they were both trying to host a perfect wedding. For everyone who remembered their own wedding day. Helping plan Amy’s was part of remembering that day. And the vows everyone took to be man and wife.
I got up and excused myself. I needed to find a bathroom. I followed the signage and found a hallway leading into a dark room. On one side was a restroom with a female picture on the door. She was holding a paintbrush and wore a short smock over nothing else. On the other side of the hall was a bodybuilder guy with the tiniest Speedo on earth covering his private parts. I’d blame the previous owners, but this place had been a high-end pet store before the paint and sip.
Coming out of the bathroom, I saw Justin leaning against the wall. I pointed to the almost naked male form on the door. “It must be a popular place.”
Justin looked at the door as if he hadn’t seen the painting, and in the dim light, I thought I saw a blush on his face. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you. You’re Amy’s best friend.”
“For many years now. Or at least after you.” I wasn’t sure I liked where this was going. “What’s bothering you?”
“I’m trying to nail down the honeymoon and I want it to be special. Something she’ll remember for the rest of her life. But I’m not very good at this stuff.” He shuffled his feet and glanced back at the larger room where the others were sitting. “Do you think I could pick your brain in the next few days? I don’t want you to plan it or anything, I just want to hear about what you know about Amy. That might spark something.”
“Sure. I work most mornings, so if I’m not at the store I’m either home or running Emma. Just stop by or give me a quick text. I could meet you out of town too, if you didn’t want Amy to know.” I put my hand on his arm. “Although she’s going to love anything you decide to do because she loves you.”
He nodded and took a deep breath. “That’s why I like talking with you, Jill. You make it seem like everything is going to be fine.”
“Because it is. This is a wedding. It’s only one day, or one week, if you’re thinking about the honeymoon, out of your lives. Relax and celebrate.” I nodded toward the painting room. “Shall we go back to finish our paintings?”
“Actually, I need to make a stop.” He nodded to the door, and this time he did blush. “Who paints their doors like this?”
As I walked back to Greg, I chuckled at Justin’s obvious discomfort. He was a good man. And a good match for my over-the-top friend.
Glancing around the main room, I realized Neal was no longer around. Maybe he’d taken the time to make a run for more supplies. I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed his disappearance. Meredith was searching the room as well. When she met my gaze she smiled, and her face changed. “Looks like it’s time to finish up this masterpiece. Neal had to leave for a few minutes, so if anyone needs anything, well, you’re on your own.”
“Our wine bottle is empty.” Nan stood, weaved, and then moved to the snack table. “Never mind, I found another one.”
Chuckles filled the room, but when I looked at Greg, he wasn’t smiling. I tried to keep the conversation light. “I hope they’re not going to drive out of here.”
“Change that sentence to they aren’t driving anywhere. I’m not going to allow it. And if they fight me, well, Toby will just get a call as soon as he gets behind the wheel. We might have to make a detour on the way home to drop off those two if no one else is going that way. I’m not taking a chance that he’s any more sober that she is.” Greg added green to his painting but moved the easel a bit so he could watch Nan and Steve. “This is why I hated my job as a bouncer in college. Some people just don’t know their limits.”
“I didn’t know you had been a bouncer.” Amy leaned around me to look at Greg. “So that was your first job in the security field?”
“Bouncing’s more like being a childcare worker or a high school playground guard. Someone’s always pushing buttons,” he grumbled.