The Best Man novel Chapter 18

Olivia's POV

Arrangements

"Hey guys", I greeted both Kevin and Nathan as I approached the table we were sitting at and the both greeted back, more like a cheer from Kevin because Nathan just smiled politely at me. Learning that his wife passed away three years ago due to an advanced heart disease was rather saddening. Her passing seemed to have torn him apart for the past two years, it was only now he was finding his feet again and moving on with his life.

"I ordered a latte for you", Kevin said as I sat down next to him, opposite Nathan

"You're a lifesaver, thanks", I smiled at him as the waiter placed the cup in front of me and I thanked her. We were now waiting on Tristan in order to go the suit fitting appointment.

"So I thought it was best the three of us arrive earlier than the time we agreed on so that we can discuss the bachelor party", I said, taking a quick sip of my latte and they both nodded in agreement

"So what's the plan?", Kevin raised his coffee mug to his lips before taking a sip

"I really don't know how bachelor parties work exactly", I laughed nervously. "So that's why I need your help"

"I'm guessing that's why we are part of the grooms party, to plan this together", Nathan gave another nod

"Do you have anything in mind?"

"I was thinking we could go some place the last weekend before the wedding and make it some sort of surprise bachelor party weekend gateway for Tristan"

"That's a great idea, Liv", Kevin nodded in agreement

"I think so too", Nathan took a sip of his coffee. "Any idea of activities we can do?"

"Oh yeah", I took out my planner out of my purse and paged through it, I had googled some bachelor party ideas because I was really clueless on where to begin. I found the page where I noted down a few suggestions.

"I was thinking maybe paintballing-"

"I've always wanted to do that", Nathan drummed on the table in excitement and I laughed a little. Things between us were a bit awkward, but we agreed on keeping what happened to ourselves long enough to figure out a way to get through this wedding thing without anyone suspecting that something might have happened between us.

"Then golf, gambling and wrap the night up by hitting the strip club", I called out the other activities, wiggling my eyebrows at the last suggestion and Kevin howled in excitement

"You can count me in baby", he raised his mug for a toast, and we laughed as we clicked our coffees together

"There's the Eastrand resort down just outside the city. We can book ourselves there for the weekend", Kevin suggested, and I snapped my fingers at him, supporting this idea.

"That's actually an awesome idea", I clapped my hands. It was a riverfront resort with a casino, a spar and a water park.

"What is?", I asked while gently pulling down my skirt and crossed my legs

"That you'll be wearing a suit", he tilted his head to the side still looking at me. "I find dresses alluring on you"

I felt my cheeks redden from his compliment, surely boosting my confidence because I didn't like wearing dresses or skirts. I wasn't the typical girly girl, but I couldn't also show up at work in sweatpants now, can I?

Before I could respond to him, Kevin came back to the table, quickly followed by Tristan who I guess must have been running because he seemed to be out of breath

"Hi guys", he took a deep breath, steadying his breathing. "I'm really sorry I'm late"

"No worries", we all chorused together and Tristan paused for a second as he felt for his phone in his pocket, taking it out, and he let out an exaggerated sigh

"Is that Mellisa calling to check whether your balls are still intact?", Kevin teased and Tristan threw him a glare before rejecting her call

"She's obviously calling to remind me about the suit fitting appointment....again"

"You really need to tighten that belt on your trousers man and learn to put in her place sometimes", Nathan said as we both stood on our feet

"I'm not really sure he's the one wearing the pants in this relationship", Kevin said as in passing before we all walked towards the exit and honestly, I was glad that they said something about their relationship. This is why I liked hanging around the guys, they were always blunt and straightforward, they didn't need to sugarcoat anything. If it stings you, at least they had put it out there for you to know.