"See, only you know how to look after someone."
Phil grinned, tipped the glass back, and drained it in one go.
The two of them carried on like no one else was in the room. I watched them, and all I could think was how laughable it was.
"She's a girl, and I'm not?"
The moment the words left my mouth, the smile on Phil's face froze.
"Irene, don't overthink it, I was just—"
What cut Phil off was the slap I cracked across his face.
Claire grabbed him and pulled him behind her instantly.
"Seriously, Irene? You're going to throw a fit over this? He already said sorry—what more do you want?"
"Phil and I grew up together. He had a drink for me. What's the big deal?"
The groomsmen chimed in one after another.
"Relax, sister-in-law, don't be like that. Claire might as well be a dude to us. We've all been this way since we were kids."
"You and Phil are getting married in three days. After that we're all family. It's nothing. Really, it's nothing."
I couldn't be bothered to waste another second on any of them. I turned and headed for the door.
Phil stepped in front of me.
"I went out of my way to invite every one of them. And you're going to embarrass me in front of—"