Chapter 3: Chapter 3

REECE

I watched as Etta’s face began to get pale and her breathing sped up. She acted as if she was going to be in trouble. I didn’t understand where this was coming from.

“Don’t worry,” I assured her, hoping to calm her down.

“Why are you so nice to me? Why did you bring me here instead of waiting for Wren?” she said in frustration.

I was going to let her take it out on me for now, but I was determined to find out what was wrong.

“You were upset, and Wren got delayed. He wasn’t going to be back right away.”

I had known Odette for most of her life. She tended to deflect when she couldn’t handle a situation or stress.

She pushed people away when she got angry.

“Just send them a text and tell them you’re on your way and leave it at that,” I suggested.

“I don’t have time to drop you off,” she huffed.

“I know. I’m going with you,” I responded.

As soon as we were back in her car, her phone rang.

“Shit, it’s Sterling. Can you answer it and put it on speakerphone?” Etta asked.

I quickly did as she asked.

“Hey…”

“Where are you? Julie is freaking out; you were supposed to be there at two.”

“I know; I’m five minutes away,” Etta stated.

“This is what I was talking about, Odette. You have no concern for others, and you don’t care if you ruin something. Once you get there, you’d better apologize to Julie. You’re holding everything up.” This must have been what she was talking about.

Right now, Sterling sounded like a jerk.

“I said I was sorry, and I really mean it when I say I got caught up,” Etta said, on the verge of tears.

“Hey, Sterling, it’s Reece. This is all my fault. I asked Etta to help me with something.”

I was trying to help the situation, but I knew as soon as he let out a sigh that I had made it worse.

“What are you doing with my sister? You know what, don’t answer that. Just get your ass to the bridal shop,” Sterling snapped before hanging up.

“Pull over,” I demanded.

“I can’t; I’m late,” she cried out.

“Pull the car over and let me drive,” I demanded, my tone harsher than intended.

She slowly pulled the car over. I got out and came around to her door.

“Don’t take it personally. He’s stressed, and it’s a family trait to take it out on people,” I tried to reassure her.

I didn’t like seeing her this upset.

Once Etta was situated in the passenger seat, I pulled back onto the road. We made it there in five minutes.

I felt bad for Etta because as soon as she walked in, Julie would lay into her.

“You don’t have to wait for me. You can take my car back to Wren’s. I’ll call a ride share,” Etta commanded.

“Nope, you’re stuck with me for now,” I said, smiling.

She smiled back before we got out of the car and made our way into the shop.

“Finally, you’re here,” Julie yelled at Etta.

Julie didn’t give Etta time to do anything and shoved a dress into her arms.

“You’re lucky you’re Sterling’s only sister, or I wouldn’t even have you at the wedding.”

“You know what, Julie, screw you and this damn wedding—I quit. Get yourself a new bridesmaid,” Etta yelled back, throwing the dress at her and storming out of the store.

I couldn’t help but laugh at what happened because Julie wasn’t expecting Etta to walk out on her.

“This isn’t funny,” Julie cried out. “She’s ruining everything.”

“No, you’re ruining your wedding, and you’re making your soon-to-be sister-in-law miserable,” I said, defending Etta.

By the time I made it outside, Etta was already in the car waiting for me.

“You did the right thing, but if I were a woman, I would have punched her,” I admitted.

“And then she would press charges,” Etta quipped back.

“Luckily, you know a good lawyer,” I answered jokingly.

She smiled at me, put the car in drive, and we rode to Wren’s house in silence.

***

Wren was home when I arrived. I told him I’d been with Etta, knowing he would ask me about the nature of our relationship. I found her attractive and felt a need to protect her. As a lawyer, my job required me to read people, and I was picking up on some vibes that suggested she was hiding something. I wanted to know what it was.

“What took you so long?” Wren questioned.

“Etta and I were hanging out, and we lost track of time. I ended up going to the bridal fitting with her.”

“Hmm. Why does she look upset? Do I need to punch you in the face?” Wren asked, his tone serious.

I understood why Wren didn’t trust me. I’d spent years avoiding relationships, hooking up and breaking hearts—but none of those women were Etta.

“No, Julie was a bitch to her, and Sterling took Julie’s side,” I admitted.

“He’s been on edge lately. I think all the shit with Julie is getting to him,” Wren said with a sigh.

“I told her not to take it personally.”

“She’ll be fine. Are we still on for that double date?” Wren was excited about this double date and had begged me to go.

I let out a sigh. “I guess.”

***

Sitting at this table listening to Jessica was boring me to tears. Wren and his girlfriend Sam were making out. If I didn’t want to be a cockblocker, I would have told them to stop. But you never get in the way of a guy getting a piece.

“So…Sam said you’re a lawyer,” Jessica stated.

“Yup.” I was trying to keep my responses short to avoid engaging with her.

“Do you make good money?”

“Look, Jessica, I’m sure you’re a nice person, but I’m not feeling this. I didn’t even want to come tonight.”

“Why? Am I not pretty enough?” Jessica snapped.

“You’re pretty; you’re just not my type.” The truth was, my mind was still on Etta, and I was wishing that she were here instead of Jessica.

“So you wasted my time?” she accused.

“No, Sam and Wren wasted your time. I told them I didn’t want to be here.”

“Bastard,” she yelled, dumping her drink on me.

Wren and Sam broke away from each other and looked at me.

“Your friend is fucking crazy. I’m out of here. I’ll see you later,” I sighed.

“Wait,” Wren yelled as I left the bar, and I waited for him outside.

“Were you not interested because of Odette?” Wren asked with a straight face.

“No, nothing is going on between us,” I responded. “I wasn’t interested in her because I didn’t find her likable. She is good-looking, but she is superficial. She asked about the money I make as a lawyer,” I said, telling him the partial truth.

“Don’t lie to me. If you’re interested in my sister, tell me. I don’t want you to date her, but I’d rather you be honest.”

“Wren, nothing is going on,” I assured him. “If there was something going on, why wouldn’t you want me to date her?”

“I know you’ll hurt her,” Wren said. “We all know you’ll hurt her. I love you like a brother, but your history with women tells me you don’t know how to commit. Etta doesn’t deserve to be another girl in your past.” His voice was soft.

I knew I didn’t have the best track record with relationships, and Odette deserved some stability in that area. But I thought I could give that to her now.