He Loves Me Not (Bunch-A-Blooms 1)

“Me either. That was the problem.” He pushed away from the memories.

“I meant to ask, how serious is this thing with Petunia?”

“I’m going to marry her.”

Bryce’s jaw dropped. “Whoa, dude.”

“Yeah. It’s not time yet. But soon. I’m going to need you as my best man.”

“Of course, dude. I’d be honored. Wow.”

“When you know, you know.” The words didn’t taste like a lie as they rolled off his tongue. The longer they played at being a couple, the more real it felt.

“I’m not even going to try to dissuade you. You two have known one another since birth. If you can’t make it, no one can.”

“Thanks, bro. I appreciate it. It’s kind of why I had you come over. I wanted to tell someone. I have been keeping it to myself for a mi

nute.”

“I’m behind you one-hundred percent. Whatever you need. I’m there.”

“Thanks. How about a couple rounds of Call of Duty then head downtown?”

“Sounds good to me.”

***

They walked inside the Jack Casino and the world outside faded away. The sound of slot machines, people, and top 40 music filled his ear. They made a beeline for the Rock bar, and he marveled at the changes the city had undergone. Never in a million years would he have imagined a casino existing downtown, or wanting to go to it. They’d completely revamped the once run down area and made it a trendy place for younger people and those with families. Lifting the law that restricted casinos to being on a body of water had added a new spin to nightlife. The Rock bar was well lit with the blue neon surrounding the bar below and on top, contrasting with the red velvet chairs. It felt a little like Vegas without being too flashy.

His eyes honed in on the long-legged beauty who outshone everyone around her in a simple pair of jeans, knee-high black boots, a long-sleeved white T-shirt, and a red plaid vest. She wore a matching red hat, and a smile that put the sun to shame. He quickened his steps, and she opened her arms and legs as he hugged her.

“Hi, baby. Your eyebrows look good.”

The girls giggled. “Oh, you’ve got him trained.”

“Nuh uh. Mas has always been observant.” She winked, and he brushed his lips against hers in greeting.

“Miss me?” he asked.

“Only a little,” she whispered. He touched their foreheads and moved to stand beside her, trying to contain the joy that wanted to burst from every pore. How had he missed this all these years?

“Ladies, good to see you again,” he said to Olive and Willow.

They exchanged pleasantries until their guide arrived and the check-in began.

“You trying to get me drunk, Mason?” Petunia asked as they loaded the bus.

“You want to be?”

“Yes. It’s an order. Miss workaholic is taking a break this weekend,” Olive said.

“Pot meet kettle, babe,” Petunia replied.

Olive stuck her tongue out, and Willow laughed. “I’m backing Olive on this one. There’s a reason you didn’t drive today.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk,” Bryce said.

“There’s a reason for that,” Petunia explained.