Secrets of the World's Worst Matchmaker (The Baileys Book 7), стр. 33
“Things are going to change. This might be our last time making food from movies. I mean, I guess we could do it with her.” The tone in her voice says that’s not really an option.
I desperately want to tell Juno the truth, so she knows not much has to change. I mean, Brigette will be living with me, but we’re not a real couple. Juno wouldn’t be the third wheel. But if I tell Juno, I’m putting myself and Brigette at risk. Not that I think Juno would tell anyone, but sometimes secrets slip. This one is better off staying between the people who have the most to lose if it comes out.
“Nothing is going to change,” I say.
She huffs. Yeah, I don’t believe me either.
“Come on. Let’s enjoy tonight. Remember?” I knock her shoulder with mine.
She nods. “It’s just hard. You’re right. I was stupid to think we’d just be best friends until we grew old.”
I can’t do this anymore. I have to tell her. I place my hand on hers. “Juno.”
Her eyes meet mine, and they look so sad. I’m definitely making the right decision. “What?”
“Surprise!” Rome jumps out in front of our cart. “What are you two crazy kids doing at the grocery store this late?”
We look in his arms to find Little Debbie brownies, a carton of ice cream, and three of the balls I just threw at Juno.
“More like what are you doing?” Juno asks. “Harley having cravings?”
He nods. “Yeah, and it has to be the Little Debbie’s with the walnuts on top, not the candy things. But the kids like the candy ones, so I have to buy both. And I’m trying not to be offended that she never craves what I can make her. I mean, shouldn’t that be the benefit of being married to a chef?”
Juno laughs because we know how Rome is about his cooking. Calista and Dion still like the instant mac n’ cheese over his authentic homemade version. “Well, you can make brownies for me.”
Rome looks in our cart. “What are you guys making? Spaghetti, garlic, and parsley?”
“Ever seen The Chef? We’re making the pasta from it.”
Rome pulls out his phone and searches for the clip on YouTube then stares at us. “Is this what gets you guys all hot?”
Juno slaps him on the arm. “Rome!”
“I’m offended you didn’t come to me. I can cook this a helluva lot better than the two of you.” He dumps his things into our cart. “Come on. Harley will love it too. We’ll get more. I’m cooking tonight.”
We share a look behind his back.
“Isn’t it late?” Juno asks.
“I’m a chef. I’m used to being up late. Plus, Harley has insomnia with this pregnancy. She’ll appreciate the company.”
Before I can argue, we’re leaving the grocery store and heading to Rome’s house. So much for my last night with Juno.
Seventeen
Juno
The day has come. The day I lose my best friend.
Dodging Colton until his wedding day was easier than I thought. He only stopped by my office once, and I ventured out of my way to never pass Four Paws, even convincing Calista to go to a park farther away so he wouldn’t see me outside. Brigette hasn’t messaged me, so she must have decided the double dating thing isn’t a good idea.
After checking with Brigette to make sure it was okay to bring Jason, he agreed to be my date for the wedding, but I think after tonight, I’ll tell him we’re probably better off as friends. The spark just isn’t there. If I’m lucky, he’ll still hire me to find someone for him.
We walk the path next to Cozy Cottage B&B and I spot Harley talking with the owner, Selene, by the back door, the kids hovering around. Rome is catering the event, so he’s busy under a great big white tent, telling servers to be ready because the meal will come right after the ceremony.
The path along Selene’s garden is beautiful with spring in full bloom. The flowers aren’t overgrown, some looking like new buds just now coming to life. The bridal arch is decorated with an array of peach and pastel flowers with limited greenery. There are a few short rows of white chairs. With Brigette’s family not coming, they kept the ceremony small.
“It’s beautiful,” I softly say to myself. I expected nothing less. Brigette’s taste is exquisite.
There are no ushers, but halfway down the aisle, Mrs. Stone spots me and makes her way over.
“Juno,” she says, taking my hands. Her gaze shifts to Jason and back to me. “Come check on the groom with me?”
“Um.” I look at Jason, but he just smiles. “Jason, this is Colton’s mom, Mrs. Stone.”
“Macy.” She holds out her hand. “This girl was supposed to be my daughter-in-law and I still can’t get her to call me Macy.”
Jason’s eyebrows rise to his hairline and I don’t blame him.
“Mrs. Stone, I was never going to marry Colton,” I whisper.
She pats my hand. “Oh, you know what I mean. You were always so close, people assumed. I hoped.” She puts her hand over her heart.
Great. This is the last thing I need to get through today.
“Come. You don’t mind, do you, Jason? We’ll only be a moment.”
Mrs. Stone should team up with Grandma Dori. They’d be a power couple in getting people to go along with their agendas.
“Not at all. I’ll save your seat,” Jason says.
I smile graciously. “Thank you.”
We walk back down the aisle the way I came, Austin and Holly watching me from the corner of their eyes. I see they didn’t bring Easton.
“Juno.” Harley stops to say hello right before we’re about to walk into the house.
Selene starts talking to Mrs. Stone about how the bride’s room and the groom’s room are on opposite floors, that she put Colton in her painting room to make sure of it.
“Where are you going?” Harley whispers.
“Aunt Juno. Aunt Juno!” Dion jumps up and down in front of me, grabbing at