I found myself having a good time just being around them; their automatic like towards me was easy to recognize. We didn’t talk like event coordinator and client—we talked like friends. Bailey swung by at one point to check on things; I put in an order for some mimosas, which went over very well. Before leaving, Karly stopped and turned to me, taking my hand in hers once more.
“In a couple months we’re going out to this resort we all used to go to as kids. It’s so much fun; snowmobiles, tubing, skiing, all that fun stuff—Corey’s coming and I would absolutely love for you to come as well!”
Her enthusiasm made it hard to turn down. Even when I tried, she recognized the rejection in my face but wasn’t satisfied.
“Please, Corey will need someone to talk to, especially after dealing with all of us! Even as his friend, he would love it—and so would we.”
“Sure, I’d love to.” Karly squealed and threw her arms around my shoulders. I was reminded of the warm and comforting sensation I had every time I was next to Corey. There was just something about the Preston family that hit my heart in a way, that when I was around them—I knew I was safe.
“Great! I’ll let mom know we have one more coming!” The three of them hugged me goodbye and I finally realized all that had happened. Not only had I met Corey’s sisters but I was now joining them for a family vacation. What have I gotten myself into?
Bailey stood at the door to my office with a smirk on her face.
“You’re in trouble now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped.
“Well, you know what they say—you don’t just fall in love with a person—you fall in love with their family, too.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I pushed past her into my office but I knew she was right. Hearing the truth about Corey as a person then seeing how adoring his sisters were, it only added affection in my heart. How was I supposed to plan his sister’s wedding and still keep my distance from them.
This was all too much—I needed a cigarette.
Before heading to the destination I had in mind, I stopped for a fresh pack of cigarettes and some gum. In the car I smoked two, and chomped away on two pieces of excessively minty gum. I was determined to save my cigarettes for later and not have them taken away. The bar wasn’t busy—not that I expected it was going to be—as it was a Monday afternoon. There was one car in the parking lot and it was the other bartender Jerry’s vehicle.
The two of them stood behind the bar; taking turns trying to bounce quarters into whiskey glasses. Corey’s glass had far more than Jerry’s and the tension around Jerry’s eyes showed how irritated he was about their simple game. The two looked up at me when I walked in. Jerry rolled his eyes—his normal reaction since realizing I did not intend to date him—while Corey’s face lit up.
I took a seat on the stool on the opposite side of him. He placed his arms on the bar and jumped up to lean across to give me a kiss. The motion took me by surprise but with my heart still softened by the words of his sisters—I gave into it. Placing my hands on either side of his face, I held him against my mouth. Deepening the kiss while we were both lost in the moment.
“Jesus Christ Corey, that shit ain’t sanitary—get a room.” Corey returned to the ground and pulled two beers from the cooler.
“Keep an eye on things.” He said back to Jerry, making his way around the bar; placing a beer in my hand and a kiss on my cheek.
“Let’s go upstairs so we don’t have to listen to him bitch and moan.” A quarter came from Jerry’s direction and whizzed past my face, inches away.
Corey stopped and glared at him. “You’re lucky as shit that didn’t hit her.”
“What the fuck would you have done about it?” Jerry pressed Corey’s mood, crossing his arms over his chest— preparing for a battle. Corey’s jaw tightened under his skin as he stared at me while he tried to regain control. He handed his beer bottle to me and turned back to face Jerry; instinctively stepping in front of me.
“Don’t act like I haven’t beat your ass before, Jerry. Who do you think you are to throw shit at people in