“So, where is Romeo?” Brooke flinched as Justin sidled up next to her in the long line of guests holding sparklers to give Ian and Aubrey their fairytale send off. “I thought I saw him head to his car. Is he coming back?”
Was this guy still talking?
“I could ask you,” Brooke peered around the crowd, “the same thing. Did what’s-her-name need to go home and get her beauty rest?”
Gosh, she hated him. What had she ever seen in him?
Justin smirked. “I mean she is beautiful, but nah, she’s here, taking a load off. Her feet were aching from her four-inch heels.”
Brooke had admired how long and lean Justin’s girlfriend looked in her shape-hugging, gem-colored cocktail dress and her heels with the special red bottoms. She’d fit right in with Justin’s family.
“Ahh,” Brooke managed. She peered down the long row of guests. Their sparklers lit up the dark sky. The city lights made it impossible to see the stars. “I bet.”
“So, you never answered about your guy ditching you.” Justin smugly waved his sparkler.
Brooke could only think about punching him in the face.
“He didn’t ditch me. He was on call.” Brooke gritted her teeth. Two minutes around Justin, and he already managed to get under her skin and then the lies spilled out. “Emergency surgery. You know how it is.”
“I do.” Justin looked pleased with himself. Unfortunately, he continued, “I’m glad you found someone, that means I’m off the hook for feeling guilty. What’s the saying? It’s all water under the bridge.”
Maybe for him.
“Sure.” Brooke forced a tight smile. “Whatever you say.”
Then like a Greek goddess of the night, Justin’s girlfriend emerged from behind, tucking her hands around his elbow. “I was looking for you everywhere.” She ignored Brooke until she shifted and gave her a once over.
Her gaze formed tiny slits as she shot Brooke a death stare. If looks could kill, Brooke would’ve withered into a pile of ash on the spot.
“I’m glad you found me.” Justin peered toward the end of the tunnel of guests. “There’s the happy couple.” He pointed to the opening where the newlyweds emerged.
Aubrey and Ian had changed out of their wedding clothes. Aubrey had put on a loose and flowery dress in coral. Ian sported a casual sports coat and slacks. They were headed straight to the airport to catch the red eye flight to Aruba.
The long line of guests erupted into applause and cheers as they meandered through the tunnel of people. When Aubrey passed by her, she stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met. “Have a great time,” Brooke shouted over the roar of the guests. “You look so happy.”
Aubrey smiled. “I am,” she shouted back.
Brooke dropped her hand.
Aubrey continued through the throngs of people to where their car awaited. When they arrived, everyone watched Ianhelp Aubrey into the passenger seat. Then he rounded the car and climbed in. Soon the car peeled out of the parking lot and merged into the sea of traffic on the city street.
An emptiness washed over Brooke as she had no choice but to head back to where she’d left her things. She skillfully avoided Justin and his new woman as she trekked across the lawn to the reception area. Her sparkler neared the end of its burning life. Once it burned out, she tossed it in a trash bin.
She gathered up her things to leave, but then she remembered she had driven over with Aubrey in the car which now was headed to the airport. In her mind, she had planned on Logan dropping her off at her apartment. The thought of taking the L train home made her heart sink. Loneliness seeped into the very fiber of her being.
To make matters worse, she ran back into Justin and his girlfriend on her way out.
“You headed home?” Justin loosened his grip on his girlfriend’s waist. He peered around then finally asked, “Did you need a ride?”
“I’m okay.” Brooke clasped the front of her jacket closed.
The coolness of night had been fought off by heaters surrounding the tables and dance floor. Now, they had run out of gas and she was no longer in the cozy reception tent. The night air was cold and made her shiver. She tried her best not to let her teeth chatter and shifted uncomfortably on her feet. Why hadn’t she remembered to bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear home?
“We can give you a ride.” Justin unrolled his arm from his girlfriend’s waist. “It’s on the way.”
She’d rather eat dirt than get into a car with them.
“No, thanks.” Brooke crossed her arms in an attempt to stay warm. “I have a few more things I promised Aubrey I’d do before I left.”
