Page 74 of Just Add Friendship
The rings were exchanged, then Austin pulled Everly close and kissed her soundly. Everyone clapped and cheered, and the congratulations began. Steph was pulled into a few photos with the bridesmaids and Everly, then a larger bridal group with various cousins. She made a quick check of her phone—still nothing—then she headed to where Pops was still seated, now by himself.
“You hungry?” she asked. “The buffet should start soon.”
“I’m hungry, but I can wait,” Pops said. “You enjoy yourself with your friends.”
Brandy arrived at Steph’s side and linked arms. “Let’s go make some song requests for the dancing.”
“Put in some oldies for me,” Pops said. “None of that hip-hop stuff. Makes my old bones rattle just listening to it.”
Brandy laughed. “Look at you, Pops, knowing music genres.”
His ears pinked, but he was smiling.
“Come on, Brandy,” Steph said, tugging her away. “I’m sure we can talk the DJ into playing a couple of oldies.”
They threaded their way through the gathering and approached the man with spiky bleach-blond hair, as if he were trying to keep the eighties alive all by himself. He was currently playing mellow music while people mingled and formed a line at the buffet tables.
“What can I help you with, ladies?” the man asked.
Brandy gave him a list of songs, then Steph said, “We’d also love a song that would appeal to our older guests.”
“Sure thing,” the DJ said with a lopsided grin. “I’ve got just the thing.”
“Excellent.” Brandy detoured Steph away from the tables and the main crowd. “So, tell me what’s up.”
It took Steph a second to realize what she might be referring to. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t even play coy with me,Bee.”
It was official, Steph was being called out. Brandy was the only one who knew about Cal’s nickname for her.
“Before the wedding started, I left a message on his phone,” Steph said quickly before she lost her nerve.
“And … what did you say?” Brandy asked.
Steph drew in a deep breath. “I told him I like him and want him out of the friend zone, although I rambled a lot more than that.” She winced. “He hasn’t responded at all, and he hasn’t shown up to the wedding.”
Brandy smiled. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Well, you’re the only one, because I think I totally embarrassed myself,” Steph said. “But it wouldn’t be the first time.”
“If he’s the man I think he is, he’ll show up and sweep you off your feet.”
“Ha ha.” Steph set her hands on her hips. “He wouldn’t even have to do any sweeping, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be solo the rest of the night. Well, except for Pops.”
Brandy laughed. “Pops is the best.”
“He is, but not really the same.”
Brandy stepped close and hugged Steph. “Hang in there.”
“Thanks,” she murmured. She might cry about all of this later, but right now, she was going to eat and dance and have fun.
Once she and Pops ate, she got him to dance to one number. He then begged off and said he wanted to sit and watch. But Steph spied him dancing with Lydia Kane at one point, both of them all smiles. It was sweet, really. And it was neat to see Lydia enjoying her time with Jorge, too.
“Wanna dance, pretty lady?” Brad the groomsman asked, coming to stand next to her.
She didn’t love the endearment, but the guy seemed harmless. “Sure.”