Baby Daddies - Tara Brown Page 0,18
and not another word about it!” Sami points. “You’ve slacked hard on these weddings. You can do this one thing with me.”
Carson lifts an eyebrow at her, about to say something back, but I nudge him with my foot.
“Vincenzo, can you drop us at Nat’s place?” I ask, certain Brady’s still there playing video games with Mike and Cap.
“Of course.”
“Thanks,” Nat and I say at the same time again.
“So after the florist’s today, all that’s left is the rehearsal setup tomorrow.” Sami glances at her schedule. “I’m using the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza; it’s about the right size. We’ll set up completely and go through the table service.”
“Is this included in the pauper price for the wedding?” I ask, teasing Sami who has struggled with the budget on this one.
“Obviously not, Lori.” She is in no mood.
“Did you forget to eat today?” Nat questions Sami’s attitude.
“No, I had—” She pauses. “Shit.”
“You keep doing this.” Nat pulls a protein bar from her purse. “Here. I carry them for Brady. He’s also an ass when he’s starving.”
Sami parts her lips to fight back but we all stare. “Oh my God, fine.” She takes it and rips it open, taking a big bite. She chews aggressively until about halfway through.
“How much is this wedding costing?” Carson asks Nat.
“Twenty thousand. And for a hundred and fifty people it’s been tough to do. My mom is pissed.” Nat sighs. “She was hoping I’d do some extravagant wedding like Sami’s. She hates that I’m the pauper and she’s not getting a show out of it for her fancy friends.”
“Matt and I both said we could do the pauper—”
“And I said no,” Nat cuts her off. “I’m the pauper. I want to do this. The challenge is good for us.”
“It’s a pain and I’m half ready to quit and just throw money at everything. Twenty thousand has been twice the work for us.”
“That’s the pauper life,” Nat jokes as the car stops.
“Don’t get out, Vincenzo. Thanks for the ride,” I say and open the door for me and Nat. “See you guys in a bit.” We hurry out before Sami forces us to go and smell flowers again.
“Eight days,” Nat mutters as we watch them drive away. “Eight more days and we’re free from weddings.”
“Yeah, but she said she’s moving on to babies the moment this is over. She’s created the photo shoots already with Eli.”
“Who knew slack-ass Sami was better?” Nat chuckles and walks toward their building.
“Me, I could have told you that ages ago. Her needing to impress Matt was the best-worst thing that could have happened to her.”
“Agreed.” She rubs her stomach. “I think I’m coming down with something. I’ve been feeling funky for days. It better pass before the wedding.”
“Maybe you are pregnant.” I nudge her as the doorman gets the door and nods at us.
“You’re not funny. You or Carson. I’m on the pill, ass.” She pushes the elevator button and walks in. “I just need a nap.”
“But I thought we were gonna game. I wanted to be on your team.”
“You’ll be fine without me.” She sounds exhausted and seems to be going downhill quickly. When we’re in the apartment, she waves and goes to the bedroom to pass out.
“Enjoy your nap.” I make my way into the games room, seeing Mike, Cap, and Brady playing Brady’s early copy of NHL 17 that Nat got from a friend. “Hey.” I grab a beer from the beverage fridge and sit down.
“Hey,” they say at the same time but don’t stop playing.
“How was the dress fitting? Did yours fit?” Brady laughs at his own joke.
“I saw Nat naked so it was worth it,” I lie.
“What?” Brady turns his head as Cap steals the puck and skates down the ice to score. “Naked?”
“Gotcha!” I point at him.
“Fucker,” he grumbles as Mike and Cap laugh.
“What’s this I hear Jenny is thinking about moving to Vancouver?” Cap asks. Sukii and him dating means he knows everything before I do about my own girlfriend.
“She’s been offered a killer job,” I grumble. “Great salary. Top ten company in BC. Her brother has a house there she can crash at. They’ll pay for the move.”
“She can’t go, man. You guys won’t make it at that distance,” Brady says as he maneuvers around a player and scores.
“I know.” I sit quietly, my mind whirling. “But we just started dating. She isn’t going to pick me over a new job, especially after she lost the last one because of me.”
“That’s why