Bridesmaid Undercover: An incredibly steamy, hilarious, friends to lovers, love triangle romantic comedy

HARDY

To: Hardy Hopper

From: Everly Plum

Subject: I Made Contact

Henrietta,

Contact has been made with Syrup. Out of respect to my client confidentiality, I will try to keep this brief with few details but also offer you some information that will be helpful.

She is not excited about being in the same room as you.

She said things ended amicably, but she was slightly upset about it.

She said she had a lot of fun with you but wasn’t sure how serious your relationship was.

Got the impression that she’s been thinking about dating. Polly has been trying to set her up.

That’s pretty much it. I didn’t want to do too much digging out of fear of being too obvious, but yeah, seems like she’s not very interested at the moment.

Not sure that’s what you wanted to hear, but that’s what I know so far.

The Prof

To: Everly Plum

From: Hardy Hopper

Subject: RE: I Made Contact

Professor,

Huh…*scratches head*

She didn’t think it was serious? If that’s the case, why was she upset when it ended? Seems slightly contradictory. I will admit, we didn’t really talk about the future at all. The only time we did was when our senior year was coming to an end, and I told her I would follow her.

I think there’s something she’s not telling you or Polly that we need to get to the bottom of.

Think you’re up for the task?

I don’t think this mission is over, Professor, and I need you now more than ever.

Henrietta

P.S. Who is she thinking about dating? Did she happen to ask you to set her up with anyone?

To: Hardy Hopper

From: Everly Plum

Subject: RE: I Made Contact

Henrietta,

I will help as much as I can. I can’t make any promises though. We will have to tread carefully because I don’t want her to know I’m working for the enemy. I established a good rapport, and I don’t want to lose that.

And no, she didn’t ask me to set her up with anyone. Trust me, I’m having a hard enough time finding someone for myself, especially after the nightmare of a date I went on the other night.

Looks like it’s going to be a tough road, Henrietta. Not sure of your chances.

The Prof

To: Everly Plum

From: Hardy Hopper

Subject: Never Give up

Professor,

I think there is one thing you need to know about me. I don’t give up easily, meaning, this new information is not going to deter me. I’m going to request a meeting to discuss the bridal shower, and I think you, Syrup, and I all need to be there. Let’s get the initial awkwardness over and done with and work from there.

Can you schedule an appointment? I’m back in town tomorrow, and I want to offer up one of our properties for the shower venue. It’s a storefront that is being used for all different kinds of events. The best part is that it has a spacious courtyard in the back. Kind of a diamond in the rough. Think we could meet there?

Also, I’m going to need to hear more about your date. Details will be needed.

Henrietta

To: Hardy Hopper

From: Everly Plum

Subject: Here We Go…

Henrietta,

Syrup is going to be livid, but I think you’re right. As it is my number one job to look out for the bride, I think we need to get the initial meeting over and done with in case there’s any lashing out or kicking—never know how people might react.

I would hate to see you get kicked in the middle of the bridal shower. A comical crotch shot doesn’t quite set the tone for romance in the air. I’ll figure out when she’s available and then shoot over a time.

And also…the details of my date will remain close to my chest. Nothing from that night needs to be repeated.

I’ll be in touch.

The Prof

“Are you nervous, man?”Brody asks me as I check myself out in the reflection of the window one last time.

“Do I seem nervous?”

“You’re really fidgety,” he says, looking me up and down. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of you. I don’t like it.”

Brody is Maggie’s man. When Haisley was getting married, he introduced us to Maggie, who then stepped in as a bridesmaid. Brody was also working for my dad at the time and, well, I won’t get into the details, but let’s just say, Brody works for us now and he’s quickly becoming one of our biggest assets. He has this innovative idea of turning old, abandoned storefronts into pop-up stores and event spaces. Hudson and I jumped on it, and now he and I are standing in one of the spaces, taking in the potential that’s surrounding us.

The idea is that the store is a blank space to rent, and the renter can use it for whatever they want. Business meetings, a temporary storefront, party venue—you name it, we offer it. And this is one of my favorite finds. We call it The Courtyard for obvious reasons. The front of the store is airy with white brick walls and large street-facing windows and some false walls to break up the space from being too loft-like. But as you move toward the back, it opens up into a decently sized courtyard with vines climbing up the brick walls and a painted cement floor that doesn’t take away from the space, only adds to it. The courtyard has plenty of room for eight to ten round tables with chairs, and a space for a head table. I think it would be perfect for the bridal shower and if not that, then definitely the bachelor/bachelorette party.

“I’m a little nervous. Should I not be nervous?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “You tell me.”

“I don’t know,” I say. “I’ve never been in this situation before.”

“Because you’re so charming and wonderful that why would you ever be in an awkward situation with a girl, right?” Brody asks as he rocks on his heels.

I look him up and down. “You know, I don’t like how comfortable you’ve become with me.”

He lets out a roar of a laugh. “Because I’m not up your ass seeking your approval anymore? Sorry, I can go back to that if you’d like.”

“I might.” He chuckles some more and then grips his stomach on a wince. “You okay?” I ask him.

“Yeah, just been dealing with a stitch all day. Went a little hard on the running.” He pats me on the back. “Everything with Maple will be fine. I’m sure when she sees you it won’t be awkward at all, more like she’s coming home.”

“That might be stretching it,” I say just as Everly walks through the front door.

Dressed in all black once again, with her hair slicked back into her signature tight bun, she chose a pair of dress pants and a blouse this time. Her heels click across the painted cement floor as she takes in the space.

“This looks amazing,” she says as she walks up to us. I meet her halfway and greet her with a kiss on her cheek. When I pull away, I catch her brilliantly green eyes studying me for a moment before she turns to Brody. “Hey, Brody.”

He stays put and waves. “I’m not cultured enough to pull off the cheek kiss as a greeting.”

Everly smirks. “I think that’s a smart decision.”

He taps his temple. “Not just a hat rack.”

“Apparently. Maggie is a lucky lady.”

“I’ll be sure to tell her that, because after what happened this morning, I’m not sure she’s considering herself very lucky at the moment.”

“What did you do?” Everly deadpans.

“Well, did you know that her very expensive hair straightener is not supposed to be used to iron my clothes?”

“Oh my God, Brody,” Everly says.

He holds his hands out in defense. “It was just the collar of my shirt. It was a quick zip of the iron, but she got angry and told me not to touch her things. I then asked her what qualified as her things because I planned on kissing her and if she considered her lips her things, then I wouldn’t be able to kiss her, even though I consider her lips to be mine. Anyway, let’s just say I had to chase her down the apartment hallway to get a kiss goodbye.”

“How are you with someone?” I ask.

“Got me,” Brody says, shrugging casually. “I marvel at my ability to have landed Maggie every day.”

Turning away from him, I address Everly. “Is she coming?”

“She is,” Everly says. “It took a lot of coaxing, but I convinced her that it would be easier to get the initial meeting out of the way before the actual bridal shower. She agreed, but do not come on too strong, Hardy.”

“I won’t,” I say.

“And don’t try to talk to her. Just…a simple nod of the head, maybe a curt hello. Don’t try to ask her out.”

“Come on,” I say, my lips twisting to the side. “As if I would do that.”

“You might,” Everly says. “People do stupid things when they’re nervous.”

“I’m not nervous,” I say.

“Yes, you are,” Brody says, completely oblivious to me trying to play this situation cool. “We were just talking about how you’re fidgety, and I’ve never seen you like this before. I think there’s sweat on your forehead.”

I swipe at my forehead with the back of my hand. “There’s no sweat.”

“I saw glistening,” Brody says.

I turn toward him. “You know, I don’t think I need you here after all. I can handle everything, so feel free to go home.”

“Ooof, I’d rather not,” Brody says. “I kind of want to watch this reunion play out. I’m invested now.”

“Jesus,” I mutter just as the door to the shop opens.

My eyes fly to the front where we all turn to watch Maple timidly walking in. Leaning in close to me, Brody whispers, “Be…cool.”

“You be cool,” I whisper back.

Everly shoots us a glare. “Both of you be cool.” Then she heads down toward the front of the shop where she greets Maple.

When she comes out of the sunlight blasting through the front windows, I get a better look at her. Still in her khaki pants from the zoo and a green San Francisco Zoo polo, her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail and, like always, she’s wearing minimal makeup.

She hasn’t changed a bit.

When she walks closer, I keep my eyes on her, watching how she’s obviously looking at everything but me. And when she and Everly reach us, an uncomfortable silence falls over the group.

Yup, this is awkward.

I know she doesn’t want to talk to me.

Brody and Everly know.

Maple, I believe, wants to flee the minute she comes within five feet of me.

And now I wish there wasn’t an audience for the initial greeting because I feel like all eyes are on us. Scratch that—I know all eyes are on us.

After a few seconds, Everly says, “Uh, Maple, you remember Hardy.”

Jesus.

As if we didn’t date for three years.

Of course, she remembers me.

Finally, Maple’s eyes meet mine, and I’m surprised to be greeted with a kind smile. “Yes, hello, Hardy.”

Then more silence.

More tension.

More…unbearable awkwardness.

Doesn’t help that from the corner of my eye, I can see Brody grinning like an idiot as he looks between the two of us.

This is fucking stupid.

This should be easy; we’re just making it harder than it should be.

I can greet her just like I greeted Everly.

I can keep it together and not say much, but this “practically strangers” act doesn’t need to happen. I can greet her appropriately.

Trying to lessen this tension, I take a step forward to press a kiss to her cheek, but unfortunately for me, Brody takes a step forward at the same time to introduce himself, which knocks me off balance.

And listen, I’m not a slight guy. I have a good amount of muscle on my bones.

And Brody, well, he’s about the same body size as me.

But to my horror, with one bump of his shoulder into mine, I lose my balance, tripping and falling forward…straight into Maple’s unsuspecting chest.

A resounding thud fills the empty space as my face connects with her covered cleavage.

Yup, right into what some might call…her bosom.

Smack dab, right in the center.

And because she’s much smaller than me, she can’t withstand my weight, and together we topple over to the floor.

Her ample breasts cushion my face and break my fall.

My nose is shock-absorbed by her cleavage.

A ripple of bosom floats against my cheek as my mind screams “oh fuck!”

“Oh my God,” Everly shouts once we’re solidly on the floor.

From what I can feel—you know, since I can’t see, given my face has been suctioned into her shirt—her legs are splayed out, her hands squirming beneath her while she attempts to free herself.

“Shit, fuck, I’m sorry,” I say as I scramble to find my footing.

There’s some shuffling around, some grunting, but when I finally gain control of the situation and pop up—off her breasts—I lift off the ground, humiliation crawling up my back as Maple scrambles to stand as well.

“Are you okay?” Everly asks, helping Maple straighten out her shirt.

“Fine,” Maple says as she glances at me.

Her face is red.

Mine feels like lava.

And Brody is just standing there with a stupid fucking smile on his face.

Before he can say something moronic, I make the executive decision to skip the cheek kiss and lift my hand in a hello instead. “Uh…nice to, uh…nice to see you again,” I say awkwardly as I brush off my hands, still feeling the impact of her shirt button on my forehead.

“Nice to see you,” Maple says as if someone is forcing her.

Brody looks between us and then rocks on his heels. “And that is why I don’t go for the cheek kiss.”

God, I hate him right now.

“Maybe if you didn’t bump into me,” I say through the side of my mouth.

“I was trying to be polite and introduce myself. I didn’t know that you shared the same body mass as a crisp fall leaf and you were going to blow right over.” He grips my arm. “Don’t you work out?”

“Yes, I work out,” I say as I brush his hand off me.

“Huh, you know, it looks like it, but you took that hit like a grandma against a three-hundred-pound linesman. Maybe we should have your balance checked.”

“My balance is fine,” I say through clenched teeth.

“I don’t know,” Everly says, which causes my eyes to shoot to hers. “You did topple over pretty easily.”

“Oh.” Brody snaps his fingers. “Maybe he wanted to. You know, because of their history. Maybe he wanted to put his face on her breasts as a greeting.” He says this as if Maple’s not standing right in front of us!

“I did not want to do that,” I say to clear the air. “I was trying to give you a kiss.”

“What?” Maple asks, looking horrified.

“On the cheek!” I say quickly. “A kiss on the cheek. Not a kiss on the lips. Just on the cheek like I did with Everly when she came in. Like this,” I say as I lean in toward Everly who isn’t paying attention, so when I lean in to kiss her cheek, she moves her head, and my lips land on her nose instead.

“Oh God,” she says, backing away and wiping her nose.

“Dude, what are you doing?” Brody asks, a wince on his face. I can’t tell if he’s disgusted with me or if he’s still in pain.

“Fuck,” I grumble as I stand tall again. “I meant to kiss your cheek.”

Brody leans in. “You missed by a lot, man.”

“I know I fucking did. I was just trying to show what I was trying to do,” I say as my skin starts to prickle with embarrassment.

“Well, do you want to try on me? I’m the only one here you haven’t assaulted yet,” Brody says. “But I can’t make any promises that I won’t pucker up.”

My nostrils flare as my eyes burn into his.

He nervously laughs. “Or we can just assume what a kiss on the cheek from you is like and try to move past this situation of you falling face first into your ex-girlfriend’s bosom, followed by a nose peck to your event planner.”

I catch Everly swiping at her nose again before she clears her throat. “How about we just move on and spare everyone the secondhand embarrassment.”Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“That would be great,” Maple says, avoiding eye contact with me again.

“I mean, I’d appreciate the change in topic—I’m starting to sweat out of sheer horror for someone else,” Brody says.

“I wasn’t trying to kiss anyone,” I say, just to clear the air one more time.

“You kind of were, dude,” Brody whispers.

“Not like that,” I growl. “It was purely friendly.”

Everly clears her throat and looks me in the eyes. “We’re moving on, so let’s start by walking the property.” Everly moves to the front and starts spouting off ideas on how to use the space while I follow behind with Brody.

Fuck, not a great start to this meeting. Nope, I’m coming off as the bumbling idiot who apparently has the balance of a ninety-year-old granny.

Breaking through my thoughts, Brody leans in close and whispers, “Everly told us both to be cool, and I don’t think you’re holding up your end of the bargain, man.”

I glare at him. “Don’t make me murder you before I leave.”

“Hey, just trying to help,” he replies in defense and then grips his side.

“It’s not needed,” I say between clenched teeth.

“What do you think, Hardy?” Everly asks.

I pause, feeling like a student that’s been called on who wasn’t paying attention.

“Uhhh…”

“He wasn’t listening,” Brody says. “Too busy sending silent murder threats in my direction.”

What the fuck have I ever done to this guy?

Everly holds her composure, but her green eyes flash. “I was asking if you thought this space would work for a bar. Have it set up right at the front—people can drop off gifts and then grab a drink.”

“Oh yeah, that works,” I say as I stuff my hands in my pockets. “Is that, uh, is that cool with you, Maple?”

Her eyes meet mine again, and it feels odd…having her look at me after all these years.

It feels odd, because there’s something missing between us.

There’s no spark.

No intrigue.

No lovesick eyes hoping and wishing for a rekindling.

And why is that?

Because of how things ended between us?

Or maybe because a great deal of time has passed, distance between us, which has dimmed the lights.

Either way, I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon. If Polly and Ken can make their relationship work, then why the hell can’t I make it work with Maple?

There’s no reason.

I’m just going to have to put in the time, and I have no problem doing that.

“Whatever is best. I really have no opinion,” Maple says.

“Well, I just want to make sure you like the setup,” I reply.

“I have no idea about space, so really no opinion.”

“Okay, but if you have an opinion, I want to hear it.”

She nods. “No opinion.”

“Are you sure, because⁠—”

“She has no opinion, man,” Brody says as he leans against a pole. “Christ.” I shoot another glare over to him and all he has to say for himself is a simple shrug. “What? She doesn’t.”

Everly steps in before I can shoot off on Brody. “No opinion is great for me—means I can work around the room. Let me make a note.” She jots something down on her notepad and then leads us toward the middle of the space. Maple’s sticking close to her as Brody and I hang back.

“You’re still not acting cool,” Brody whispers as Everly points out the bathrooms to Maple and says something about having a basket in the women’s room with toiletry supplies. “Your voice is all shaky and you’re rambling.”

“I don’t need a fucking review from you,” I say to him.

“Whoa, where’s all the hostility coming from?” Brody asks.

“Uh, you’re not helping the situation.”

“What situation is that?”

“Uh, not making me look like a fool.”

He winces. “Dude, there’s only so much we can do. You need to stop acting like a fool, that would be job number one.”

“I’m not. I’m just…I’m flustered.”

“That much is obvious,” he says with an eye roll.

“Can you at least try not to point shit out?” I say. “It’s not helping.”

“I think I’m helping just fine⁠—”

“Hey, can you two pay attention?” Everly asks. “Why be here if you’re not going to help?”

Brody points his finger at me. “We are, but he keeps second-guessing everything he’s saying to Maple.”

Oh my fucking God.

What did I just say? Is the man not listening?

“No, I’m not,” I say. “I’m not second-guessing.” I look at Maple. “I’m not.”

“Then what were we just talking about?” Brody asks, actually looking confused.

Has he lost his mind?

“We were talking about how you should probably leave, since you offer zero value to this meeting,” I say.

“I offer value. Look,” Brody says pointing to the ceiling. “I helped paint that.”

“How is that value?” I ask.

“Shows Maple that you know how to hire people who care about the work they do. Helps impress her. Aren’t you impressed, Maple?”

Yup, I’m going to kill him. Actually murder one of our employees.

What the hell has gotten into him?

“Uh, sure,” Maple says, looking so clearly uncomfortable that I can actually feel the sweat forming on my upper lip. It wasn’t there before, but it sure as hell is there now.

“See, she’s impressed.” Brody elbows me. “Told you I was offering value. You’re welcome.”

“I think she’s being polite.”

Brody leans in and whispers, “Dude, telling her what she thinks? Not a great way to win her back.”

Actual steam pours out of my ears as I stare down Brody with murder on my mind.

What the actual fuck?

The tension in the room grows so thick, so ghastly dense with humiliation, that I almost find it hard to breathe.

Thankfully, once again, Everly steps up. “You know what, Brody, I think you should show Maple the loft space while I speak to Hardy by myself.”

Ehhh, on the other hand…

“No, I don’t think that’s a great idea,” I say, worried immediately that Brody is going to say something offhand to Maple. “Maybe we just go to the courtyard.”

“It’ll be fine, right, Brody? Because you’re just going to talk about the loft and nothing else, right?” Everly urges him. Maple glances between all three of us, a question in her look. Fuck, what must be going through her head at the moment?

“I could talk about the loft for hours. Did you know, I painted up there as well. I can show you my brush strokes,” Brody says and then offers his arm to Maple to guide her up toward the loft. When she doesn’t take it, he gestures toward the stairs instead. “Okay…right this way, milady.” He pauses and then adds, “No, not milady. Milady is Maggie, and I doubt she’d like me calling anyone else that. Forget the whole milady thing. Right this way, Maple. Not milady, just to be clear, if you’re anyone’s lady, you’re Hardy’s lady.” My eyes nearly pop out of my head, but before I can correct him, he corrects himself. “I mean, no, you’re no one’s lady, you’re your own lady. No one owns you. Woman, yay!” He fist-pumps the air while I pinch the bridge of my nose.

He is unhinged, and I don’t like him going up there with Maple because who the fuck knows what he’s going to say.

But there is no stopping them as they walk up the stairs. When they’re at the top, Everly pushes me toward the bathrooms so we’re out of sight. “What the hell are you doing?” she whispers.

“What the hell am I doing?” I ask, pointing to my chest. “What the hell are you doing? You really think sending Brody up there with Maple is a good idea? He’s a fucking loose cannon.”

“I’m not concerned about Brody. I’m concerned about you. This is a train wreck, Hardy. I’m actually starting to sweat over here and I don’t ever sweat.”

“You’re sweating?” I ask. “I’m fucking roasting with embarrassment. Brody won’t shut up. He’s making this worse. You need to send him away.”

“He’s not going to leave, he’s too proud of his space.”

“Then you go one way with him, and I’ll go one way with Maple.”

“Uh, not going to happen,” she whispers. “She specifically told me not to leave her alone with you.”

“Why? Is she afraid I’m going to bite?” I ask.

“No, probably afraid you might motorboat her again.”

My face falls flat. “I did not motorboat her, I tripped and fell into her breasts.”

“Ah, yes, isn’t that what every man says when he finds himself nose deep in a pair of tits?”

Not…funny.

Crouching down and keeping my voice low, I say, “Do you really think as a way of greeting someone I haven’t seen in years, I would stick my head in their breasts?”

“I don’t know, Hardy, you do seem to be a bit unhinged at the moment.”

“I would never do that,” I nearly shout but keep things contained. “I was going in for a kiss on the cheek, like I did with you. Brody tripped me and then bam, face to boob. That’s not my fault. And it’s also not my fault that you moved your face when I was trying to demonstrate what I was trying to do, thereby kissing you on the nose. That was unintended.”

“It was a wet kiss.”

My brows collide as I close the space between us, leaving our faces mere inches apart. “It was not.”

“It took everything in me not to wipe it off. A fresh breeze from the AC still makes my nose light up.”

“Not…funny, Everly.”

“Uh, it’s Professor to you, and I’m not trying to be funny, Henrietta. I’m telling you facts. That was a wet kiss.”

“That was not a wet kiss.” I puff my chest and then grip her cheek with my hand. “If you want to see a wet kiss, I’ll show you a wet kiss,” I say just as a throat is cleared off to the side.

Startled, I leap back, as if Everly is lava.

Unfortunately for me, my leap doesn’t land me safely on the floor, oh no, because that would be too simple.

Nope. My startlement instead sends me backward, flat into the wall behind me…the very false wall behind me. You can only imagine, my weight is no match for it and before I know it, I’m tipping backward, the wall careening to the floor with me in a loud crash.

Drywall cracks around me, dust shoots up into the air, as I land on my back—and a shrill cry breaks out as Brody hurries to my side, Maple trailing in his wake.

“That wall took me an hour to paint and set up, and you just broke it,” he yells, not bothering to check if anything on my body is wounded.

In case you were wondering, just my pride at this point.

Confused as to what just happened, I say, “Why wasn’t the wall secured?”

“I hadn’t had a chance yet. Why are you acting like Donkey Kong and tossing your man body into walls?” Brody asks.

“I didn’t toss my man body into the wall. I was startled.”

“Because we caught you almost kissing Everly?” he asks.

“Uh, no, I wasn’t going to kiss her.”

“We heard you say it, didn’t we, Maple?” Brody continues.

Still on the floor, I glance up at Maple who nods. “I think you said you were going to show her a wet kiss.”

Mother of fuck!

“I was not,” I say, defending myself like a whiny child because honestly, I’m exhausted at this point.

“Your hand was on her cheek,” Brody says as he stands.

“Because I was frustrated,” I say as I stand too. I dust off my clothes and glance around the room at the people incriminating me, who should be on my side.

“What could Everly ever do that frustrates you?” Brody asks.

I push my hand through my hair, hating every second of this goddamn meeting. This is not how I expected it to go, not even close. Brody and Everly are supposed to be friends, cohorts, aides in my mission to win back Maple, but, for the love of God, they feel like sworn enemies—Brody more than anything.

“I’m not frustrated with Everly. I’m frustrated with you,” I say to Brody.

“How does being frustrated with me make you want to kiss Everly?” He tosses his hands up in the air. “Color me confused.”

I’m about to blow a gasket.

“He wasn’t going to kiss me,” Everly finally chimes in. “We were talking about how he accidentally kissed my nose, then I told him it was wet, and, for some reason, he thought it necessary to show me that it wasn’t a wet kiss—and that’s when you guys walked in. Now, this all seems ridiculous. Can we perhaps act like a bunch of adults and move on with this conversation?”

“I’d like that,” Maple says, relief in her voice.

“Great. Shall we move to the main space in the courtyard?”

“Yes,” Maple answers, leading the way. She brushes by me, feeling even icier than she did before.

Fucking great.

“Okay,I’ll send over the mockups for the decorations and then you can approve. I also have the party favors on my list, and food. I’ll be in touch shortly,” Everly says as Maple opens the front door to exit.

“Thank you, Everly. I really appreciate all of this. I’d be lost without you.”

“Not a problem at all. That’s what I’m here for. And like I said, day of, I’ll guide you, but you’ll be able to spend more time with Polly.”

“That would be ideal. Thank you.” And then to my surprise, Maple gives Everly a hug.

When they part, Maple waves at Brody and then looks at me. With a stiff smile, she gives me a nod and then takes off.

Everly shuts the door behind her and then spins around to face me. “That was a disaster.”

“I fucking know.” I turn to Brody, who is now leaning against one of the white brick walls, this one most definitely not false.

He breathes out a heavy sigh. “I feel like I blacked out. What happened?”

“What happened?” I shout. “Jesus Christ, Brody, you lost your goddamn mind.”

“Did I? There was so much pressure to be cool that I felt like there were moments where I wasn’t cool. Were there?”

I look at Everly whose jaw is slack just like mine, both of us in awe.

Let me recap for you…

Not only did Brody make little comments here and there about me being awkward around Maple, me trying to kiss Everly, and proceeded to bump into me every chance he got, but when we were back in the courtyard, he told Maple that during Haisley’s wedding festivities, he saw me with my shirt off in Bora Bora and that the, and I quote, “old man still has it.”

“You are not allowed to be anywhere near Maple ever again,” I say. “You were a disaster, an absolute fucking disaster.”

Brody dabs at his brow. “Ooof, I’m sweating. Why don’t I feel so good? I feel all sweaty and pukey, and I have this pain right here that won’t go away.” He grips his side. “Did you bump into me in my side? It all feels so distant now that I can’t recall.”

“You bumped into me,” I tell him.

“I almost passed out in the courtyard.” He takes a deep breath. “Did you see me almost pass out?”

“No, I was too caught up with the way you explained to Maple how proportionate my nipples are to my pecs.”

“I said that?” he asks and then chuckles. “I mean, could have been worse.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I yell. “Christ, Brody. That was supposed to be an easy interaction, a quiet one, just getting used to being in the same room together, and you fucked it up.”

“To be fair,” Everly says “you weren’t as cool as you thought you were. You did press your face to her breasts within the first minute of her being here.”

“Because of him,” I say, gesturing to Brody, who now looks a little gray.

Everly must notice too because she says, “Uh, Brody, are you okay?”

Sweat drips down his forehead as he sinks lower to the ground. “Man…down,” he says right before he passes out on the floor.

“Oh my God!” Everly shouts as we both crouch down and roll him to his side. I quickly check his pulse and notice how clammy he is.

“Still breathing, but pulse low,” I say. “We need to take him to the hospital, now. There’s one that’s not that far away.”

“We can take my car,” Everly says.

“Help me lift him up,” I say. Together, we slip his arms over our shoulders. I’m bearing most of the weight, and we race out of the shop, not even bothering to lock up, and head straight to Everly’s car that’s parked out front.

We set him in the back of the car, and I join him as Everly takes a seat on the driver’s side. Within seconds, the car is on, and we’re pulled out on the road. She presses a button on her steering wheel and says, “Call Maggie.” The speakers in her car make a dialing sound and then it starts ringing. After the second ring, Maggie answers.

“Hey, how was the meeting? Did she love the venue?”

“Maggie, Brody passed out in the shop. We have him in the back of the car, and we’re rushing him to the hospital.”

“What? What do you mean he passed out?”

“He was acting really strange during the meeting, and I thought that maybe he was just nervous, but then he started sweating, complaining about pain, and then fell to the ground. He’s still breathing, but he’s clammy and currently unresponsive.”

“Oh my God,” Maggie shouts. “I’m…I’m in Almond Bay right now, at least two hours away if I don’t run into traffic.”

“Well, we can handle him for now, but I would get here as soon as you can. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but it could be his appendix or something.”

“Okay, oh my God, okay, I’m…I’m gathering my things now. Who is with you?”

“Hardy.”

“Hey, Maggie, don’t worry, we won’t leave his side,” I say.

“Okay, thank you,” she says in a panic. “I’m getting on the road. Can one of you text me the details?”

“Yes. We’ll keep you updated. Please drive safe.”

“I will. Thank you.”

With that, Everly hangs up and then weaves through traffic, clearly not caring if she’s pulled over. It might actually help us if we could score a police escort.

I keep my arm on Brody, trying to prevent him from rolling around, but it feels impossible from the way Everly is driving. When she takes a quick turn, he comes to slightly, only to groan as his hand falls to his stomach. I’m worried he might puke. I’ve seen him puke before. I know he has a sensitive stomach, and the last thing I want is for him to throw up all over Everly’s car—which she clearly keeps pristinely clean given there is not one speck of dirt on the floor.

“Do you have a bag?” I ask.

“Only a reusable one,” she says.

“Hand it to me.”

She reaches in her glove compartment and pulls out a reusable bag. When she hands it to me, I quickly unfold it and open it up just as Brody groans again. Yup, he’s going to throw up.

“Buddy, if you can hear me, I have a bag right here by your mouth if you need to⁠—”

A bump in the road causes his torso to lift off the seat, his eyes flash open and, before I can even think of an escape plan, his cheeks puff and he unleashes vomit right on my chest.

“Motherfucker,” I shout as throw-up seeps into my shirt and clings to my skin.

Brody collapses back to the seat as Everly screams in horror.

“Oh my God, did he get it all over my car?” She rolls down the windows, the smell so putrid that I bring the bag to my mouth.

“No,” I say, trying to take small breaths. “He got it on me.”

I catch her glance over her shoulder for a moment, a look of horror crossing her features before she turns back to look at the road.

“Oh my God, that smells so bad.”

“Yeah, try having it cling to your chest hair,” I say as my stomach roils. “Fuck, I might puke.”

“Don’t. I can’t have two pukes in my car.”

“Trust me,” I groan as I stick my head out the window. “It’s not on your car. It’s on me.”

“Thank you,”I say to the male nurse who gave me a set of scrubs to change into. “I really appreciate it.”

“Not a problem,” he says as I head back into the waiting room where Everly is sitting.

When she looks up and spots me, a small smile crosses her face. “Better?”

“Much.” I take the seat next to her and slouch down.

The moment we brought Brody in, they put him onto a gurney and then took him into an exam room for testing. They knew right away that his appendix had burst, and they rushed him into surgery. We called Maggie, and she’s currently stuck in traffic, which is clearly her worst-case scenario.

“Just got off the phone with Maggie again. She’s about an hour away. Pretty sure she’s defying all speed limits to get here.”

“Yeah, I can imagine,” I say as I rub my hand over my jaw. “Fuck, I did not see that coming.”

“Me neither,” Everly says.

“I thought he was just being a dick. Like he was trying to egg me on or something during that whole meeting. Come to find out, the man was fucking delirious.”

“I mean, I guess it’s better than thinking he was being a dick.”

“True,” I say. “We need to somehow let Maple know about this, because that was a disaster, Everly.”

“It wasn’t great,” she says softly.

I sigh heavily. “She barely looked at me. She didn’t even give me the time of day. When we broke up, we talked about our futures and mutually agreed on what to do. I don’t understand why she’s so hurt.” I turn to Everly. “Did she tell you anything?”

“Not really,” she answers. “Just that she wasn’t really happy with how things ended.”

I wrack my brain, trying to think of that time before we both went our separate ways. “I don’t think I did anything that could have completely turned her off from me.” I smooth my hand over my forehead. “But fuck, this seems like it’s going to be much harder than I anticipated.”

“Yeah,” Everly says softly. “Are you sure this is the route you want to go?”

“She’s the only girl I ever truly had a relationship with,” I confess. “That has to mean something, right? Maybe…maybe it’s just buried at the moment, and I need to find a way to dig it up.”

“Maybe,” she says. “Or maybe she moved on.”

“Did she give you that impression?” I ask.

Everly looks me in the eyes for a moment. I can see that she’s thinking, her teeth pulling on the corner of her lip. And then she looks away. “No, she didn’t say anything like that.”

“Okay, so maybe…maybe we just need to find out more about her. She can be very guarded.”

“She seems to be.” Everly crosses one leg over the other. “Maybe I’ll invite her to help me make some decorations. Get to know her better that way.”

“That’s a good idea. And she would say yes to that because she wants to be helpful. Plus, you can get some things done,” I say. “Thanks, Everly, for helping me. I really appreciate it. I know you don’t have to.”

She smiles softly. “Well, maybe you can help me find a guy. Do you have any single friends?”

I chuckle. “I have a single brother, but he’s the last person to date right now. He’s really set on building up the business and proving to our father that we don’t need him.”

“And you’re not?” she asks with a smirk.

“I am, but I’m not as psychotic about it as Hudson is. He’s going to burn out quickly, I can feel it.”

“I remember when Maggie was at that point with the business. I was trying to help as much as I could, but she wouldn’t let me, and then when she burned out, I was there to pick up the pieces.”

“Same thing will happen with Hudson,” I say. “And I’ll be there for him when he can’t do it all by himself anymore. For now, I focus on what I can focus on, and that’s the agriculture side of things.”

“Do you like splitting time between here and the farm?” she asks.

“If I had it my way, I’d be out on the farm all the time, but I know that’s not realistic. There are things here that need my attention, Hudson needs my help, and I want to be there for Haisley too. I know it’s best that I split the time.”

“Makes sense,” she says.

I bump my foot against hers. “So you going to tell me about that date you went on?”

She groans. “I’ll spare you.”

“Please don’t. We have time, and it’ll keep my mind off what’s going on with Brody. Maybe give me something to laugh about.”

“Oh, you’ll laugh,” she says and then fully turns toward me. “So I’ve been wanting to get out in the dating world some more, which of course feels like a cesspool of disappointment, but I thought I’d give it a shot. My sister, Ember, told me she had the perfect date for me, a guy who works with her husband. His name’s Tomothy.”

“That should have been an immediate no.” I chuckle.

“Oh, I know. I thought it was a typo. I thought his name was Timothy.”

“Oh shit.”

“Yeah, and let me tell you, if I could describe what a Tomothy would be, it would be this man. He was at least seven feet tall, monstrous. Impeccable nostrils, and I mention that because that’s all I could really see when I looked up at him,” she says while I laugh. “But he was the worst. The absolute worst, Hardy.”

“Tell me how he was the worst.”

“Well, when we first sat down, he picked up his knife and started checking his teeth in the reflection. Not terrible, but he lacked decorum. He also tucked his napkin into the collar of his shirt, which once again, not awful, but he was giving me the ick.”

“Understandable.” I rub my hand over my jaw, loving how intense Everly is getting with this conversation. The way she delivers and tells stories is hilarious. Always so into it, really captivating.

“Things got worse when he started talking about his cat and how he loved licking it because it was like he was the mama cat.”

I grimace. “He fucking said that to you?”

She places her hand on my forearm. “With pride, Hardy. He said it with pride.”

“Oh fuck, licking a cat? Okay, I can see why he wasn’t the guy.”

“That’s not even the worst part,” she says.

“Licking a cat isn’t the worst part?” I ask incredulously.

She slowly shakes her head. “Oh no…I didn’t mention how he also liked gnawing on his cat’s paws, but we’ll move past that for the thing that really tipped the scales for me. For some reason, he started discussing female genitalia and how it was so complex and not fair to men to have to learn how to pleasure a woman properly.”

I feel my mouth fall open. “He didn’t fucking say that.”

Everly slowly nods again, as if sharing the year’s biggest piece of gossip. “Yup, he did. Said he left it up to the woman to seek her own pleasure.”

I slowly drag my hand over my forehead. “Jesus Christ. Talk about the perfect way to cock block yourself.”

“All I could think about was him staring at a naked woman, confused about what to do with his fingers.”

I let out a roar of a laugh, which is pretty inappropriate for a hospital waiting room. Thankfully, we’re off in a corner, away from people, and no one even glances our way. “What a fucking moron. I bet if he actually spent time learning how to pleasure a woman, he wouldn’t have to discuss gnawing his cat’s paws, as he’d be in bed with someone.”

“Probably, especially with someone who likes clean nostrils.”

“You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like clean nostrils,” I reply with a smile.

“I mean, I do.” Everly points to herself.

“I do too,” I say. “I even waxed my nostrils once. It was terrible, but that’s how much I care about nostrils.”

“A true sacrifice,” she replies, patting my arm.

“Some might say heroic.”

“Oh yeah, I think trophy-worthy for sure.”

I smirk. “Well, I’m sorry that Tomothy didn’t work out. What did you say to your sister after?”

“Oh, she was dead to me. I didn’t talk to her for a few days.”

“Silent treatment, effective technique. Did she feel the anger?” I ask.

“Oh yes, she did. And she apologized and blamed it on her husband.”

“Smart lady,” I say. “So that means you’re still looking then.”

“Yes, still looking.”

“What’s your type?” I ask.

She wets her lips and looks away. “Umm, someone who doesn’t complain about the complexities of the female genitalia.”

I chuckle. Fuck, she’s funny. “I think a fair requirement. What else?”

“Um.” She twists her hands in her lap. “Someone who likes to laugh, joke, have fun. I feel like work can be very stressful at times, and it would be great to have someone that I could just relax with, forget about the stresses of the events we’re planning. Someone to help me escape.”

“I feel that,” I say. “What else?”

“I’d like someone who isn’t afraid to try new things. Food, adventure, perhaps a different show here and there. It would be cool if he liked cooking, because I hate it.”

“You hate cooking?”

She shrugs. “I hate dinner.”

“Why do you hate dinner?”

She shifts, looking slightly uncomfortable. “This is going to sound really pathetic.”

“Bet it won’t,” I reply.

“Oh, it will. Trust me.” She pauses for a moment and then looks me in the eyes. “I hate dinner because it’s lonely. I grew up in a household where dinner is the time when you recount your day with your loved ones. You talk about the successes and the failures. You share stories and indulge in conversation. You know what I mean?”

“Not so much,” I answer. “I mean, I get it. I get what you’re saying, but growing up, we didn’t have dinners like that. My parents weren’t cold to us, but we also weren’t always this cohesive family. A lot of nights, Dad was out with clients and partners or on business trips. Mom had her good days and bad, so it was kind of a free for all. Sometimes I’d eat with Hudson and Haisley, sometimes we’d eat alone in our rooms. Just depended. But then there were the rare nights where we’d all sit down at the table. Actually, I remember those nights. I remember the conversations.” They were some of the best nights because we’d often end up teasing each other, actually relaxing. They were fun. Especially when the parents weren’t home.

Why didn’t we do that more often with each other?

“You know, I see why you miss that.”

“I do,” she says. “I hate going home to an empty apartment. I hate warming up a premade dinner and eating by myself at my table. Just feels so sad.” She shrugs. “Would be nice to find someone to share that part of my life with.”

“I get it,” I say. “That’s not pathetic at all, Everly. It’s actually…sweet.”

She smiles softly.

“That’s why I’m trying to see if I can rekindle things with Maple. I’m ready for more.”

“I think we both are,” Everly says.

“Then maybe I’ll help you find someone as well,” I reply.

She sighs. “Maybe.”

What I don’t get is why Everly is single. She’s sweet, gorgeous, does not seem to have a mean bone in her body, and can definitely hold her own with the banter. And really, she’s not asking for a lot. Companionship is something most people want. So, I need to be hunting for a nice guy for her. Not a potato like Mr. Licks-his-cat’s-paws.

“He would have to be the right person though. I’m not going to try to set you up with some Tomothy. Fuck, no. It would need to be a…a…an Ezra.”

“Ezra?” She chuckles. “What’s an Ezra?”

“Well, he’s not a Tomothy, that’s for damn sure. But someone who would make you dinner when you got home—and not complain about the complexities of the female genitalia.”

She chuckles. “Ahhh, I see. Now that would be refreshing. Do you happen to know any Ezras?”

I scratch my chin. “Not presently, but I’m going to do some digging for you.”

Just then her phones rings, and she rushes to answer.

“Hey, Maggie. Nope, nothing yet. He’s still in surgery. Okay, yeah. Drive safe, okay, and I’ll be sure to let you know if we hear anything. Okay, bye.”

She hangs up. “She’s going to be an absolute mess when she arrives.”

“Well, good thing we’re here to help her out.”

“Maggie, I love you so much,”Brody says as he buries his head in her neck and holds her tightly.

The surgery was a success, thankfully. It was about an hour long, so when they finished, Maggie wasn’t here yet, but because the anesthesia had to wear off, he wasn’t awake. The doctor couldn’t give us much information, but he did give us a thumbs up, which we relayed to Maggie.

When Maggie arrived, she was a bumbling mess like Everly assumed. The moment she saw us, she fell into Everly’s arms, completely distraught, but when Brody woke up from surgery, we were allowed back to his room where he gave the doctor permission to talk about his surgery.

His appendix had burst, but there doesn’t seem to be an infection. They’ll be keeping him for the next 24–48 hours to observe him, and from what I can see, Maggie will be attached to his hip.

“I love you too,” Maggie says, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “And next time you’re in pain, please don’t try to mask it as maybe something weird you ate or that you worked out too hard.”

“I did run extra hard, and I thought I ate something weird.” He shrugs, looking exhausted.

“I’m just glad you were delirious during our meeting and not an ass trying to make my life a living nightmare,” I say.

Brody winks at me. “You’re welcome.”

“Well, I think we should him let him get some rest, and I’m sure Hardy wants to change into something else,” Everly says.

“I can’t believe you threw up on your boss,” Maggie says and then pauses. “Although it feels fitting for you. He’s seen you throw up twice, why not on him this time?”

Brody nods. “Very fitting. If I were to throw up on anyone, Hardy would be the one.”

“Why me?” I ask.

“Because you’re too pretty.” Brody smiles and then rests his eyes, shutting them while he snuggles into Maggie. “Way too pretty. Beard and…eyes…pretty.”

“And with that, I think we should leave,” Everly says with mirth.

I don’t know. I kind of like where he was going with the compliments.

After we offer Maggie and Brody a quick goodbye, Everly heads toward the hospital’s exit. “Think I can catch a ride back to the venue where my car is parked?” I ask.

“Of course,” she says. “Not a problem at all.”

“Thanks. But first…would you like to go to dinner?”