The Rules of Dating(78)

He was dressed in a navy three-piece suit. His shiny watch gleamed. Everything was on point.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

He clasped hands with Deek. “This bar is not far from my office. Figured I’d come for a little happy hour.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Really…”

Owen sat down with us and signaled for the waitress before ordering a beer. “What’s new with you guys?” he asked.

“Nothing much. Just trying to forget the fact that Colby is getting married in the next hour.” I took a long sip.

Owen played dumb. “Oh, is that today?”

“Come on, Owen. You knew it was today.”

His expression darkened. “Yeah, I did. He just texted me to come by and check on you. He knew Deek was with you, but I think Colby wanted some representation from his side to make sure you were okay. If he couldn’t be here, I was the next best thing.”

“Well…thank you. But that’s totally unnecessary,” I said.

“Anything I can do to make this day easier for Colby, I’m gonna do it.”

“This is a rarity, though. You left the office before four PM?” I teased.

“I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I left work early.”

A little while later, Brayden walked toward our table in the corner with a big smile on his face.

“Not you, too?” I said.

“What?” He shrugged. “I’m just here for a drink.” He winked and looked over at Deek. “’Sup, man?” Then Brayden gave me a look like he felt sorry for me. “How are you doing?”

“Jesus Christ. Nobody died,” I shouted. “Why is everyone acting like someone died?”

Brayden patted my shoulder. “If you’re okay, then we’re okay.”

“I heard there was a party!” another voice yelled.

Holden. I shook my head and laughed. “I should’ve known this was going to be a trifecta.”

Holden bent to kiss my cheek. “Hey, Billie. Looking amazing as always.” He nodded toward Deek. “Hey, man. I saw your Instagram. What the hell were you guys doing with the Kardashians today?”

“You’re not serious, are you?” Deek cackled.

Holden winked as he sat down. “So what are we drinkin’?”

I lifted my bottle. “Beer.”

“Sounds good to me.” He grabbed a menu. “Let me see what they have on tap.” Holden lifted his hand to flag down the server.

“How is it that all three of you have the time to babysit me today?”

“It’s simple,” Holden said. “When one of us needs something, we drop everything. And there’s nothing more important to Colby today than making sure you’re okay. So of course, I had to come look out for you. I’m his best friend.”

Brayden and Owen whipped their heads toward Holden at the same time.

“Who the fuck crowned you Colby’s best friend?” Owen snapped.

“Yeah.” Brayden agreed. “Who died and made you the best friend?”

“Who died? Uh, Ryan, dumbass,” Holden answered.

The table went quiet.

Then Holden pointed at them. “Anyway, did you offer to marry Maya last night so Colby didn’t have to?”

“No,” Brayden squinted.

Holden flashed a smug grin. “That’s right. You didn’t. Cuz you’re not the best friend. I am. A best friend would have offered to marry her.”

I blinked. “Wait… Come again, Holden? What did you do?”

“That’s what all the chicks say to me.” He winked. “Come again.”

“Seriously, Holden,” Deek interjected. “You offered to marry Maya?”

Holden took a long swig of his beer and shrugged. “Yeah. I mean…I went to Colby’s late last night and offered to do the deed so he wouldn’t have to, so she would leave him alone. I was dead serious. I would’ve absolutely married her.”

“That was really sweet of you, Holden, but totally nuts,” I said. “Nuts only because I know it was more than just an offer. You would have gone through with it.”

“That’s right. Why is that so crazy? I don’t have a girlfriend like Colby does. No skin off my back. Nobody’s gonna be hurt. But he thought it would be too complicated because of Saylor and the attorneys and stuff. Wish I had thought of it sooner. I was totally willing to pretend to be in love with the bitch just to get her out of his hair. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for that guy. If there’s one thing Ryan’s death taught me, it’s that your true friends are the most important thing in your life. Even more important than family sometimes, depending on who your family is.”

Deek placed his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t I know it. This chick is my lifeline. When times are tough, I know I can count on her. And her on me. That’s why I’ve been dragging her ass around the city today to try to get her mind off shit.” He lifted his finger. “I didn’t, however, agree to marry Maya. So, Holden, you’re a better man than I am.”

Everyone laughed.

I was one lucky girl to have all these guys by my side today.

“Billie, are you ready to laugh your ass off?” Owen asked.