“Will I still be able to recognize my study?” Smoak asked. “Carlos thought maybe we should’ve put you guys out in a field somewhere.”
“There was no need, Kid,” Hill laughed, slapping his brother’s back as he claimed a chair at the table.
Pike glanced toward the house. “It was pretty quiet in there.”
“Yeah Chump, we decided against joining hands and singing ‘Kumbaya’.”
“So?” Pike spread his hands, giving them a slight wave to encourage more elaboration.
“It went well as it could have,” Hill persisted. “There were no tears or hugging but...I didn’t feel the need to rip the guy in half.”
Pike snorted. “Well my wife’ll be happy to hear that.”
“Ahh…” Hill raised a brow, observed his brother with heightened interest. “So is everyone done pouting now?” He laughed when gazes faltered. “Y’all need to let that shit go.”
“Have you?” Caiphus blurted. “Have you really, Hill?”
Understanding the man’s concern, Hill leaned over to squeeze Caiphus’ shoulder. “I have, Rug. I’m good.” His gaze narrowed and he nodded in a silent message that he worked to make convincing. “I know why you’re concerned- don’t be. Anyway, I should tell you guys we told Stone about our plans for the island,” he said before Caiphus could speak up to question him further.
Intrigue shone on Caiphus’ face instead. “Does he think it could work?”
“He thinks it might,” Hill sighed. “And that’s about all I care to share right now from one of the most depressing conversations I’ve ever had.”
“Listen Hill,” Pike gestured with his hands again. “I just want to apologize for keeping what we knew. Jasper told us a lot, but we thought you’d want to hear it from the horse’s mouth and not second hand.” He gave his brother a lopsided grin. “Protecting folks is such a pain in the ass.”
Hill chuckled. “Damn right. Now,” he stood then moving around to massage Caiphus’ shoulders. “If the groom doesn’t mind, I’d like to get on with the celebrating. Please tell me you guys didn’t spend all the time down at the lake discussing the goddamn view while we were back at the house.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Smoak’s voice came out in a good-humored drawl. “We’ve got it all under control, it’ll be quite the surprise.”
Hill groaned, massaging the bridge of his
nose then. “Why do I suddenly want to stay home?”
***
The bride and her gang went for simplicity that night instead of outrageous. The rest of the guests would be arriving in town the next day. That, in addition to the wedding dinner that Georgia Ramsey had insisted on for the couple.
Georgia had reminded her niece that she and her fiancé had family names to think about whether they liked it or not. Georgia thought the least they could do; to level out the decision for such an impromptu and- in her opinion- inappropriately planned wedding, was to adhere to at least one tradition. No one argued much. Georgia, after all, had been somewhat cheated out of her mother-of-the-bride duties when Smoak and Sabra went away for their own...impromptu wedding.
With a full day waning and the big day on the horizon, a night of lounging and laughter sounded like a dream.
The day; in fact, had already been one long laugh fest. Tahoe South offered its own distinct array of boutiques that appealed to endless shopping tastes. The weather had been perfect. Sabra had promised her cousin spring-like temps for her big day and the climate had accommodated. Temperatures that week had made a surprising leap into the upper 60s to mid-70s. Not bad for late February. The girls took advantage of an excursion for shopping right on the lake front. Afterward, they’d enjoyed a late lunch outdoors.
Sabra sent a car to fetch Persephone once word had been received that her talk with Fernando was over. No one; aside from Persephone and perhaps Contessa was more content than when Persephone arrived in time for lunch orders to be placed. Everyone was assured that ‘the talk’ had gone very well.
That news was welcome indeed once Belle heard her father was having his long awaited chat with Fernando, Kraven and Hill. Despite the possible drama looming, the group had a great time and were up for nothing more than time at home afterward.
No one had an especially large appetite by the time they’d gathered on the sumptuous lanai just off from the pool area. Tapas were available for nibbling- a wide variety of appetizers were accompanied by delectables such as stuffed olives, meats, cheeses and dips. There was also a rich array of fruits and hand-held cakes.
The bar was extensive, with a creative non-alcoholic selection for the expectant moms in the group. Mostly everyone opted for non-alcoholic beverages. As much as they’d eaten that day, some believed sleep would visit far more quickly than it was threatening to, if they were tipsy.
Besides, they all wanted to give SyBilla some semblance of bachelorette debauchery. With that in mind, everyone made promises not to fall asleep before the music ran out or the bride said she was satisfied- whichever came first.
As for music, it pulsed steadily and caused some to break into spontaneous dance or attempts at singing.
Conversation was also in high supply. Everyone had changed from the chic outerwear of the day, to their most comfy lounge attire. Scarves adorned the heads of many, while slippers and fuzzy socks warmed several pairs of feet. Attempts at singing, switched over to attempts at rapping when the playlist changed. By the time Darby and Michaela took to the mic for their rendering of the Gang Starr classic “Mass Appeal”, the group had gained an audience.
The guys observed with the special delight that never failed to stir when they caught their significant others...performing and blissfully unaware they were being watched. That night the performances maintained their usual provocative mystique. Most alluring to the men however, was the almost tangible sense of freedom and unpretentiousness alive among the women while they laughed at themselves and one another.
Confidence abounded even when the girls grooved to the music while wearing their most dressed down attire. The guys looked as if they’d never been more captivated. They gave into smiles and several soft chuckles as the performances amped up.
The ladies took turns on a makeshift stage fashioned by the lounge chairs arranged in a wide circle. Hill couldn’t have approved more than when Persephone, along with County, Sabra and Mel took the mics for “Rock the Bells”.
When Persephone took her turn, Hill was moments away from suggesting to his companions that they pass on the evening’s intended activities and kick back at home. Visions of tossing Persephone into the first bed he could find, were growing more vivid when the final, driving beat of the classic jam clashed against the air.
The music silenced then and Hill realized his companions had other ideas.
The bride and her group turned in unison to investigate the sudden loss of music. A few sighs and scattered groans mounted when they determined the cause.
The agitation however was mixed with a none too subtle dose of admiration. Whereas the girls had settled for relaxation and comfort in their wardrobe choices, the guys were beautifully attired for their night out. Dark pants and jackets with shirts, open at the collars and in an assortment of colors, appeared to be the running style of dress for the evening. The women were undoubtedly impressed, but thought it best for their counterparts not to see how close they were to swooning.
“We’re heading out,” Smoak had been the one to shut down the music.
“‘Kay...turn the music back up on your way,” Sabra drily instructed as she plucked a blue-cheese stuffed olive from a dish near her lounge.
“So that’s it?” Smoak gave a casual shrug.
Sabra looked over, brows lifting in a display of innocence while she held her olive poised for biting. Slowly, her mouth curved into the sultriest of smiles. “Oh yeah...you guys look very yummy… they’re beautiful, aren’t they girls?” She glanced back at her cohorts.
The ladies launched into a round of applause, peppered with catcalls and a wolf whistle courtesy of SyBilla who shared a lounge chair with Dena.
