Page 75 of Beg Me

Gianna: THIS IS THE FIRST I’M HEARING OF THIS?!

Gianna: My phone better be ringing in five seconds.

Me: Let’s just say that your predictions were all correct … and then some.

Gianna: What can I say? It’s a gift.

Astrid: Can we focus here?

Me: My apologies.

Another text comes through, and I slide over to find a separate message from Gianna.

Gianna: I mean it. I want all the details.

Me: I’m happy to share. Call you in about ten when I leave work? Gotta run home to change clothes before practice.

Gianna: I hope that’s a dirty euphemism.

Me: Get a glass of wine and a cigarette, because you’re going to need both after our conversation.

Gianna: Dammit, Markie.

Me:

I pop back to the group chat.

Mira: I’ve coordinated with Cathy on snacks for everyone while we set up on Friday, and she’s handling the food for the reception.

Me: Nettie told me this morning that she still hadn’t confirmed a pickup time with Cookie’s Cakes. Cookie happened to be at the market this morning, and she said we can get the cake around 4:00 on Friday. I can totally grab that if you want me to.

Nettie: Thank you!! Love you! Can you take it to Mira’s? I already paid for it, by the way.

Audrey: I’m paying you back! What did it cost?

Nettie: It was free. Weird, right?

Audrey: Nettie … I’ll figure it out and get you the money.

Me: Yeah, I’ll take it over there. Who’s making sure it gets to Audrey’s for the reception?

Mira: Cathy, Lolly, and some of Lolly’s friends. They’ve taken over everything food-related.

Astrid: I think your grandma and her friends just want to see Hartley in a tux.

I laugh, because Astrid is probably right. Lolly does have a bit of a crush on Hartley.

Mira: There is zero doubt. Oh, and Markie—she found out about Jory. So be expecting a call.

Me:

Mira: I’d prepare to bring him to Sunday dinner.

Me: I’m not ready for this.

Mira: At least she didn’t make you get married to get your inheritance.

Me: OH, PLEASE. Don’t even act like that was an inconvenience.