Page 8 of Brides & Birdies

“How did you two meet? Does your brother know her?”

“We met at work. Madison’s a bridal planner and she was throwing a party at the club. I doubt Clayton knows her, but I’ll ask him next time we talk.”

“So Clayton hasn’t met her, either.” My mom’s spidey senses are definitely twitching, I hear it in her tone.

“No, he hasn’t. I told you—it’s early days. Listen, I need to hit the shower. Just walked in the door from work. Sorry I can’t make dinner tomorrow, but I’ll see you soon. Promise.”

“Okay, honey. Love you. Call me Sunday and let me know how the wedding went. Talk soon.”

I disconnect and blow out a breath of relief. Crisis mostly averted.

I’m in the middle of dicing a pepper when my cell buzzes again, this time with a text.

Most Annoying Bro Ever: Dude. I didn’t know you had a girlfriend. WTF?

Shit.Fake news travels fast.

Spence: Let me guess. You heard that from Mom

Most Annoying Bro Ever: Yeah. And here I thought we were tight. But you told Mom before me. Like WTF?

Spence: It’s not like that, bro

Most Annoying Bro Ever: ?

Spence: Long story, but it’s only a date. We’re not “dating”

Most Annoying Bro Ever: I’m hurt, man

Most Annoying Bro Ever: Like seriously wounded

Spence: Don’t be. I just met her today

Most Annoying Bro Ever: And you’re taking her to a wedding? Sounds serious

Spence: She needed a date and she’s hot, so…

Most Annoying Bro Ever: So you volunteered. Weird flex, but okay

Spence: If you saw her, you would have done the same thing

Most Annoying Bro Ever: IDK. I really hate suits

Spence: Trust me, she’s worth it

Clayton sends a stupid GIF of a monkey in a tux and I guffaw at his dumb joke.

Most Annoying Bro Ever: We still on for golf Sunday?

Spence: Tee time at noon, right?

Most Annoying Bro Ever: Yessir

Spence: Should be fine. Gotta go drain the pasta. Talk later

Most Annoying Bro Ever: Is that a new sex trick? Code for something I should know about?

Spence: Only if you’re in culinary school