“Doing what? Staring at you like an idiot? Sure, no sweat.”

“No. For being my best woman.”

I raised my eyebrows, “I mean… it’s not like I’ll be standing up there with you, holding your hand. But I’ll make sure those guys are where they are supposed to be, if Jen or her mother or the wedding planner don’t do it first. I’m assuming she has one, because, well, it’s Jen. Oh my god, she’s going to be such a Bridezilla. I’m so glad I won’t be around her before the wedding.”

“Yeah,” Kent interrupted my verbal diarrhea, “I just want to get the tux on and fitted and then not have to deal with it. She wants everything to be perfect.”

“I mean, obviously. She picked you.” Before I knew that I had said it out loud Kent was speaking, and I didn’t have a chance to take it back.

“You’re making me blush, Els.”

Damage control time. Avert the conversation. Redirect it, quick!

Stacy came to the rescue. “So, his name is Rio. And I totally just gave him your number.” I was mid-gulp on my beer and was not prepared for the news. I turned away and started to cough as I felt the burning of beer in my throat. I frowned at her but she kept grinning, “He’s looking for a new singer for his band. And I said you were awesome, and I gave him your number.” She wiggled into her seat, “And he gave me his. And we’re going to chill sometime.”

I glanced at Kent. He was just watching and drinking his beer. I didn’t want to be the only one feeling embarrassment or discomfort at the table. I liked to share the wealth. “Damn,” I said as I turned my attention back to Rio, “He is hot. And in a band. Are you sure you’re interested?”

Stacy smacked my arm and glared at me. “Yes!” She recovered quickly and continued to verbally drool, “His voice is like… oh my god. So deep and gravelly. It’s so sexy.”

“It’s not fair that you always call dibs on the boys first.”

“It’s not my fault that you’re too shy to talk to the boys.”

She had a point, but I wasn’t going to admit to it. “I am not.”

“Pft,” She looked at Kent. “Have you ever seen her go up to a strange guy and just start talking to him?”

“She never has when she’s been out with me.”

“Well, I mean that’s because—“ I nudged Stacy with my elbow to shut her up.

Kent looked uncomfortable. Half my mission was accomplished. “Yeah, so…”

“Because Elly used to be fat and shy,” Stacy blurted out. Although everyone at the table already knew I’d been fat and shy. I put my hand on my forehead as I ducked my head.