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Alex hurried anxiously around Miami looking for a business that could provide flowers, and all sort of decorations, to decorate the house, the outside garden and patio, and the bar for Jonas and Brooke’s wedding. She opened the door for the caterers to bring in the food and drinks, made sure the cleaning crew had done their jobs correctly to her specifications. Nevertheless, Brooke had been conveniently absent since yesterday. She hadn’t bothered to come home last night, or go to the club to help Jonas with the opening of his bar.
Alex had been there to help at the last minute. Jonas had called her and said that he needed someone and he didn’t anticipate that the place would be so busy and since she’d been a waitress, Alex had agreed to go and help out.
“Where’s Brooke?” Alex had said to Jonas.
“She said that she had something important to do and that she would be home later.”
Alex didn’t ask any more questions, however, when Jonas slogged in early in the morning after she’d called an Uber to take her home, and missed a call from Max, she never bothered Jonas. She knew she couldn’t count on Brooke helping her because she’d gotten the feeling from Brooke yesterday, that she didn’t want to be around her, and Alex felt the same way.
If she didn’t ever see Brooke again it would be too soon. However, she wouldn’t be that lucky, because Brooke had to return sometime because today was her wedding, and Alex was certain she wouldn’t miss that.
Alex stood on the ladder and placed the last lanterns on the beams of the outdoor patio, trying to forget the argument she’d had with Brooke.
Standing below the ladder, she looked down to see Jonas. “Thank you, Alex. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She handed him her palm as he helped her down the ladder. When she stood looking up at his handsome tired face, she commented, “You look tired, Jonas. When did you get in?”
“About two hours ago. I fell on the bed and I just woke. I’m sorry I wasn’t any good to help out. Since Max didn’t make it last night, and the wedding only a few hours away, do you think Max will get here on time? He never disappointed me before. Last night was the first time. The manager and his friends gave me a great bachelor party after we’d closed down and after you left. You know I’ve never had one before.”
“Where was Brooke through all of this? I know you said she had classes and classes don’t last all night. Shouldn’t she be here now? It’s not my wedding.”
“She texted me and said that she was staying at a friend’s house and that she would be home in time for the wedding.”
“That was good of her. I know it’s a small wedding just for your family and hers, but shouldn’t she have been here sometime? Maybe just to approve of the cake.”
“When she texted me, I told her there wasn’t much to do because you’d taken care of everything. The caterers brought in the food and cake and liquor, I see,” Jonas said as he turned and glanced around the house. “In an hour I’ll be a married man. Aren’t you happy for me?”
Alex turned around and walked back into the house. Jonas walked behind her and stood looking at her as she pretended to arrange the platter of food. He’d wished it was Alex the one he could marry, but then that was insane, he thought. So he dismissed that from his mind. “Alex, you don’t like Brooke. I wish you two had gotten to know each other, you would love her like I do. She’s not what you think.”
Brooke is exactly who and what I think she is, Alex thought, as she stared blankly at the wedding cake. “Isn’t this a beautiful cake? I picked it out, but I don’t know if Brooke will like it, but that’s too bad. She should have been here.” And Alex marched away, but didn’t get far before Jonas reached for her wrist and brought her around to face him.
“What is it, Alex? I’ve never seen you like this. Can’t you be happy for me? You have been mean with everyone. I can understand you being short and sour with me, but not Brooke.”
“Who told you that I didn’t like her? Have I given you any reason to think otherwise?”
Alex’s phone rang just then, and she reached inside her pants. She looked at her iPhone and turned. “It’s Max and I have to take this now.”
“I’m going to take a shower and you need to do the same. We don’t have much time.”
“This isn’t my wedding. Remember. When is Brooke getting here?” Jonas had gone when Alex answered.
“Max. When are you coming? I can’t take any more of this. I need you here with me. I have so much to tell you about Jonas and that woman he’s marrying.”
“I thought you were happy that he was finally out of my hair and someone else would be responsible for him.”
“That was until I had a chance to meet and talk to her.”
“Look, baby. That isn’t your responsibility anymore. It’s time you stopped worrying over Jonas and start with me. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it last night, but it was worth it. I waited until I knew that I was getting the right price for my hotel in Seattle. I’m home now and I will reach there within a half an hour. Oh, I forgot to tell you that my jet had to be serviced, and since I’d offered Jonas the other jet, I’m flying myself in one of my smaller planes.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea.”
“It’s the best one I have now because I’m in the air now and I’ll make it there for the wedding.”
“You might make it before the bride.”
“What are you talking about, Alex?”
“I’ll tell you when you get here. Love you, Max. I have to shower and get dressed.” They disconnected the call. Alex hopped into the shower and dressed, put her hair up into a bun and hurried out of the room after placing very little makeup on and swiping pink lipstick on her lips.
****
The chime rang from the Ring camera, and Alex realized that they would have guests in a few minutes, and Brooke hadn’t arrived yet. Alex checked around to see if everything looked okay and was ready whenever the bride arrived. She looked in the garden and the flowers were fresh and hadn’t wilted on the gazebo facing the few chairs arranged to look as if more people were attending. When Alex glanced through the large windows that anchored the door, a limo had arrived, and four people were climbing out of the car.
Alex sauntered to the door and opened it before they had a chance to ring the bell. “Please, come in.” The couple were in their fifties and according to their clothes they were just ordinary people. Not rich and not poor. The man was a handsome man with mingled grey hair, and his wife short and bone thin with a tanned complexion. She might have been a beauty like Brooke when she was twenty, but she looked older and smelled of cigarettes.
“We’re Brooke’s parents. She did tell you about us,” the mother gushed. Alex aimed a warm smile their way and shook their hands.
“Yes, she did talk fondly about all of you. I’m Mrs. Blackstone—”
“You’re not Jonas’s ex-wife are you?” the young girl interrupted.
“No. I’m his sister-in-law. My husband is the best man, and he’ll be here later. He’s flying down.”
“In his own plane?” the young boy of around sixteen asked Alex.
“See. Brooke always finds men that have money. He does have money?” the girl of fourteen or fifteen questioned.
“You ask too many questions,” the boy said.
“Please, come in and have a seat until the minister gets here and Brooke.” They walked in to the living room where the tables were set up with all kinds of food.
“Where’s Brooke? the father asked.
“She isn’t here yet.”
“I told Jonas when we met that he would have to treat her with a firm hand, if you know what I mean.” Alex glanced over at him and then her eyes wandered to where Jonas stood dressed in his black tux.
“You look handsome, Mr. Blackstone,” Brooke’s mother said. “Doesn’t he?” The daughter sidled up to Jonas and looked up and met his eyes as Alex watched the brazen young girl flirt with Jonas. Jonas gave out a nervous grin.
“I wish I was marrying him,” the girl boasted.
Moving away and standing next to Alex, Jonas said, “Call me Jonas. If you’re wondering where Brooke is she just texted me and said that she was turning the corner.” The bell rang. “Excuse me.” Jonas hurried out of the room happy to get away from that group. He opened the door to greet the minister.
Before the minister could say a word, Brooke tore past him not acknowledging Jonas or stopping to kiss him. Stopping in the doorway, Brooke smiled. “Hi everyone. I’m here. I bet you thought I wouldn’t make it.” She turned to Alex. “I need you to help me get into my dress.” The dress had been delivered yesterday and Alex had hung it in the closet. It was a long plain off white dress cut low in front.
Alex glared at Brooke. Of all the people to help her, why didn’t she ask her mother? Since she’d done that in front of her family and Jonas, Alex didn’t want to appear insensitive, so she said, “Of course, I’ll help.” Brooke turned and rushed into the room and Alex strolled behind her. When the door closed, Alex turned and glared at her.
“You know I did this for Jonas. And why are you asking me to help you? I can’t stand you. I’ve been working in here to make your wedding successful, and you don’t give a fuck about any of this, not even Jonas.”
“I guess you’re right about one thing. I don’t give a fuck. But I give a fuck about fucking and so do you. You want to fuck him,” Brooke said as she stripped down and entered the shower. Alex reached for the dress and passed her palms over it. What a beautiful gown and to have someone that ugly wear it.
Brooke stepped out of the shower wearing a towel drying her hair. Then she dropped it and pranced in front of Alex. “I bet you used to look like me. But I bet after you had children it did something to your body. Stretch marks I bet. I’m never going to have that because I don’t plan on having children.”
“Did you tell Jonas?”
“Hand me my dress.” Alex handed it to her. “Now zip me up.”
“You’re great at giving orders aren’t you?”
“As a matter of fact, I’m the best at getting men to do what I want.” Alex zipped Brooke up.
“How did you fool Jonas into falling for your shit?”
“Men are weak. Jonas is weak. I have a thing for weak men. And you? How did you get your husband to marry you?”
“This is not about me. It’s about you and Jonas. I’ll never tell you anything about my relationship with my husband.”
“Oh, yeah. Jonas told me all about Max and how you met him. I think it’s hilarious. And you have the nerve to question me about Jonas.” Brooke turned to face Alex after she’d placed her shoes on her feet.
“Aren’t you going to wear underwear?”
“I don’t need any because I want to take Jonas in the room the minute we marry and let him eat my pussy. Now what do you think?”
“I think you’ve lost your mind... If you’ve ever had any.”
“Well, let me tell you what I think. You are jealous and wished he’d go down on you. Haven’t you ever fantasized what it would be like to have a threesome with Max and Jonas? If you haven’t, I have.”
When Brooke turned to look in the mirror, Alex had her hand to Brooke’s throat. “Let me tell you one thing, I don’t give a fuck what you do with Jonas and who he lets fuck you, but if you ever think you will fuck around with my husband, I will kill you.”
Brooke stared into Alex’s fiery amber eyes and she raised her hand and peeled Alex’s hand from around her throat. “I will kill—”
The door opened, and Jonas said, “Who are you going to kill, Alex?”
“I was just telling Brooke that I will kill her with kindness if she treats my favorite brother-in-law the way he deserves to be treated. Didn’t I, Brooke?”
“Yes, Alex did say that I should be good to you. I planned on being everything you want and then some.” Brooke walked over to Jonas and kissed his lips and then unzipped his dress pants and placed her hand inside his boxers to jerk him off. Jonas’s eyes closed as she wrapped her fist around Jonas’s wet cock.
“I think I should go before we have to have the ceremony in the bedroom,” Alex said, passing the couple, with Brooke eyeing her as she stepped to the door. “Don’t you have to go, Jonas? I’ll wait outside for Brooke.”