waters, so to speak.”
Jesse unzipped the bag and ran his hand over the jacket. Nice feel to the material. He looked inside. Hugo Boss? Holy shit, talk about sparing no expense. The shirt was silk and slid over his shoulders with barely a whisper, and the jacket was such a perfect fit, he would have guessed it was made for him instead of being a rental. No wonder his mother had been so picky about taking his measurements.
Jed added a pair of board shorts and flip-flops. He pulled his sunglasses down his nose at the sight of Jesse. “Holy cow, bro. I’m sticking close to you during the reception. With all the women you’ll attract, there will be plenty left over for me.”
Before Jesse could tell his younger brother to take a hike, his mother peeked around the door. “Have you tried on your—oh, yes, I see you have.” She put both hands to her cheeks. “Oh my, you look so nice, Jesse! I told your father it would be worth it to have a tuxedo tailored for you, and I was right.”
“You and dad bought this for me? Mom, this is such a waste. It must have cost a fortune, and I’ll probably never wear it again.”
“You never know, dear. And all grown men should have their own formal clothes—just in case …” She put her arm around Jed, who looked outraged that he didn’t qualify for his own tux. “Don’t worry, Jed. You’ll get yours soon enough.”
“Don’t bother, Mom. Wearing one on Sunday is punishment enough. If I ever get married, I plan to elope.” He kissed her cheek in passing. “See you all at six.”
Jesse’s cell phone vibrated, and he pulled it out from under the pile of clothes on the bed. It was a text from Owen. “Meet me in Rick’s Cafe downstairs.”
“We’ll see you later, dear. Your father and I are going for a walk on the beach. I’m not wasting a moment of this wonderful trip.” Her voice faded as she went down the stairs.
Jesse put his khaki slacks and white polo shirt back on and headed for the bar. A few stiff drinks would help to numb the pain.