The Best of June (16 page)

Craig, the school friend June had told him about, stood quietly at the back. Women openly flirted with him but he never reciprocated. He looked at ease, but the look in his eyes showed he’d rather be anywhere but here. Shit, that made two of them.

Henry walked toward Craig. He noticed the man began shuffling his feet. “You have a spot beside June’s parents.”

“June told me this was just a small affair. I don’t call this small.”

“I agree.”

“She’s not going to like it.”

“Every woman likes to be the center of attention during their wedding.”

“Not June. She hated any kind of attention ever since we stepped in to high school.”

For some reason, Henry hated the fact that June’s friend knew more about her than he did. A groom should know more about his bride than her friends, right? “You go way back, huh?”

“Yeah.”

He shouldn’t ask, but he was curious. “Care to tell me what happened in high school?”

Craig snagged a wineglass from the passing waiter. He stared at it for a minute before taking a big gulp. “June was the hottest upcoming freshman. She attracted lots of attention. Buzz spread around school that she’d be the future homecoming queen. Boys followed her like moths to flames. You have to agree. June’s gray eyes alone could make any man go down on his knees.”

Henry gritted his teeth. He didn’t like Craig talking about his bride as if he were lusting after her. “I don’t see why she should hate that kind of attention.”

“Because it produced jealousy. The kind that spread fast. Girls hated her. Their hatred went as far as them calling her names. They found ways to make everyone believe that she was a slut, a tease—that she slept with everyone. They picked on her.”

“Maybe she unknowingly encouraged those guys.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you knew your bride.”

Fuck you.
“You’re right. I don’t. As June’s friend, you must have done something like defending her. Kicking the other kids’ asses.”

Craig sighed. His eyes reflected hurt as if he could still see what had happened years ago. “We tried. But we had different classes. One time, Vi and I found her in the gym. Her eyes were swollen and her nose was bleeding. Apparently she’d been hit by a volleyball twice by
accident
. Accident my ass. June’s a good volleyball player. She’d made varsity that year as a freshman. Vi didn’t believe June’s story, so she went after the girls.”

“What did she do?”

“She dumped two gallons of computer ink on them. She got a week suspension from school.”

Henry smiled, imagining the horrible girls covered in ink.

“What about you? What did you do?”

Craig shook his head. “Stood up for her. Denied the gossip. We tried to protect June, but we couldn’t stop the nasty tongue that she’d been sleeping around.”

For some reason, Henry wanted to find those punks and teach them a lesson. “I’m sure her experience has made her tougher.”

“Even the toughest cypress can bend after so much battering from strong winds and storms. She didn’t break but bent. The experience made her shrink inside her shell. She never joined any sports or clubs after that. She excelled in academics, though. What the mean girls didn’t succeeded in doing was changing June—from who she is. Kind, honest, loving, down-to-earth and funny. She has a great sense of humor, you know. Those fucking idiots didn’t take away the best of June.”

Sense of humor, yes. But honesty? He was unsure about that. “You know why we’re getting married, right?”

Annoyance registered in Craig’s face. He flexed his jaws. “I heard. This wedding is stupid and shouldn’t happen.”

“You don’t think that I should marry her?”

“This wedding is against both of your wills, am I right? She should be doing something more important instead of wasting her time here.”

Fuck. You.
“Like what?”

“Taking care of herself.”

Henry had been wondering about June’s decision to get pregnant. Maybe Craig could shed light on that. “June is not a for-hire prostitute. She and Vivienne made up that story. Why would a decent woman do that? What did she hope to gain by getting pregnant without a father?”

Craig looked away and scanned the crowd. “I think that’s something you two should talk about. What June should have done is asked me for help. I’d sacrifice everything for her.”

“Ask you to what? To sleep with her or marry her?”

“She should have asked me before meeting you.”

“You love June.”

Craig scowled at Henry. “Yes, I love her. She’s my friend. You don’t love her and she’s not your friend. I think she’s better off with me.”

“Fuck you, you ass.”

Craig faced him. His hands fisted. “Fuck you too. Don’t think I know what you’re doing. You’re marrying June but keeping your girlfriend, who will be your mistress. Don’t fucking deny it. Everyone here can see it.”

“It’s none of your damn business what I do with my girlfriend. Your friend fooled me. She put herself in this position, not me.”

“Yes, she did. She used you. But don’t tell me you’re all about saving your family name and that’s why you agreed to this marriage. That’s fucking bullshit. You’re using her too. So don’t give June crap. What she’s done is probably a blessing to you without her even knowing it.”

Henry stared at Craig. What he’d said was true, but no way in hell would Henry ever admit it.

“What are you three hiding?” Henry asked.

“Does it matter?”

Henry wanted to punch the man so hard. “I think I deserve to know.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“Why don’t you just fucking tell me now?” he snarled.

“She’s a good kid, Henry. Don’t hurt her. She’s going through enough already.”

“Going through tough times? Is that why she pretended to be a prostitute?”

“You talk to her.”

Something was missing and no one was willing to fill him in. “I don’t fucking get it.”

“You will. Swear on your soul that you will not hurt her, Henry, or I’ll fucking kill you. I don’t care about the repercussions.”

“Physically, no. I would rather cut my own dick off than do that. But June knows I’m not ready to play the role of a husband. Her feelings are not safe.”

Craig snickered. “And neither are yours. I’d be careful if I were you.”

Henry pulled himself to his fullest height. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“She’ll make you fall in love with her without even trying. Then she’ll break your heart—also without even trying. Mark my words.”

It was Henry’s turn to laugh.

* * * *

Henry admired the white gazebo decorated with orchids. He was impressed by how the backyard had been transformed into a fairyland—minus the fairies, of course. But this wedding had no flower girl or ring bearer, just a bridesmaid and a groomsman. However, they had a long list of guests, tons of food, entertainment and a great backyard professionally decorated. Henry smirked. This was his mother’s definition of a simple wedding.

His mom had taken great lengths to make this happen. He’d bet any bride would want a beautiful garden wedding like this one. He wasn’t sure if June would like it, though, especially after what Craig had told him.

Knowing that June had suffered socially in high school didn’t sit well in his stomach. He didn’t like anyone being bullied or treated differently, no matter their station in life. He also hated his suspicion that Craig loved June as more than a friend. If Craig raised his hand and objected to this wedding, he wouldn’t be surprised.

But he sensed something else was bothering Craig. If he were to guess, the man was fighting some kind of inner demon. Maybe the thought of not being able to save June from entering a loveless marriage had kept him awake all night.

“Damn, bro. You look like thunder. It’s your fucking wedding day. Smile.” Trey clapped him on the back.

“Hey, man. Is Nolan here?”

“Yup. Alone though. Couldn’t bring Gypsy. Her dad had a minor heart attack.”

“Damn. Is he okay?”

“Yup. But Gypsy couldn’t leave him in the hospital, so our Romeo won’t be climbing Juliet’s trellis until the old man is back home.”

Henry shook his head. His friend Nolan had been seeing Gypsy for months, but because Gypsy’s dad objected to her having a boyfriend, Nolan couldn’t knock on her door. Instead he would climb the trellis outside Gypsy’s window. “Too bad. I thought we’d be able to meet Gypsy this time.”

Trey adjusted his tie. “Me too. I’m beginning to think she’s a ghost.”

“Where’s Nolan?”

“Trapped in the middle of gorgeous women inside the house. Julian and the fam are here. So, you ready for this?”

“Yup. What’s six months, man? Today I’ll get the money to fund my business.”

Trey shook his head. “For a month you talked about June like you’re halfway in love with her already, Hen. We’re all dying to meet your bride. You sure there is nothing more to you agreeing to this marriage than money?”

“Nah.”

“Uncle Henry!”

Henry was happy for the interruption. He didn’t want to talk about money and the contract right now. “Hey, Sam girl. How’s my beautiful butterfly?” Henry picked up Sam and kissed her on the lips. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Sam wrapped her chubby arms around his neck. “Mommy said you’re having a baby. I want to see.”

Henry looked at Joanie, who had a big smile on her face. “Your mommy is right. But you can’t see the baby right now. She’s not born yet.”

“Okay. Can I have it?”

Henry laughed. “I love you, my little butterfly.”

“I love you too, Uncle.”

He thought Sam looked like a fairy in her gauzy pink dress and sparkly headband. She smelled of apples too. A knot in his stomach tightened. Soon, he’d have his own little one. Jelly Bean, as June called their baby. “I’m sure you can play with her when she’s bigger.”

“Is she gonna be a baby girl like me?”

“June thinks so.”

“I will like her, Uncle. I’ll be her big sister.”

Henry hugged Sam. “Sounds wonderful, love.”

“Do I get my kiss now?” Joanie placed her hands on her hips like a mother scolding her child. Her expression looked exactly like Sam’s—adorable.

Henry laughed as he put Sam back down. She immediately ran to Julian.

“Yes, Mrs. Lovely Ravenwood. You’d better get your kiss now. Soon I won’t be free to give kisses.” He hugged Joanie tightly. Julian’s wife was a knockout. Simple and yet oozing with sexual charm. Like June.

“All right. Enough mauling my wife, bro, or there won’t be a wedding today.” Julian shook hands with him as soon as Henry let go of his wife.

“Thanks for coming, man.”

“Uncle Henry, I want lemonade.”

“Sure, honey bear. We can get you a glass.”

“I’ll take her.” Joanie took hold of her daughter’s hand. “Come on, bug. Let’s get a drink.”

“I want a butterfly straw, mommy.”

“We’ll see if we can find one.”

Henry watched the mother and daughter walk away.

“Didn’t think it would be you next, brother. Nolan is the one walking around with a hard-on all the time.”

“Hey, you fucking talking about my dick?”

Nolan joined them. Once again, the Blue-eyed Four were together. “You look mighty fine, bro.

“I could say the same thing about you. I’m looking forward to meeting your bride.”

“I want to meet the bridesmaid,” Trey piped in.

“Vivienne? I already told you to stay away from her.”

“I know. I’m just curious to see the mildly drunk waitress who convinced you to unwrap your present.”

“Suit yourself. But don’t blame me when you find yourself agreeing to a marriage you don’t want. She’s a sly, my friend.”

“Come on, man. Not all of us are lucky like you. You’re getting the girl you’ve been talking about and the money you need. Damn, man.” Trey shook his head. “You still want the girl, right?”

“I don’t think he’s really stopped wanting her, Trey. I’ll bet my balls that Henry is already imagining the bride naked,” Nolan said.

Henry shook his head. “June doesn’t want me, remember? Just the baby. And you all know about the contract. This is not the usual wedding, bros.”

“So fucking what? You can still sleep with your wife.” Nolan waggled his eyebrows.

Trey laughed. “Julian said he didn’t want to go near Joanie after their wedding and left her the same day they got married.”

Julian winced. “Please don’t speak of that again.”

“But look,” Trey continued. “He’s got adorable Sam who I just want to put in my pocket and a wife I wish I could fu—”

“Say it and I’ll fucking break your neck, Trey.”

“What? I was just going to say I want to fuss over Joanie.”

“Uh-huh. Dickhead.” Julian shoved his friend none too gently.

John, Henry’s business partner, joined the circle. “Sorry, mate. Been on the phone since this morning. Hi, everyone.”

Henry’s friends exchanged jabs with John.

“I want in on the company shares, Hen. What are you up to, John?” Julian asked as he snagged a wineglass from a waiter’s tray.

“Oh nothing. Just looking forward to spending Henry’s inheritance,” John said, grinning. “The OPA90 Oil and Chemical tanker is worth seven million. Imagine spending that kind of money.”

“Holy fuck!”

“Damn.”

“Wow.”

Julian, Trey and Nolan all exclaimed at the same time.

“What about the new MWG10 General Cargo, Henry? Do you think we could squeeze it in?” John asked.

Henry grinned. His friend was practically drooling. “We can afford both and we’ll add a Ro-ro, which would carry livestock.”

John straightened his tie. “If we add the Ro-ro, we’ll cover everything from coals to cement to chickens.”

“Damn, Henry. Your ships will carry your flag all over the world,” Julian said.

“To Henry’s dream coming true.” Nolan raised his glass.

“A dream come true,” everyone said and clinked glasses.

“By the way, how did Stacey take the news about June?”

Henry looked at Julian. When he married Joanie, he hadn’t known that she was already pregnant. Sam was already turning four when he’d met his baby. Whereas Henry would meet his baby as soon as she was born but would never see her grow up. A painful prick inside his chest made him scowl.
What the hell?
“Stacey’s pissed. But after I explained everything, she understood. She said she’s willing to wait.”