Page 70 of Playing the Backbeat

Deep down, I know that’s a lie. I’ve gotten to know Dylan so much better in the short time we’ve lived together, and the issue isn’t his good looks.

It’s that I like the rest of himmore.

His generosity. The way he gives his time to Emi and the kids he teaches. His passion for music and the Bridge. His dreams of building more for the community and not just his pockets. His resilience. The way he battles his own negative thoughts and still finds happiness with the people he cares about. His joy. The way he’s always willing to play along with my brand of chaos and even contribute a little of his own.

Oh my god.I like him.

He stops in front of Aiden and gently releases Dani’s arm before taking his place next to Dom. His gaze meets mine, and I have to recenter myself in my teetering heels, knocked off balance at the warmth radiating from him.

One grounding breath. Then another. I refocus my attention on Bec as she joins hands with Aiden, adoration evident in the way he stares at her.

The ceremony is beautiful. Perfect in every way. Even Hopper, who lies at Dom’s feet, watching his parents exchange rings, is captivated by their love.

For the first time in a long time, I wonder if that kind of forever love is meant for me too.

Chapter thirty-one

Dee

“Isn’t it crazy they met so long ago and are finally getting their happily ever after?” Carissa asks from her seat next to me.

Bec and Aiden opted for a sweetheart table at the reception, so the bridesmaids and groomsmen are seated at a table together, watching as Bec and Aiden share their first dance.

“Extra-strength crazy when you think about how Aiden saw Bec covered in shit and didn’t run as far away as possible,” I say.

“Yeah.” Dom winces. “I’m afraid Ellie and I are still paying for that.”

“Damn, still?” Jake asks.

“Bec added interest to the debt,” Ellie adds, amusement ringing through her voice.

“Can you blame her?” Chris sips his champagne. “I’ve been Luca’s uncle for more than two years and I’ve never had to deal with a blowout that bad.”

Ellie peeks over her shoulder at her parents, seated a few tables away with Luca between them. They agreed to babysit soLuca could still be present for the wedding ceremony as the ring bearer, but Ellie and Dom could also relax at the reception.

“Honestly, I don’t think anyone got hit as bad as she did. Luca might play matchmaker as well as Hopper does.”

“To the bride,” Ashton cheers, glass raised in the air. “For wadding through the shit of life to find her match.”

We laugh and chat throughout the night, coming and going from the table between dancing, drinking, and visiting with friends and family all gathered to celebrate. Two hours later, I drop into my seat, rubbing my ankles, weighing the pros and cons of losing my heels this early in the night, when Dylan sits next to me.

“Having fun?” he asks above the roar of the music.

“I’ll be having more fun as soon as I get these off,” I say, kicking my feet out from underneath my chair to wiggle my toes between us.

He pulls one of my feet into his lap unexpectantly, and all I can do is stare as he starts to rub soft circles around my ankle.

“Shit, that’s incredible,” I all but moan, rolling my head to the side. He expertly kneads the joints for several minutes before resting his warm palm on top of my ankle.

“Better?” he asks.

I nod, pulling my foot back, returning it to the floor between us.

“You see yourself in their shoes one day?” he asks me, refocusing his attention on Bec and Aiden as they dance.

“Wedding, marriage, the whole thing?” I clarify.

“Yeah.”