“Our table is over there.” Stella, Chloe’s friend and fellow bridesmaid, met her by the fountain. “Why are you carrying your shoes?”
“The heel broke.”
Stella made a face. “You’d think the bride of a hundred-thousand-dollar wedding would pick better shoes.”
“A hundred thousand?” Chloe aimed for the first open seat at the bridal party table. “Times five.”
“Everyone’s saying they’ll be divorced before her father finishes paying the bill.” Stella fell in step with Chloe. She was a friend fromhigh school, a cheerleader turned teacher. Her boyfriend was Ted, an actor.
“Good grief, Stella, wait until the honeymoon is over before having them in court.” Chloe dropped her clutch on her seat at the table and her shoes underneath. Though Chloe defended the blissful bride and groom, it was well-rumored among their friends that neither one of them wanted a lifetime commitment. They both believed marriage was a temporal contract that ended when one of the parties “fell out of love.”
Chloe never understood how one could simply fall out of love. Was it an open window, a trap door? Love was a verb, an action word—one that must be exercised daily. Chloe once met American heiress Corina Del Rey, who said shechoseto love well. Even when it hurt. And she ended up married to her real-life prince, Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom.
Was there a prince in the universe for Chloe? One she could love well her whole life? If so, would she ever meet him?
Violet and Dylan entered the reception, and the guests rose up to cheer. They looked blissful, every bit like two lovers set to go the distance.
Oh, please do, friends, please do.
“Chloe, you want something to drink?”
“Please.” Chloe walked with Stella to the giant, blue coolers stationed around the tables and by the bar. She searched for something cold and fizzy. Bridesmaiding was thirsty business.
Stella retrieved a water and leaned into Chloe, linking their arms. “I think Ted’s getting serious.”
“Really?” Chloe guzzled a cold Diet Coke, inadvertently burping in her friend’s ear. “I thought you found him droll and boring.”
Stella shrugged. “He’s grown on me. Besides, I’m ready, you know. The husband, the bills and mortgage, maybe a picket fence, a few runny-nose brats.”
“Ooo, such a picture of paradise you paint,” Chloe said. “You know you’re allowed to wait for the right man to come along before—”
“Look, there’s Ted.” Stella made a big show of blowing him a kiss. He mimed catching it and putting it to his lips.
Oh brother.Chloe started back to the bridal party’s table—her feet were killing her—but Stella grabbed her arm. “Where are you going? You promised to entertain Ted and Dylan’s friend Jesse.” She pointed across the dance floor, where Ted stood with another man dressed in black tie. He stood erect, a head above Ted, with a mass of dark hair and a sculpted profile. Stella fluffed her hair. “Ted never said he was so gorgeous.”
“Easy, Tallulah. Didn’t you just tell me you were crazy about Ted?”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t keep my options open.” Stella sauntered off, swinging her hips, kicking her hair over her shoulder with a flick of her hand. “Come on, let’s see which one he prefers.”
Chloe yanked her friend back. “If you want him, go for it, but you tell Ted first.”
“Tell Ted? Are you crazy? I’m talking about some innocent flirting. What’s the big deal?”
“You’re talking about a man’s heart, Stella. If Ted’s serious about you, flirting will hurt him.” If Chloe knew anything besides how to die in three different entertainment mediums, it was the pain of a broken heart.
“Oh, honey, I’m not going to hurt Ted.” Stella exhaled, shaking her head. “Wow, those jerks really did a number on you, didn’t they? You can’t even flirt without seeing pain and humiliation.”
Yes, yes! They did a number on her. Pummeled her. Raked her over the coals. Left her vulnerable and exposed.
“Forget it. Let’s go.” Chloe set her drink on the table and charged across the dance area to where Ted and his friend waited. She would power through this evening, then go home where she was safe, albeit alone, and dream of a day when wrongs became rights and her prince would come.
After all, she lived in Hollywood. Where dreams came true, right?
“Hey, babe!” Ted dipped Stella backward for an old-fashioned kiss, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
When the display ended, Ted shoved his friend forward. “Jesse, this is Chloe. Chloe Daschle, Jesse Gates.”
He nodded, meeting her gaze. His eyes said,Sorry.
