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“Do you have the rings?” Max jabbed me in the side.

I blinked a few times and then fumbled around in my inside jacket pocket. “Of course, dude. Chill,” I mumbled under my breath.

His eyes flashed and I knew I’d hit a sore spot.

Swallowing hard, I forced a smile. “Here, Max. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility.”

He clapped me on the back as I passed him the two rings I’d joined together with the first string I could find. Okay, it was surfer cord. I’d been so concerned about losing them and disappointing my big brother that I’d attached the leg cord to my wrist, fed it up my sleeve, and tucked them safely against my heart. No way would I lose them. Unfortunately, I quickly realized my mistake as he snatched them from my hand before he assessed the situation and nearly yanked me off my feet in his eagerness to pass them to the minister.

When I stumbled as I tried to unhook the cord from my wrist, Max blew out a breath, shook his head and grumbled under his breath, “Bodhi…”

Behind me, Isla snickered. I knew what she was thinking. Typical Bodhi, fucking up the wedding. I didn’t have to look to know she and Hawk were cuddled together behind me.

Reluctantly, I glanced at Victoria, hoping I hadn’t pissed her off too. Instead, I found her laughing behind her bouquet. She recovered quickly enough and passed it to Beatrice. “Max, let me help,” she murmured smoothly. Then she reached out and untied the string like a master while Max eyed her with such adoration I had to look away.

Except when I glanced to the other side, I found Alex taking pictures, recording my blunder for posterity. He grinned and I watched him catch Charlie’s eye as she sat in the second pew beside where he stood. My head hung. We were surrounded by our friends and family. I should be happy. Most of them accepted me for who I was, with my father, who had huffed to my back left, almost the only exception. Still, I struggled today. Usually pretty laid back and happy-go-lucky, I was dragging ass. I was in a funk and I wasn’t entirely sure why.

After the ceremony ended and we’d finally managed to get into the back of the limo, with me and tater tot tucked in the corner, I stared out the window. We were on our way to the bar for the reception. This was my big chance to show off the place and possibly gain my father’s approval for the first time…maybe only time. And if that didn’t work, tomorrow, when everyone was finally gone and life was back to normal, I could go surfing.

“A surfer’s cord, Bodhi,” Max groaned as he sank deeper into the seat and shifted to look at me.

Taking a deep breath, I peeked over at him. “Well, since I haven’t had time to hit the waves lately, this seemed like one way to put my gear to good use. I’ve never lost a board and now I didn’t lose your rings.” I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood. It worked on everyone but Max.

“This was a wedding, Bodhi,” he began.

Victoria reached out and patted my hand. “You did great, Bodhi. I thought it was adorable.”

I nodded. Adorable. You know what sucks about being adorable? No one takes adorable guys seriously.

“Seriously, it was a complete Bodhi move.” Isla laughed.

I couldn’t tell how she meant it, but this whole “being myself” thing wasn’t really working out for me anymore. It was okay when I was satisfied being the single guy. And why wouldn’t I be? My brother was single. My sister was far from interested in any attachments. We were the Three Musketeers. Only now we weren’t. She had Hawk. They were so hot and heavy, I’m surprised they managed to show up at the wedding. They missed the rehearsal dinner last night, showing up an hour late.

When I glanced at Hawk, he never met my gaze, mostly because he couldn’t take his eyes off my sister. Who could blame him? She was beautiful. I knew how guys saw her because I’d been hearing it for years. The minute puberty kicked in, Max and I were on full alert. Private school guys were dicks.

Beside me, Max and Victoria were cuddled together, talking in low voices so none of us could hear them. Beatrice and Will were wrapped up in each other. Even tater tot had Thea. I sighed, a little louder than I planned. I stiffened, and glanced about, but the only one who seemed to notice was the driver, who gave me a knowing look.

Finally, we pulled up in front of Rogers Bar & Brewery. This was the first official event, and the first time we were open. Tomorrow would signal the start of our normal hours. I should be excited, but instead I couldn’t muster any interest, any excitement, even for Max and Victoria, which made me feel like complete shit. That was why I lingered outside for a minute before entering the establishment I’d soon be tasked with running for my super uptight, incredibly judgmental older brother.

I stretched a few times before turning to the sound of the music wafting from the café next door. It was a nice place. Max had bought us sandwiches from there last week. Mostly, I’d barely noticed the place because I was so freaking eager to please my brother, I’d been coming and going like I had blinders on. Inside, there was a tiny woman gliding around the place. She had long black hair gathered in a low ponytail at the back of her neck, beautiful cheekbones, and remarkably pale skin for someone who seemed to be of Indian descent.

She caught me staring and came out to greet me. “I’m just closing up,” she announced with a warm smile. “I’m Norah.” She tucked her cloth into her apron and held out a hand.

When I took it, I was amazed at how soft her skin felt next to mine and how slender her fingers seemed by comparison. “Bodhi,” I managed to blurt out. “I’ll be running the place next door.” I jerked a thumb over my shoulder.

Norah laughed and it sounded like little tinkling wind chimes. I blinked a few times, convinced this was so strange dream. “Nice to meet you, Bodhi. So, you’re an event venue? That will be fun.”

I frowned. “Well, tonight’s event is my brother’s reception. Tomorrow, we’ll be a bar.” I shrugged and watched her face fall. “Sorry.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry too,” she responded crisply as she backed away. “Well, it’s closing time. I have to go.”

She disappeared inside the café, leaving me wondering what I’d done to offend her and what it would take to make it right.