“No, I’m not.”
“That’s good, because we start filming on Monday for our show.”
“Josh,” I whine. He knows how I feel about filming another reality show.
“Babe, listen. Barry is paying for everything. We’re going to Hawaii, all of us; your whole family, and I even included Bronx and Rebekah. You don’t have to do anything except tell people what you want. And your mom will be here at the end of next week to help you.”
“Really?”
He nods and plasters the sweetest grin on his face. “Yep, and I called the designer of your dress, you have a meeting with them next week to get fitted for something new.”
“Josh,” I gasp, covering my mouth as I try to ward off the tears. “Seriously?”
“Joey, I only want to make you happy. I know being in front of the camera again isn’t something you want to do, but you’re getting your dream wedding and you won’t have to lift a finger. You get to bark orders at others and snap your fingers when you want something done.”
“That’s not really me though.”
“I know, but for a few weeks it can be and you can do it with a smile.”
Taking his hand in mine, I attempt to tug him off the couch. “Come on.” I motion with my head toward our room.
“Nah, get back here,” he says, pulling me back onto his lap. “I haven’t been with you for three days, Joey, and that is far too long. Tonight, I’m going to make love to you under the stars.”
“Outside?” I ask, unsure how I feel about this.
“Right here on this couch.”
“What if someone sees us?”
Josh looks around and smirks. We have trees that block the backyard from prying eyes and an electric fence that runs along our privacy fence. Logistically the only way they’d see us if they climb on to their roof and still then our roof gets in the way.
“You know it’s safe.”
I nod, biting my lower lip. “I do.”
Closing his eyes, he leans his forehead against mine. “I can’t wait to hear you say that again. Only seven weeks from now and those sweet words will come from your lips once again, but this time you’ll be looking into my eyes when you say it.”
“And your soul.”
Josh kisses me, slowly, testing the waters so to speak. But it’s not enough for me. He may think he’s the only one addicted in our relationship, but he’s sorely mistaken.
Knocking on my former apartment door seems odd, but the last thing I want to do is barge in if Rob’s busy. I’m going to ask him to be my best man, but his answer will depend on his response to my questions about Jules. I still clearly remember the day Joey and I walked in and Jules was sitting too close for comfort to my best friend. They’ve been friends for a long time, but since that day something hasn’t sat very well with me.
“Why are you knocking?” Rob asks, standing there in nothing but a pair of shorts. His hair is wet and there’s a towel resting on his shoulders. I glance over the wrought iron railing and look down at the pool. It’s full of girls, who all wave up when they see me.
“Not my place anymore. I don’t want to interrupt anything.” Stepping in, I close the door behind me. I wish I could say the place has changed, but nothing has. I think if Rob had moved out I’d rearrange or buy something new.
“You’re always welcome.”
“Unless you’re getting laid. I don’t want to walk in on that shit.”
Rob laughs and offers me something to drink. “Something mellow. I’m driving.” He returns and hands me a bottle of water, while he kicks back with a beer. I do miss hanging out with him and need to make sure our friendship doesn’t suffer because I’m married and changing my path. He’s still my best friend and I don’t want to lose sight of that.
“How’s married life? Is it worth it?”
“Is it worth what?”
“Giving up the unlimited amount of free pussy?”