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No, I can’t. I’ve done the unthinkable and turned her into a cynic like me. Why would she want to settle down after everything I’ve taught her? After the way things ended between us? After the way I fucked up?
Hearing a transition in the music, Kiera stands with the rest of the guests and turns her attention to the closed double doors at the back of the venue. Reluctantly, I do the same.
A few seconds later, the doors slowly open and reveal Amber. Her blond hair curls and sways around her face, softened by a transparent veil. That, I expected. What I didn’t? Everything else about her bridal attire also being transparent. She’s wearing…something I don’t have a name for. It looks more like a negligee than a wedding dress. I don’t have to strain at all to see the shape of her thighs and in between.
When I hear gasps from the other guests, I laugh to myself. Amber always did know how to make an entrance.
As she walks down the aisle to a violin cover of a popular song about climbing every mountain for someone, I watch the wedding unfold, feeling more and more bitter. How come Amber, who gave zero fucks about me and treated me horribly, gets a happy ending? I genuinely opened my heart to her, she screwed me over…and I wound up alone. How is that possible.
Not everything is black and white. I wish it were, but I know that’s not how the world works.
When my ex reaches her fiancé, they hold hands. The guests sit as the officiant presides over the ceremony for the next twenty minutes, until the couple exchanges vows I doubt Amber is capable of keeping. Then they’re pronounced husband and wife. The bride’s now-husband grabs her for a big kiss, looking overjoyed. Everyone claps and cheers.
I hope for the groom’s sake that I’m wrong. That Amber truly loves him. That he never has to endure the blow she dealt me. That they truly live happily ever after.
Someone should. It’s just not going to be me.
Once the wedding party has left the alter, I turn to Kiera. “Ready for the snake pit?”
“It can’t be that bad, can it?”
“With Amber’s family and friends, I’m preparing myself for the worst.”
I know they’ll ask questions. Will they believe our answers? Can we keep our story straight long enough for me to connect with Maya and get this deal rolling? Since I’m losing Kiera tonight, nothing else matters now.
As we leave the sanctuary, I take her hand and head toward the sun setting over the outdoor reception. Thankfully, she doesn’t resist. I’m sure she’s only letting me touch her because we’re putting on a show. But her grip on my fingers feels like she’s embracing my entire body. She probably doesn’t mean it, but somehow her touch assures me that everything is going to be okay.
The sooner I secure this deal and bail out of this hellhole, the better. But then Kiera will be gone.
Let’s not think about that.
Under a pink tent, the reception is beautiful, all black chairs and tables with large pink and white centerpieces. The dance floor divides the guest and family tables. In front, a table for two has a sign that proclaims it belongs to Mr. and Mrs. in elegant cursive.
“Where do you think we’re sitting?” Kiera asks, bringing me back to the present.
“Probably somewhere in the back.” Which suits me just fine.
Together, we scan the tables until we find our assigned seats at the back of the reception. The view to the front where the bride and groom are sitting is far but still unfortunately visible. I help Kiera into her chair before sitting beside her. Empty plates and glasses full of white wine and ice water sit in front of us.
Kiera sips the vino with a somber face. “I’m sorry you had to watch that.”
I shake my head. “There’s no need to be sorry. It’s not a big deal.”
“If it wasn’t a big deal, why were you angry?”
How do I tell her that, deep down, I wish that was us without leaving myself wide open for her to laugh and reject me?
Before I can deflect, I hear a guy behind me. “Kiera?”
Who the hell would know her at my ex’s wedding? It’s obviously not Maya, and I haven’t introduced her to anyone else yet.
I turn to the vaguely familiar voice and see Amber’s brother. I’m thoroughly confused. How does he know Kiera?
I watch her for some reaction. Will she greet him with a smile? A kiss? A glower?
“Chris?” She looks as confused as I feel.
“Hey.” He comes toward her with a smile. “Fancy seeing you here.”
