The Bridesmaid Read Online Free PDF Page B

requires a fairly high level of reading comprehension. I create security systems for banks.”
    “ Knew it,” Kate said pertly.
    “Knew what?”
    “That you were probably in something like technology.”
    “What’s that mean?” he asked. “Why did you think that?”
    He looked so genuinely surprised that Kate couldn’t help but laugh. “Because you’re like an IT guy. You know.”
    “No, I do not know,” he said waspishly. “I do not fit the stereotype, and frankly, I don’t know anyone in my field who does.”
    “So now you are offended by stereotypes?” Kate laughed. “That figures.”
    “What figures?”
    “You don’t like stereotypes. And I’m saying not all romance books fit the stereotype of bodice ripper, either.”
    Joe grinned. “Okay. Touché. I won’t judge a bodice ripper by its cover until I read one. Who knows? It could happen.”
    Kate laughed. “No, it couldn’t.”
    Joe grinned, too—a warm, charming smile—and winked at her. “You’re probably right. But I will reserve judgment just the same.”
    “Thank you,” she said graciously.
    “So tell me something, Kate. What is it about IT guys that get such a bad rap? I think we’re kind of fun, actually.”
    Kate didn’t get the chance to answer—her phone beeped. She picked it up and read the text message:
    Mom says air controller strike. Maybe good reason to call it off?
    “What is the matter with her?” Kate demanded of no one, and dialed Lisa’s number.
    “I knew you’d call,” Lisa said somberly.
    “What the hell, Lisa?” Kate said sternly. “Why are you suddenly so unsure of everything? Just two weeks ago you were telling me that Kiefer was the best thing that ever happened to you. Are you going to tell me that now, after four years, in the space of two weeks he has gone from perfect to you wanting to call it off?”
    “No! Sort of,” Lisa moaned. “I don’t know, Kate—I just have this bad feeling that he doesn’t really want to marry me.”
    “Why? Why why why?” Kate asked angrily.
    “Okay, like the other day,” Lisa said. “I was trying to get him to help me with the drink menu for the rehearsal dinner. I mean, it’s his responsibility, but do you think he has taken charge? Nooo . So I said, okay, this has to get done, and I sat down with him, and I said, ‘I’m going to help you, but we have to decide what we are serving. Do you like wine?’ And he was like, ‘I guess,’ and I said, ‘Okay, what about liquor? Are we serving liquor? Because I don’t want everyone getting wasted before my wedding day, which means you, by the way—’”
    “ Me? ” Kate exclaimed.
    “No, no, not you . Kiefer. I said that to Kiefer, because you know how he is, Kate. You know. So anyway, he wouldn’t make any decisions at all and he finally said, ‘Why don’t you do it, Lisa? You’ve made up your mind.’ I mean, he was totally abdicating to me, like he has the whole way with this wedding. He wouldn’t help me decide about the church, or the flowers, or how big or small the guest list was. He just tells me to do it and then goes off and watches basketball. What does that say to you? It says to me he doesn’t really want to get married.”
    “Wow,” Kate said. “Yes, I agree he could be just a little more supportive of you. After all, this is his wedding, too,” she said. “But it sounds to me like he’s just being childish about it, and not that he doesn’t want to marry you. If he didn’t want to marry you, he’s the kind of guy who would tell you, don’t you think?” Kate looked to Joe for confirmation. He gave her an affirmative nod.
    “I don’t know,” Lisa said.
    “Well, I do. You’re overreacting. Just relax. Pick the drinks for the rehearsal dinner. Tell Kiefer you guys need to talk about things—”
    Joe suddenly shook his head, quite adamantly.
    “But later. Much later,” Kate added, and Joe nodded. “Right now, just focus on the wedding and how long you’ve been planning