Well…that was before I found myself in this predicament and started dodging their calls.
It’s bad.I know it’s bad. But I can’t answer knowing the interrogation that lies on the other side.
My parents have always been my biggest supporters—the first to know when something major happens in my life and career. Announcing my engagement to them out of the bluewould not seem believable. Not to mention, I’m ashamed of them finding out how low I would stoop to fix my reputation.
The repeated clinking of glass pulls me out of my thoughts, and my head whips in the direction of Grayson. All eyes are directed toward the center of the room, ears wide open for what he’s about to say next.
“Good evening, everyone.” My best friend puts on a dazzling smile as he pans the crowd. “I’d first like to thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to celebrate the impending marriage of our lovely Vivienne and Nate.”
Loud clapping and cheering erupt from the back of the room, and soon everyone joins in.
I glance toward the source of the noise to find Sutton, the redhead who joined in on my conversation with Evelyn back at Vivienne’s place. Apparently, she’s the influencer who brought Vivienne to the event that kick-started this all.
“For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Grayson Vale, the groom’s childhood best friendandsoon-to-be best man.”
I stifle a snort. Being my best man may have been a given before, but it’s certainly no longer looking that way now.
“With the little personal information of Nate online, you may be wondering how these two lovebirdsreallymet—notthe story they’re feeding you in the media…” He takes a deliberate pause. “It’s easy to get swept up in internet stances when we all know they’re never fully rooted in the truth. And it’s our role, as critical thinkers, especially in the field of science, to determine the reliability of our sources before coming to conclusions.”
This earns Grayson more than a few nods from the crowd. And for once, I’m hoping someone records this speech and leaks it online—whether it proves anything to those who wish for my downfall, I still think it’s worth hearing.
“As much as I’d love to give every detail, you guys would be here all night. However, I would like to say that their love story, despite being long and complicated, demonstrates that some things are meant to be, with fate prevailing against all adversity.”
I survey the room, noting how everyone seems so engrossed with Grayson’s words. They cling to them as one would with gold—eyes wide, ears open, and attention fully captured. With one exception—Vivienne, whose brows are furrowed as she listens in.
It’s then that I realize that I accidentally left her behind in my pursuit of Grayson, but there’s no turning back now. The crowd is densely packed around each circular table, with nowhere to move.
Big brown eyes land on me, brimming with worry, and I give her a nod of acknowledgment in an attempt to comfort her. To no surprise, that doesn’t seem to work very well, and she takes a first step in my direction. The crowd parts on command, and for the millionth time tonight, I truly get the chance to admire her.
From the bloodred lipstick I’m almost certain she applied to taunt me to the long brown waves hitting her waist, and the dainty collarbones that poke out from the neckline of her bright white dress—she looks nothing short of radiant.
Grayson is right—this isn’t going to end well for me if I keep going this way.
“I’ll keep it short and sweet,” he continues. “No number of words and stories can quantify the love Nate and Vivienne have for each other. For two individuals whose careers are rooted in science and precision, I can assure you there’s nothing calculated about the two of them. It’s quite the opposite, actually. A love like theirs is wild, unexpected—the kind books are written about, and the ones movies portray. So let’s all cheerto the happy couple!” Grayson raises Vivienne’s champagne glass, prompting the guests to follow suit.
A server passes by with a tray of flutes, and I grab two, keeping one for myself and handing the other to Vivienne as she stops right next to me.
Small bubbles fizz at the surface of the golden liquid, and as much as I’d like to throw it back at once to ease my worries, I settle on small sips.
The night is almost over. I’ll be back in my apartment soon enough, but it’s the unexpected that’s keeping me on my toes. Grayson is a wild card. Sutton also seems a little chaotic. And with the way Melanie marches to the front of the room, I can’t help but think she’s concocted some new plan in her mind.
My cousin juts her palm toward Grayson. He eyes her suspiciously before handing over the knife, which she clinks against her own glass.
“Thank you for the lovely speech, Grayson, but there’s one last thing we need to do to seal this night. Everyone, please welcome the lovely couple up for a dance!” Melanie announces with a too graceful smile.
Champagne gets lodged in my throat as the crowd claps loudly, but the only thing I can think about is trying not todie. Mostly from embarrassment over how that last went for us—never mind the obstructed airway.
“I think our couple is a little nervous to dance,” Grayson says on Melanie’s behalf.
The words my best friend utters fill me with ease, and all previous threats of murder are wiped from my mind. I’m mentally promoting him back to best man when he yells, “So let’s cheer them on for a kiss!”
Vivienne’s head snaps up in my direction, eyes locking onto mine in a panic.
None of it was supposed to happen this way.
Despite the number of times I’ve admired her lips tonight, I was never meant to feel them on mine. Plus, we made it clear last week that we couldn’t dance. I can only assume this kiss will be just as awkward.
“Come on, you two. We’re getting impatient,” Sutton shouts from the back of the restaurant.
