Wish Upon a Wedding (19 page)

“Yeah, I'd like to see him if you can pry him out of there,” Avery said.

“I'll do my best,” Grace promised. “What do you two want to drink?”

“Bring me whatever is new on tap,” Avery replied. “I've tried everything else, I think.”

“Coming right up. Sophia?”

“Oh, I think Black Magic sounds good tonight. Mason's chocolate porter is one of my favorites.”

“Me too. That's the one Mason gave to me on the dark and stormy night when we first met right here in this building. I told him it was a girly ale and he didn't take that too well.”

Avery laughed. “Wish I'd been there for that one. It might be chocolate but the AVB will sneak up on you.”

“Oh yeah.” Grace nodded. “I found that out pretty quickly. Well, looks like your sister spotted you, Avery. I'll bring your ales over to your table,” she said and gave Sophia a discreet look that promised she'd come to her rescue. But Sophia wasn't about to be rescued by her sister or Avery. With a little lift of her chin she took Avery's hand and walked with him to the table.

Greeting and hugs were exchanged, friendly but with an underlying tension radiating from Ashley who sat down next to Zoe. Sophia had a moment of indecision of where to sit but Avery tugged her hand, urging her to sit next to him on the bench seat with Max. A moment later Grace arrived with their ales and Sophia barely suppressed a sigh of relief.

“Anybody else need anything?” Grace asked.

“A glass of water would be nice,” Ashley said. “This ale is a bit on the bitter side.” She wrinkled up her nose.

“Oh, would you like something different?” Grace
asked, in a polite but cool voice. “Or perhaps a flight to see what you prefer?”

Ashley lifted one shoulder. “No, it's okay,” she replied in a sweet but slightly suffering tone.

Grace nodded. “Okay, well, if you change your mind let me know.”

“Thank you,” Ashley said, drawing out the words.

Sophia took a grateful swig of her ale and sat quietly while the conversation turned to the upcoming bachelorette and bachelor weekend. The guys were going to rent a houseboat on Norris Lake while the girls were going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for a weekend in the Smoky Mountains.

“Have you made the reservation for the houseboat yet?” Max asked Avery.

“I was waiting for the total head count,” Avery replied. “Colby just said he could go, but I'm still waiting on Danny's answer. He had a fishing tournament scheduled for that weekend, and he was going to see if Jimmy Topmiller would take the reins for him.”

“Oh,” Zoe said. “Didn't you read my text earlier?”

“No, what happened?” Avery asked.

“There's been a change of date.” She flicked a glance at Ashley.

“What? Why?” Avery asked. Sophia could feel the muscles in his leg tighten.

“We have to move the date up to this coming weekend. Ashley has a commitment the following weekend and anything closer to the wedding would be too stressful, so . . .”

Avery shook his head. “But that's the grand opening of White Lace and Promises.”

“I'm ever so sorry. Business,” Ashley said with a slight wince. “All of the bridesmaids are okay with the change of plans. Max, you checked with the rest of guys, right?”

“Yeah, and then Danny won't have to ask Jimmy to take over the tournament,” Max said.

“See, Avery, it's better for everyone,” Ashley said with a little smile.

“Well, not for me,” Avery said tightly. “I want to be here for the grand opening.”

“Oh, don't worry about it, Avery,” Sophia said, eternally glad that her voice didn't shake.

“Zoe, this is very last-minute,” Avery argued and gave Ashley a hard look. Ashley answered with a slight lift of one eyebrow.

“I know and I'm sorry,” Zoe said, directing her answer at Sophia.

“It's okay,” Sophia said.

“It couldn't be helped.” Ashley pressed her lips together. She gave Zoe a pleading look. “I mean I could try to reschedule but then I risk losing a client.”

“I can't have you do that,” Zoe said to Ashley. “Avery, surely you understand.”

“Well, I can't go, then,” Avery said.

“You're the best man,” Zoe reminded him. “And Sophia said she didn't mind.”

Sophia swished her hand through the air. “Don't worry. It's fine.” She turned to Avery and smiled. “Really. It's just an open house.”

“See? No big deal,” Ashley said, and then took a swig of her beer. She smiled at Sophia. “Thanks ever so much for being so understanding. It's so very nice of you not to put up a fuss.”

“Don't mention it.” Sophia shook her head.

“Well, now, you're just as sweet as can be,” Ashley gushed, laying on the Southern twang. “I just adore your little paisley dress. It suits you. You're just as cute as a little ole button.” She gave her hair a flip. “I could never pull something like that off but you somehow manage.”

“Thank you,” Sophia said, barely keeping an edge from her voice. “I don't follow trends.”

“Or set them,” Ashley said, drawing a surprised look from Zoe and a glare from Avery. “Oh, would y'all just stop? I was just joking.”

“I leave setting trends to my mother,” Sophia said, appalled at herself for dropping her mother's name. What was it about Ashley that brought out the worst in her?

“Your mother?” Ashley tilted her head, letting her long black hair slip over her shoulder. She snapped her fingers. “Oh right, the swimsuit model.”

Sophia ground her teeth together, but nodded, trying not to get sucked into this but failing. “Yes, that's right, the swimsuit model. If you'll excuse me I need to visit the ladies' room,” she said, hoping that Grace would get the hint and join her. She needed to vent or explode. She gave Avery's thigh a squeeze. “I'll be right back.”

“Okay, don't be too long,” Avery said and leaned over to give her a quick kiss.

“Y'all are just so cute,” Ashley cooed and scrunched up her nose.

Was it wrong that Sophia wished her face froze like that?

Yes, it was wrong, Sophia thought as she headed toward the bathroom door that had
WITCHES
on it. Think nice thoughts, she said to herself, trying to catch Grace's eye but failing. She wished she'd picked up her purse so she could text her sister but in her haste to get away from the snarky Southern belle from hell, she'd forgotten to snag her belongings. After she was in the stall she heard the door swish open. She smiled, thinking it was Grace to the rescue but the black heels that clicked across the tile didn't belong to Grace and when Sophia came out to wash her hands, Ashley emerged from the other stall and gave her a snappy smile. “Well, hello there.”

“Fancy meeting you here,” Sophia tried to joke.

“Oh, you're so funny.”

Sophia searched for something else to say, but before she could think of anything Ashley filled the
silence. “Don't take this the wrong way,” Ashley said slowly as if talking to a child.

“Okay.” Sophia's heart hammered as she resisted the urge to cross her arms over her chest. Instead, she tried to appear casual.

Ashley leaned one hip against the edge of sink and continued. “I cheated on Avery.”

Sophia blinked at her, stunned that she would admit what Sophia had already suspected and had to wonder what else was coming. “That's unfortunate.”

“Yes,” Ashley nodded slowly. “It is. See, Avery still
loves
me. He just can't forgive me.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I want to save you some heartache. I am the love of Avery's life, So-ph-ia. He told me so when he put a gorgeous diamond ring on my finger. He will never get over me and he'll never be able to love anyone else.”

“And just how do you know this, Ashley?” Sophia said calmly but her heart felt as if it might jump out of her chest at any moment and go running out the door.

“I know him much better than you do or ever will. You're not from around here and you don't know the ways of small-town folk. We're all family; you'll always be an outsider. Zoe is my best friend. The four of us are inseparable and we always will be. You'll never fit in.”

“I'm not trying to fit in.”

“Whatever.” She gave her a little head bop.

“I'm guessing that Zoe doesn't know you cheated on her brother.”

“No, she doesn't.” Ashley shook her head slowly. “Avery promised me he wouldn't tell and he keeps his promises.”

“Unlike you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “It was a moment of weakness.” She shrugged. “A hot baseball player I was working with. I'd had one too many martinis, and well, one thing
led to another.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Meaningless.”

“Not to Avery. How did he find out?”

“That's none of your business.”

“You're making it my business.”

“Look, his ego was hurt but he'll get over it.”

“You were engaged,” Sophia said hotly. “How could you do such a thing to him?” she asked, angry that this woman had hurt him. She wanted to give her a hard shove.

Something flickered in her eyes. “It was a silly mistake. I regret it. Look, I thought it was only fair for me to tell you that Avery will always love me and that if you stay with him, you should know that you are his second choice. Do you really want that?” she asked in a fake tone.

No,
screamed in her head.

“Don't you see?” she asked gently. “Avery is using you to make me jealous.”

“Avery doesn't use anyone.”

“He may not even know he's doing it,” she said. “But I know it.” She put a hand to her chest. “And deep down Avery does, too. Do yourself a huge favor and walk away before your heart is broken into tiny little pieces.” She pushed up from the sink and gave Sophia a tight little smile. “Oh and if you decide to leak the little secret that I divulged to you, Avery will know where it came from. Other than him, you're the only other person privy to this information. So, if you blow your mouth and it ruins the wedding? Well, Avery will never forgive you. So this needs to be our little secret.” She raised both eyebrows. “Okay?”

“I don't owe you any promises.”

“True. But you owe Avery since he's taken you under his wing, wouldn't you say? Helped you to fit in where you don't belong?”

Sophia refused to dignify her question with an answer.

“Oh and I'm so
very
sorry about the change of date for the bachelor party.” She raised her palms upward and shrugged. “It just couldn't be helped.”

“I'm sure.” Sophia gave her a level look and thought that the purple Mohawk might just happen after all.

“We'd best get back to the table. It's about time to discuss what you're planning to do with our hair for the wedding. I am very particular I'll have you know. But I'm sure you'll do a nice little job in your cute little salon.” Ashley walked past Sophia leaving a cloud of her cloying perfume in her wake.

Sophia stood there for a moment, stunned. And then white-hot fury washed over her like a tidal wave making her feel odd and shaky. Anger this strong was a foreign feeling for Sophia and she didn't like it one bit. She shouldn't give Ashley the power to make her feel this way.

“What a nasty piece of work,” she whispered, wondering how Avery could have ever loved someone so despicable.

But a nasty thought wiggled around in her head. Did he still love Ashley?

And is that why he hasn't said
I love you
to Sophia? Was she truly his second choice?

“Oh . . .
stop it
.” Sophia closed her eyes and had to grip the cool sink. If it wouldn't have ruined her makeup, she would have splashed water on her face. “Don't let her get to you,” she said low and fiercely. Oh boy, but going back out there was the last thing she wanted to do.
Fake it till you make it.

With that thought firmly in mind she inhaled a sharp breath, stiffened her spine, pushed the door open.

And came face-to-face with Avery.

Stuck in the Middle with You

A
very took one look at Sophia's pale face and knew that something was terribly wrong. And he knew who had caused the problem.

“Sophia, sweetheart, what did she say to you?” Avery asked, trying to keep his anger at Ashley from exploding in his brain.

“Nothing you should be concerned about,” Sophia replied in a calm tone that didn't reassure him one bit.

“Sophia, anything that bothers you is something I need to be concerned about.”

“Worrying is my job, remember?” Sophia asked with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her stormy eyes.

Avery took her hand and led her down the hallway until they stood in the shadows. “Please tell me what happened in there.”

“There's no need.” Sophia gave him a jerky shake of her head. “Let's get back in the taproom and enjoy the rest of the evening.”

“There isn't anything I can enjoy with
her
around. And I especially can't enjoy myself if I know you're troubled about something she said to you.”

“Avery, tonight is your sister's wedding planning night. She deserves for this to be a fun evening. I won't allow Ashley to spoil it for Zoe.”

“Well, I can tell you right now, I'm not going to the bachelor party or missing your grand opening. What Ashley did was bullshit and I see right through it. I can't believe that Zoe doesn't.”

“Maybe she does and is still clinging to the hope that this thing with me is temporary and you'll come to your senses and get back with Ashley.”

“I've come to my senses and that's why I'm with you,” he said, expecting a smile or laugh but her expression remained serious. “I won't miss your special day that you've been working so hard toward.”

“No, I really want you to go to the bachelor party. After all, you're the best man. I'm just having an open-house kind of thing. It's no big deal.”

“It's a big deal to me.”

“Actually, it would upset me more to have you miss the bachelor party on account of me. I would feel terrible. And Max would be so disappointed if you didn't go. It's fine, really.”

“Are you sure?” In his experience, when a woman said something was fine, it really meant the opposite. Of course, his experience was with Ashley and not someone as kind and understanding as Sophia. Sophia nodded, and he let out an exasperated sigh. “What does Ashley think she's accomplishing by pulling this stunt?”

“Avery, she wants to cause problems. Come between us. Don't play into her hands.”

Avery shoved his fingers through his hair, but then nodded. “You're right,” he said and leaned over to kiss her. “We won't let that happen.”

“No, we won't.” Sophia finally smiled but something in the depths of her eyes told him that Ashley had already accomplished her goal. He wanted to press Sophia for answers as to what was said but she had a
fight-or-flight look about her and he didn't want to upset her further.

“Why don't we just get out of here?”

“Because we just arrived. There are plans to be made and you're a part of them. Like I said, this is your sister's wedding. She doesn't deserve tonight to be ruined because of something Ashley said to me.” Sophia reached up and cupped his cheek. “I'm okay, really,” she insisted, but he knew otherwise.

Avery thought for the millionth time that he should tell Zoe the truth, his promise to Ashley be damned. And he sure as hell wanted to know what crap she just shoveled at Sophia. He looked at her sweet face, sincere eyes, and realized how very lucky he was to be here tonight with Sophia instead of being married to Ashley. “I don't know what I ever saw in her,” he muttered.

“Love isn't something we choose, but something that just happens. We can't control who we love,” she said gently, but something flickered in her eyes and she glanced away. “And we can't control the actions of others. I've never understood meanness, but in my experience, I've found that it usually stems from insecurity,” Sophia said and it seemed to be more to herself than to him.

“Sophia, please tell me what happened in there. What garbage did Ashley say to you?” He searched her sweet face for clues. “It's driving me crazy. I need to know.”

Sophia tilted her head up to look at him. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears and it clawed at his heart. “You know, Avery, I think that forgiveness is the hardest thing that we have to face in our lives. But it's also the most freeing feeling. I finally forgave my father for loving money more than spending time with his family. It was his loss and I feel sorry for him now instead of anger and resentment. And he knows his mistake but it's just the way he is. I love him in spite of his faults.”

When she stopped talking, Avery wondered where in the world she was going with this conversation. Confused, he prompted, “Sophia, I don't know—”

“Sometimes forgiveness is all it takes to make our world right again. We all make mistakes.”

His heart thudded. “Sophia, if—”

“Let's just get back in there, shall we?” she asked lightly, but instead of waiting for an answer she started walking. Having no choice, Avery walked with her, turning over what she'd just said in his mind, trying to make sense of it all. But he could tell by her firm steps and the stiff set of her spine that Ashley wasn't going to get the best of Sophia . . .

Unless she already had.

Avery went through the motions. He ordered another round of ales, laughed at Max's jokes, and helped put the finishing touches on the bachelorette and bachelor party weekend.

When Ashley kept steering the conversation to old times, Avery quickly changed the subject, not wanting Sophia to feel left out. Besides, he didn't want to relive the past with Ashley; he wanted to start a future with Sophia. He was going to let Sophia know that important detail as soon as they could politely make their exit.

“So, are we all set?” Zoe asked. She looked down at the notes she'd taken. “The girls will drop the guys off at Norris Lake for a houseboat weekend, while the girls stay in Gatlinburg in a chalet.”

“I've got a gorgeous one rented,” Ashley said. “And if the boys make an impromptu visit, I'm sure we won't mind,” she added with a wink in Avery's direction. “Just like they used to do when we had weekend sleepovers. Remember that, guys?”

“That's not going to happen,” Max said with a frown at Ashley. Avery wanted to give him a high five.

“Oh, I'm just teasin',” Ashley said with a pout.

“Yeah, we already discussed that, Ashley,” Zoe said
with a surprising edge to her voice. “We won't interrupt each other's weekend. We're only riding with each other for the convenience and to save gas since the lake is on the way.”

“Oh, come on, Zoe, y'all just need to lighten up,” Ashley said with a bit of a bite to her tone as well. Could it be that Ashley was finally wearing thin on his sister? It was about damned time. “I do believe that you're getting a bit of wedding jitters.” She rolled her eyes and then looked at Sophia. “I don't envy you and your little bridal salon. Brides can be such a pain.” She made a face at Zoe as if expecting her to laugh but Zoe shook her head and took a drink of her ale.

“White Lace and Promises is a dream come true for me,” Sophia said. “I've always loved getting a bride ready for the most important day of her life. Jitters are normal. I'm very good at calming the bridal party down and making the day extraordinary, as it should be.”

“Better you than me,” Ashley said and made a duck face. Avery wondered if she realized how goofy she looked. He wanted to take his phone out and take a picture of her so he could show her.

“I'm okay with that,” Sophia said airily. Avery wasn't sure but by the sudden look of pain on Ashley's face he had to wonder if Zoe had just given her a hard nudge beneath the table. Good, Ashley deserved to be squashed.

“We'll pick you guys back up Sunday afternoon,” Zoe said, and then looked across the table at Sophia. “And thanks for being so understanding about the date change. I know it's sudden and I'm truly sorry.”

“No problem. I'll be busy,” Sophia assured her. “I hope you guys have a really fun time.”

“Thanks,” Zoe and Max both said, but Ashley remained silent.

Avery took Sophia's hand and squeezed it. He was a little bit ticked at Zoe for not being on his side when it came to the date change, but then again, she catered
toward Ashley just like he used to do. He supposed old habits die hard. Lucky for him those days were over. “You ready, Sophia?”

“Yes.” Sophia nodded. “I have a long day tomorrow. It was nice to get to spend time with you,” she said to Zoe and Max, and then flicked a brief glance at Ashley. “I'm really looking forward to when you and your bridesmaids come in for the trial run for your updos. Start getting pictures together. I've got some lovely hair jewelry from Nicolina Diamante or you can go with a weave of fresh flowers from Flower Power to complement the color of your dresses. There are lots of fun choices and we'll explore them all. If you have any pictures to send me ahead of time that will be really helpful.”

“I'm looking forward to it too,” Zoe said, and Avery thought he caught a little look of guilt in Zoe's eyes. Well, good. Perhaps after having her seeing him with Sophia she would finally get the message that he was done with Ashley and had found someone really wonderful. “My mother wants you to do her hair for the wedding too. Have you met my parents yet?”

“Not yet,” Sophia said. “I'm sure they're lovely folks.”

“I adore Carla and Tommy,” Ashley said with a smug smile. “My mama and Carla were best friends just like Zoe and me. Isn't that just the coolest thing?” she asked Sophia.

Sophia nodded.

Avery shifted in his seat, not liking the direction the evening was suddenly going. They seriously needed to get the hell out of there—and fast. “We'll see you around,” he said and couldn't quite keep the impatience out of his voice.

“See you this weekend, Avery. It's going to be a blast,” Ashley said. Avery pointedly ignored her comment.

“We promise not to get too wild,” Max said to Sophia who smiled back at him. “I'll be the voice of reason.”

“Since when?” Avery asked with a grin at his friend. Damn, he missed Max.

“Since I'm getting married.”

“Speak for yourself,” Ashley said. She put her hand to her chest. “I, for one, fully intend to get a little bit crazy. Isn't that what these weekends are for? One last hurrah?” Ashley cooed with a nudge to Zoe who shot her a frown. “What? Why on earth are you so uptight tonight?” She flicked Sophia a glance as if she was somehow the culprit. “Oh . . . I get it.”

“Okay, we're heading out,” Avery said and extended his hand toward Sophia. He grasped her fingers firmly as they made their way toward the entrance.

“I'm going to say good-bye to Grace, if you don't mind.”

Avery leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “No, take as long as you like, I'll meet you at the front door. I'm going to make a stop in the men's room.”

“Okay, I'll meet you there in a few minutes.” She smiled but he could tell that she was upset and rightfully so. He felt like going back in there and giving Ashley a piece of his mind but didn't want to give her the satisfaction of letting her see how riled up she'd gotten him. And since he didn't know what went on in the ladies' room he felt at a disadvantage. Damn, he wanted to know!

Avery tried not to dwell on what Ashley might have said to Sophia and put a smile on his face when he met her at the front door. After they were seated in his truck he finally said, “Well, I'm glad that's behind us. Thanks for coming with me, Sophia.”

“Oh, Avery, your sister is really nice. She and Max make a great couple. I can tell that they are completely in love. She's going to make such a beautiful bride.”

“Thanks, I miss hanging out with them,” Avery said, and then could have bitten his tongue. “Max and I have been friends for a long time and you already know I'm close to Zoe.”

“Oh, I know. This can't be easy for you.”

“Yeah, it hasn't been, but now that Zoe's seen how good we are together we can start doing more things with the two of them. Why don't we plan a barbecue at my house soon?”

“Sure.” Sophia nodded but her smile still seemed distant.

Avery felt a flash of anxiety grip him hard in the gut. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Do you want to come back to my house or head to your place?”

“Actually, Avery, I'm really tired so if you don't mind I'd like to go home.”

When she didn't mention inviting him up, his anxiety kicked it up a notch. “Okay,” he said with pointed reluctance and started up the truck. “But thank you again for coming with me tonight.”

“You're welcome, Avery, but you don't have to keep thanking me.”

Sophia remained silent on the short drive back but Avery was uncertain whether or not to approach the subject of what went on in the bathroom again. Unfortunately, whatever happened with Ashley felt like a time bomb ready to explode and he didn't have any idea how to defuse it since he was clueless as to what was said.

Avery reached over and took Sophia's hand and although she didn't pull away, she didn't slide a smile his way or make her usual cute remarks. She failed to sing along with the music on the radio and seemed deep in thought. When they pulled into her parking lot he found a vacant spot and killed the engine. “Mind if I come up for a little while?” he asked and when she hesitated, dread mixed with the anxiety he was feeling. “Sophia, are we going to talk about it?” he asked gently. “We need to.”

Sophia looked at him with uncertainty in her eyes. After swallowing hard she lifted one shoulder. “I don't know.”