- Aiden -
When I hadn’t heard from her by noon, I started to go a little crazy. In any other situation, I would’ve texted her first thing after a night out. Typically it would be something clever about some hilarious thing someone did or something decent just to gauge the severity of her hangover.
But today I just stared at my phone, not knowing what to say.
I must have typed a dozen different messages and deleted them.
“Had a great time last night. And I know you did.”
Too cocky.
“Had a great time last night. U?”
Too sad.
“Went on the best date last night. Call me and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Too cheesy.
“Brunch?”
Too eager.
“You forgot your panties. Or were those a gift?”
Too sleazy.
“Call me.”
Too desperate.
“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?”
Too parental.
Finally I went with, “Did you get home okay?”
I figured that let me keep my cards close to my chest for the minute. Not that I cared if she knew I had a great time. After all, she must’ve known I did. My good time was probably still dripping down her leg.
Still, I didn’t want to come on way stronger than she was feeling. Maybe she wasn’t as excited about hooking up as I was. Or maybe she was freaked out because now that I’d had her, she was so in love with me she couldn’t verbalize her thoughts yet.
It was a possibility anyway.
I thought about going for a run so I wouldn’t just lounge around and stare at my phone, but it was raining outside, and the lazy summer shower rubbed off on me.
I poured some milk over a bowl of frosted mini wheats and crashed on the couch. I was about to turn on the TV when my eyes drifted towards the balcony. I could picture Lucy there last night with her bare legs sticking out of her short dress, the warm evening breeze blowing through her hair. The image was so clear I felt a pain in my chest.
Why hadn’t she stuck around this morning? We could’ve gone for breakfast at the run down breakfast dive we used to frequent in high school and shared some bacon sandwiches and cheesy hashbrowns. It would’ve been the perfect end to the perfect date.
Instead, I was eating mini wheats all alone and staring at my phone. And then it rang.
“Hey,” I said, trying not to let milk spill out of my mouth.
“Hey, big guy,” my sister said. She’d been calling me big guy ever since I was a little guy.
I finished chewing and swallowed my bite.
“Whatcha eating?” she asked.
“Cereal.”
“Want me to call you back?”
“No, it’s cool. What’s up?”
“I was calling to ask you the same question.”
I furrowed my brow. “Oh?”
“You weren’t in the mood for a family dinner last night, huh?”
“Definitely not.”
“Well, thanks for the heads up. I was stranded by myself with all of Mom’s tennis buddies.”
“Dave wasn’t there?”
“No, he’s in Austin on business.”
I laughed. “The business of visiting micro-breweries.”
“No shit. He sent me a picture of him and one of the guys he works with drinking stout halfway through my third wine spritzer. I nearly forked my own eyes out.”
“Sorry to leave you hanging like that.”
“I forgive you.”
“And Mom?”
“Mortally wounded. Practically ready to disown you.”
“Oh god. Do you think I need to call her and apologize?”
“That’s up to you. I don’t really care since I left this morning. So I don’t have to listen to her talk about how her own son can’t make time for her, but if you feel like sparing Dad…”
“I told her I wasn’t coming.”
“To be honest, I think you did her a favor. Your absence really helped her build rapport with her bitter friends.”
I rolled my eyes. “What a drama queen.”
“Yes. That was the theme of the evening.”
“Sorry I missed it.”
“No you’re not, but that’s okay.”
“Thanks.”
“Assuming you don’t miss my wedding.”
“Of course not,” I said. “Are you kidding? I’ve already started working on my speech.”
“Don’t feel like you have to embarrass me. You could always surprise everyone and make me look good.”
“Yeah, right,” I said. “If there’s any day you’re going to need taken down a peg or two, it’s going to be on the happiest day of your life.”
“Jesus, please don’t hype it up anymore. Mom’s making me so crazy. I’m surprised she hasn’t tried on my dress.”
“That you know of.”
“Right.”
“Didn’t she always want to renew her vows with Dad? She’s probably just jealous.”
“Honestly, I don’t even have the energy to argue with her.”
“That’s not what I heard,” I said.
“Fine. I admit I was a little bridzilla about my dress and the venue, but I swear to god the rest has been all her.”
“Look at the bright side though. She’s far more invested than any maid of honor could ever be.”
“True. I just hope she stops herself before she plans my bachelorette party.”
“You’re having one of those?”
“Yeah. Not cause I’m really dying to treat my friends to a male stripper, but if Dave’s going to have a big dirty party, I’m not going to sit around on my thumbs.”
“Fair enough.”
“Anyway, Mom told me last night that you broke up with Chelsea.”
“Yeah,” I said. “What version of events did she tell you?”
“That you didn’t love her and that she was a money hungry bitch. Not in those words.”
“Oh okay, good. Cause I never really spelled it out like that.”
“Sorry bro.”
“It’s cool. We had fun while it lasted.”
“She wasn’t smart enough for you anyway.”
“And I wasn’t rich or famous enough for her so I guess we’re even.”
“So who are you bringing to the wedding?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it since Chelsea and I broke up.”
“Well, you have to bring someone because all my bridesmaids have significant others.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Nothing. It’s just… I know how you are.”
“How’s that?”
“You’re a humongous flirt. I don’t want you breaking up relationships on a day that’s all about love.”
“I would never-”
“I’ve seen you do it on accident!”
“I can’t help it if the girls want a piece-”
“Shut up. Seriously, who are you bringing?”
“Why does it matter?”
“I’m curious. Plus, I need to know if she’s a vegetarian.”
“She’s not.”
“So you have someone in mind?”
“No, but whoever I bring won’t be a vegetarian.”
“Or a pescetarian?”
“What?”
“Sorry,” she said. “I don’t even know why I asked you that. I can’t remember the last time I met a girlfriend of yours that was even interested in food.”
I sighed.
“Why don’t you bring Lucy?”
“What?”
“Lucy Ryan.”
“What made you say that?”
“Cause I would love to see her, and then I wouldn’t have to worry about you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Cause you’re always better behaved when she’s around.”
“Maybe I don’t want to behave at your wedding.”
“Pleease.”
“When was the last time you even saw her? Not that it matters. It’s just kind of random that you mentioned her.”
“I don’t know. She’s the only girlfriend of yours I could think of that I actually like.”
“Wow.”
“Just saying. Plus, she knows the family and stuff so you’d be able to relax and focus on what’s really important.”
“What’s that?”
“Making me look good in your speech.”
“I guess you’re right. That will take all of my creative attention.”
“Ha Ha,” she said. “Seriously, though, I think it’s a great idea. Probably the best I’ve had all day.”
“Did Mom put you up to this?”
“Honestly?”
“Of course.”
“She did ask me to find out who you were going to bring, but Lucy was all my idea.”
“Yeah, Mom would never suggest that.”
“Actually, she said if you didn’t have someone in mind, she was going to match you up with some girl from the club.”
“What the fuck?!”
“I know. She’s delusional.”
“Why would she think that was appropriate on your freaking wedding day?”
“Cause she’s sick.”
“Well, tell her I have someone in mind and that I don’t need her help.”
“Is it Lucy?”
“Maybe.”
“Pleease. She’s so fun.”
“I can’t make her go, but I can ask her.”
“You’re the best.”
“Thanks. I try.”
“Please tell her I want her to come, too. So she knows she’s properly invited.”
“I’ll mention it. She probably would be a great date.”
“You’re welcome,” she said.
“What?”
“For saving you from Mom’s cupidity.”
“Good one.”
“Thanks. Anyway, I gotta run, but I’ll see you soon, bro.”
“Bye, Claire.”
“Let me know if Lucy can’t come.”
“Will do.”
“Don’t forget.”
“I won’t,” I said. After all, Lucy’s coming was all I could think about.