Page 96 of How to Break My Heart 1

Wait! Is this a setup?

Aston

I’ve red-flagged her. She has a Hello Kitty golf club.

Me

Um, how old is she?

Aston

Ten

Laughter escapes me as I reread his texts. Aston is super competitive and always has been. In high school, he used to get into fights with other teams all the time. I’m surprised he never got expelled.

Aston

She’s kicking my ass, it’s rather embarrassing.

Me

Watch out, she’ll post it all over socials and your reputation will be ruined.

Poor baby. I’ll try to be nice to you then.

Aston

Luckily, I don’t believe in socials so my reputation may be salvaged. If you want to be nice to me, I can think of many ways, starting with you naked on all fours.

Me

We made a deal, remember?

A few seconds after I hit send, my phone rings with Aston’s number flashing on the screen.

“No,” I answer with a grin. “Be a good boy and stick to the agreement.”

“Firstly, this kid really is kicking my ass, so I think you should feel extra sorry for me,” Aston responds in his velvety voice, which does nothing to curb my desire. “And secondly, you know the wedding is three days away—that’s a whole seventy-two hours.”

“I think you can survive,” I tease, leaning against the green lamppost. “Besides, not to gross you out, but since you’ve grown up with Maddy, I think you’re accustomed to the girl talk. I’m possibly out of action for the next few days.”

“You think that will stop me?”

“Um, yes!” I scowl, but my body reacts immediately with a flurry in my stomach. “You do know what I’m referring to?”

“Yes, Everleigh. I’m well aware of how the female reproductive system works. However, there are other places I’ve yet to explore.” His voice stiffens, and like me, I assume he is struggling with this stupid rule I put into place—let’s pause until the wedding is done. It’s Maddy’s special day, and we must focus on her.“Okay, maybe it’s best we end this conversation. Golf pants are tight and leave nothing to the imagination.”

Unable to hold back my laughter, I follow with, “Bye, Tiger Woods.”

I’m grateful Georgina is not part of the bachelorette, nor is Maddy’s mother. Patricia checked herself into a hotel with a day spa to de-stress before the wedding. From my observations, I think Patricia has had enough of Georgina. Honestly, I don’t blame her.

Beaumont Manor has a beautifully landscaped garden, so setting up the long wooden table in the middle of the large open patio makes sense. Draped from the wooden pillars are festoon lanterns to enhance the lighting, and because it’s still cold at night, I rented some outdoor heaters and positioned them near the tables to keep everything nice and toasty.

This has always been my favorite area of the property. It’s next to a medium-size pond with lily pads floating on the surface during the warmer months. In the distance, you can see the mountains with leftover snow blanketing the peaks.

But most of all, I love how if you stand quietly, you can hear the sounds of nature coming to life.

In high school, Maddy’s parents would host fancy parties out here. Tonight, we are letting loose and celebrating the end of Maddy’s singlehood.