“Right. And if you’re about to trip over something—”
“You’ll let me know.”
“Good.”
“Ready?”
“Ready.”
“I’ll wait here.”
I head inside and redistribute frosting using piping from the bakery van. I shift the flowers and rearrange the top tier so the dented edge is now on the backside. It’s not perfect, but who’s going to notice in the time it’s wheeled out before they cut into it? I advise Fran to tell the photographer to ensure he’s standing at the right angle to hide any imperfections.
“How’s that?” I step back from my handiwork.
Fran scrutinizes the cake. “Oh, Morgan, this will do. I can only see it a tiny bit.”
Wow. That’s high praise from her.
I’ve missed this. This creative outlet that lets me use my talents to bring joy.
Sure enough, they ask me to help present the cake, and true to his word, Will volunteers in my stead. He doesn’t even stumble.
The photos are taken, the cake is cut, and Ava is happy.
Afterward, Will meanders away, and my mom hugs me when I tell her about the fiasco. “Proud of you, honey. You saved the day.”
Fixing a cake is hardly saving the day, but I let her say it all the same.
Fran claps, addressing the bride and groom. “Time for your first dance as a married couple.”
The DJ gets things started with Hudson and Ava’s song. Across the room, one of Will’s sisters seems to be pushing him toward me. But he holds his ground and waits a minute or so as rehearsed and then starts in my direction, a perfect smile on his face.
But Leo beats him to my side. My ex snakes an arm around my waist and spins me onto the dance floor.
Will pauses, his easy smile disappearing.
I put a hand on Leo’s chest, but he only pulls me closer, turning me away from Will. “Leo, let go. This dance is for the wedding party.”
He glances around, not loosening his grip. “No, it’s not. Look. Everyone’s joining in.”
He’s right. Many other couples are gliding onto the dance floor. The crowd has hidden Will from view. I try to pull away and stretch onto my toes to see him, but Leo holds me tight, swaying to the music.
Other couples swirl around us, and I feel their gazes upon me. Ava watches with a questioning look, Hudson glares, and my parents frown. They’re not Leo fans.
Leo leans into my ear. “Have you had a chance to think about us?”
I lower my heels and focus on the dimpled boy before me. “There is no us.”
“There could be. There should be. I miss you, Morgs.”
I blow a strand of hair out of my face. My hands are resting on his shoulders, but, really, what else was I supposed to do with them when he forced me into a dance? His expression is hopeful, and I have to set him straight.
But I’d like to find Will first.
I crane my neck, but I don’t see him anywhere. So to Leo, I say, “Fine. Let’s go over to the sidewalk. I don’t want to go far.”
Let’s get this over with.
