Where We Belong

Riley glares at Reed, then softens her gaze and sweeps it over the group, addressing all of us at once.

“Sorry I was late, but I don’t really see what the big deal is. It doesn’t take a genius to know how to carry a thing of flowers and walk twenty feet.”

Her head tilts up as her eyes land on CJ, who is straight-up staring at her like he’s possessed or something.

His body tense, yet perfectly still. Air ceasing to move in and out of his lungs.

What’s his deal? And who can go this long without blinking?

Ben kicks his leg out, connecting with CJ’s calf.

It startles him.

“Hey,” CJ mumbles, finally snapping out of it, clearing his throat and offering his hand to Riley. “Sorry. I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m CJ. I’ll be your partner in crime at this shindig tomorrow.” He makes a weird face, looking down and murmuring, “did I really just use a cop reference?”

“Yep,” Luke chuckles, leaning back and throwing his arm around Tessa. “Real smooth too.”

Riley looks from Luke to CJ, then finally takes the hand being held out for her and shakes it quickly.

“Hi,” she says softly, blinking up at him. “Sorry, but I’m probably going to be a raging bitch at this thing tomorrow. Don’t take it personal.”

He smiles, then steps back, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Sure thing, darlin’.”

“What?” Reed cuts CJ a look, then decides on addressing Riley’s cryptic admission. “Why are you going to be a raging bitch? What’s wrong with you?”

“You know exactly what’s wrong with me. Don’t play dumb, Reed.”

“He’s not,” Ben says through a grin, attempting to lighten the mood.

It doesn’t work.

He stands, looking around the group. “I’m going to take Nolan to the restroom. He’s doing a different kind of dance now.”

Luke gets up from his seat. “I’ll join you.”

I’m expecting CJ to realize how private this discussion is and step away too, even if he doesn’t have to use the bathroom, but he remains where he is, keeping all of his attention fixated on Riley.

I watch Ben cross the floor and scoop up Nolan, carrying him through the crowd with Luke at his side. Once they disappear, I turn back to the drama unfolding in front of me.

I’m sticking around for moral support.

Realization dawns on Reed’s face. He pulls his shoulders back. “Is this because of Dick? Are you really going to be pissed at me because I fired him? Come on, Riley. I did you a solid.”

Beth tugs on Reed’s arm, looking a little anxious all of a sudden.

“His name is Richard,” Riley hisses. Hands clenched at her hips. Her bottom lip trembling. “And yes, I’m going to be pissed at you for firing him. And for not letting him come as my date. That was a really crappy move.”

Reed sighs, throwing his hands into the air. “So sorry I didn’t want to pay for some ex-employee of mine to eat salmon and drink tequila shots.”

“He doesn’t even drink tequila! But you know who does? Me! And guess what’s going on your tab, big brother?”

Riley spins on her heels, knocking into CJ before storming off in the direction of the bar.

“Whoa,” Tessa murmurs.

I nod, looking from her to CJ, who grabs his beer off the table and steps away, mumbling something about needing a refill.

Reed shakes his head. “Are you kidding me? She’s acting like such a child.”

Beth wraps her arms around his waist from behind. “She’s just upset because now things are rough between them. Give her some time. She’s here. She chose sharing our day with us over sitting at home with him. That means something.”

Dropping his head, looking half ready to pass out and half ready to sweep Beth into his arms and pin her against something, Reed turns and gathers his soon-to-be wife against his chest, pressing his mouth to her hair and whispering.

After a moment, he looks over at the two of us. “We’re going to go take a walk on the beach.”

“Cool. We’ll probably turn in soon,” Tessa replies, both of us waving when Beth raises her hand.

“That was crazy,” I murmur, shifting Chase in my arms after they move away. “And did you see CJ staring at Riley? I thought he was going to grab her by the hair and drag her off to his villa for a quick bang. Is he out of his mind? Reed will kill him.”

“Weddings,” Tessa snickers, turning her head and smiling at me. “Tomorrow should be interesting.”

Nodding, I lean against her, the two of us falling into a fit of quiet giggles and no doubt picturing the same scenario in our minds, involving Reed tackling one of his groomsmen to the ground while his sister pummels him in the back with her bouquet.

Thank God we brought headphones for Nolan’s iPad. He might just be wearing those during the ceremony.

After Ben and Luke return to the table with Nolan, we all order some food and hang out a bit longer, laughing as Luke recalls some of the things Nolan was trying to pull over on him while staying at their house.

Telling Luke he was allowed to buy whatever apps he wanted because he’s such a good kid. Flipping through On Demand and acting like he watches Game of Thrones regularly.

By the time our meals are finished, Chase is asleep in Ben’s arms and Nolan is showing the first signs of being tired, little yawns he tries to conceal because he wants to stay up and dance some more.