Best Friends (New Species #15)(63)

“Tina, is that you?” Mel couldn’t resist.

Mary didn’t even laugh. “Can I drink now?” She fumbled with her purse. “I have one of those little bottles of apple vodka from a gift set my parents bought me for Christmas.”

“It’s going to be fine.” Mel grabbed her hands and led her to the partially open gate. “Just come with me. There’s going to be a tiny bit of a pat down. Remember when we flew to Los Angeles and we had to get felt up to get through security? Same thing. Just pretend we’re at the airport again.”

“Shit!” Mary looked ready to panic.

Snow slowly moved to block her from rushing to her car. “He’s completely covered. Pretend he’s human.”

Mary walked forward stiffly. Mel may have dragged her a bit, but they made it through the gate and someone in the control room nearby pushed a button that sealed it. The clank of it shutting made Mary jump.

“It’s okay.” Mel kept a good hold on her and turned her to the big male in uniform. He wore a helmet with a dark glass face shield. “Human guy. Totally human. Just keep thinking that.”

“Right. You liar.” Mary stared at the guard with wide eyes.

“Y’all need to lift your arms and just hold still for me,” the male rumbled.

Mel nodded at him. “Nailed it.”

“Are you shitting me?” Mary gawked at her. “You had him say y’all?”

“It sounds more human, right?” Mel shrugged. “Go with it.”

“I hate you.” Mary lifted her hands and squeezed her eyes closed. “TSA guy with bad breath. It’s you. It’s you. It’s you.”

Mel grinned as the unformed New Species froze. “When we flew to visit her family, the guy reeked like fried onions and sauerkraut. Quick, pat her down.”

Snow chuckled.

Mel shot him a look and shook her head, but she smiled wider. It was funny, and they’d gotten Mary into Reservation. So far so good. She kept hold of her hand, even though it was outstretched for the pat-down. Mary squeezed her hand hard when the guard skimmed his gloved hands over her body and tugged on her purse.

“Let go,” Mel urged her. “He’s just got to look inside but he’ll give it right back.”

Mary released it but kept her eyes closed. “Just don’t confiscate my apple vodka. I might need that.”

The guard quickly searched it and then passed it to Mel, since Mary couldn’t see what he was doing. Mel took it and stepped closer. “Okay. That’s over. You can open your eyes.”

Mary opened her eyes.

Snow opened the front passenger door and the one in the back. “I’m driving. It’s just the three of us. We’re taking you into a back door that the human chefs use. They are cooking our dinner for our reception. There’s a freight elevator that goes to my floor. It’s been cleared of all Species. Mel is going to take you directly to our home, so you can help her get ready. Then you can take the same freight elevator down to the kitchen area. Our guests are going to be in the lobby. You won’t see them until the ceremony, and all have promised not to come within several feet of you. The minister himself is human.”

Mary climbed into the backseat. “I got it. I’m sorry I’m being a huge baby about this. At least I’m here, though.”

“I know.” Mel felt very grateful to her for overcoming her fear. “This is huge. When we go into the lobby area during the wedding, just stare at my back. I’ll be facing Snow while we say our vows.”

“Just like at the diner. I can do this.”

Snow helped Mel into her seat and closed the door before walking around the front of the SUV.

Mel turned in her seat, meeting her best friend’s anxious gaze. “It’s going to be great. I promise. We’ll get me ready, say the ‘I do’s,’ and then eat. We’re putting you at a table with just us.”

“I’m so sorry, Mel. I’m like a third wheel.”

“Never. You’re my bestie and my sister all wrapped into one. You’re here. That’s all that matters.”

Snow got into the driver’s seat and started the SUV. He had chosen it so their hair didn’t get messed up by the wind in one of the Jeeps. They drove to the hotel but instead of parking out front, he rounded the building to the back. He got out but left the engine running.

Mary shot her a confused look.

“Someone will move it in a few minutes, after we’re inside,” Mel explained.

Snow opened the doors but he only helped Mel out. They’d decided in advance that it would be best if he didn’t get too near her best friend. He released Mel and led the way to the double doors that one of the human chefs opened, as if he’d been waiting for them.

Mel hooked Mary’s arm. “See? Humans work here, and they’re all fine.”

The chef openly admired Mary’s dress—and the flash of cleavage it provided—as they passed. Her friend whispered as they entered the kitchen area of the hotel, “Who is that? I’ve never seen him in town before.”

“Some of them live here.” Mel shrugged. “It’s safer that way. For them. New Species protect them.”

“Point made,” Mary muttered.

Snow led them to the freight elevator. “Do you have it from here?”