Harper
Once I mentioned the wedding venue to Gina, she released me from her initial wedding planning duties. I need fresh air and the embrace of darkness. Something to shield me from the town while I try to escape the suffocating feeling closing in around me.
I settle on the steps of the gazebo, a place that has been more significant to me than anywhere else in my life. This was our meeting spot during school, where Kenzie, Tracy, Alex, and I gathered. It became our territory, and others would shift aside when we approached.
“Harper?”
I freeze but then relax upon seeing only Alex and Tracy. Part of me wanted to reach out to them, but it felt complicated. Alex Andrews is Asher’s twin sister, and Tracy Danford is their cousin. It all feels too intertwined.
“Hey, guys,” I say, forcing a smile and not bothering to conceal the wine bottle at my side. Theopenwine bottle.
They rush over, wrapping me in quick hugs before taking their usual spots on the steps. Memories flood my mind—countless meals shared here, drinks we snuck, and secrets whispered. The chill in the air signals the arrival of colder weather, but no snow has fallen yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kenzie manages to steal that, too, claiming snow for her wedding day.
“I can’t believe we’re attending a wedding on the same day we were supposed to stand beside you,” Tracy says.
Alex sighs dramatically. “I’m so pissed Mom made us agree to be bridesmaids. Kenzie got to her when she was drunk after we turned her down.”
“With a few fingers added to show her what we really think of this wedding,” Tracy adds with a smirk.
Frowning, I shake my head. “You didn’t want to be in the wedding?”
“Are you kidding?” Alex exclaims. “The only reason we tolerated Kenzie was because you were her best friend.”
“Yeah, we secretly hoped you’d see her conniving ways and drop her. Then we’d never have to deal with her again. But you’re too nice for that, so we had to stick around,” Tracy says.
“I’m pretty sure Mom’s relieved she doesn’t have to pay for the venue. Kenzie’s family isn’t even showing up.”
That confirms it. They’ve taken my date, my venue, and my money. Now I must know more. Despite saying I didn’t want to know, curiosity claws at me.
“If I ask you something, will you be honest with me?”
I lock eyes with both of them, waiting for their nods. “Of course,” Tracy replies.
“Was Asher cheating with Kenzie before he called off the engagement? Were they sleeping together?”
“Yes.”
I sigh and take a swig straight from the wine bottle in my hand as I grip it by the neck. Deep down, I suspected it, but hearing it confirmed hits differently.
“We’re so sorry, Harper,” Alex says. “If it helps, we both gave Asher a piece of our minds. More than once.”
“Not that it does any good. That man has a skull thicker than a caveman’s,” Tracy adds.
“And the intelligence to match,” I reply, letting out a humorless laugh. “I wish you would’ve told me.”
“We didn’t know how,” Alex admits. “And honestly, we wished it wasn’t true. I mean… Kenzie? Gross. How he can sleep with her after everything she did with Mr. Samson to avoid failing senior year is beyond me,” Tracy says, visibly shuddering.
“I almost ran into your mom today, Alex,” I say, taking another swig.
It feels surreal to drink while discussing her mother, knowing she is very likely doing the same thing. No one blinks an eye when she drinks straight from vodka bottles. “Who needs glasses? It’s just something to clean up later.”
“She must not have seen you. She didn’t mention anything.”
“I escaped by ducking into Ford’s shop. He was one of the last people I expected to find there.”
They both chuckle, and Tracy sighs. “Yeah, the town loner now runs a business that requires him to be social. But he’s really good at what he does—and he works alone.”
“And he’s gotten so hot,” Alex says, fanning her face.
