As far as weddings went, Kody was glad he wasn't the one getting hitched. He wasn't one for happily-ever-afters. He'd seen enough in his life to earn that right, but he was happy for his friend.
If anyone could find happiness and have it last a lifetime, it would be Spade and Artemisia. Spade, he knew since he was in diapers, just like the rest of his friends, and Arti for a decade or so.
He gazed at the happy couple from his seat near the head table, their faces glowing in jubilation. He raised his glass in a silent toast and downed his champagne. He sat up in his seat with a grimace. He was drunk. Or nearly.
Why was he here?
Oh yah. Spade. Spade fuckin' Foster. His best friend. His number two. Left arm. Wing man. Brother from another...
Why was he here?
And where was she?
The reason for his drinking. His drunken stupor. Harley Adams. Or Kass, as she liked to be called. She hated her legal name. Used to get teased for it, called a boy. She sure hit like one though.
Stop thinking about her!
Kody shook her out of his head as a waiter set a plate infront of him. Brisket, potato wedges, and summer fresh vegetables all seasoned to perfection. The devine smell wafted into his nostrils causing his stomach to rumble.
He did not waste a second longer and dug in. He nearly moaned at the taste of the meat and quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching him. Nodding to himself, he continued with his meal. He could feel himself sober up slowly.
Halfway through, the waiter brought over dessert: pistachio ice cream with pine nuts and whipped cream on top. Kody felt his eyes roll to the back of his head in elation.
As the meal came to an end, the sound of feminine laughter nearby caught his attention. His eyes followed the sound and saw a group of Arti's friends chatting near the bar. He snorted softly, then felt a presence sit next to him.
"Hey man," the person said, shuffling a bit in his seat. "Is this as good as it looks?"
Kody looked over and saw a familiar male sitting beside him. Ryan? Riley? No it was something weird. Ridley? He was one of Spade's cousins, once removed or something like that.
"Yah man, you know everything tastes better on the barbeque, but it's pretty damn good." Kody said, drumming his fingers on the table.
"I'm starved! Had to leave right after the wedding to pick up my girl. Can't believe she missed her own friend's wedding."
"Reception is better anyway," Kody shrugged. He stood up needing to use the facilities. "Enjoy the food man; I'll see you later."
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
Kass couldn't believe she missed her best friend's wedding. She felt like a piece of shit. She was a piece of-
I am a piece of shit.
Not that anyone said anything. In fact, everyone had been pretty understanding. It was probably just the self-loathing she felt deep inside trying to come to the surface. She pushed it down and excused herself away from her friends and headed towards the bar.
As she walked, her fingers glided over her bridesmaid dress. It matched the whimsical theme with its nude colour and pale flowers decorating the thin straps going over one shoulder and cascading down the top in a waterfall-like fashion. Arti had excellent taste.
Nearing the bar, she spotted one of Spade's employees behind the counter and gave him a dazzling grin as she reached him.
"Hey, Cort! They paying you overtime for this?"
