He laughed harder.
I squeezed a pair of socks into a ball and resisted the urge to turn on him. I’d been itching for a fight ever since seeing Trevor’s smug face the night before. My big brother wouldn’t have been my first choice to fight, but if he didn’t shut up soon…
“Oh, you know, only the wedding that everyone in town is talking about.” Brody moved around the counter, putting it between us. Smart move on his part. “I thought you were invited?”
“I was.”
“You’re not going?”
“Trails need work.” I continued shoving things, most of which I didn’t need, into my pack. “Someone’s gotta do it.”
“So go later. You shouldn’t miss?—”
“Ishould,actually.” I stopped what I was doing and glared at him. “I don’t know why you care so much all of a sudden.”
For the first time since he’d arrived, Brody’s smile faltered. “What’s going on, Pres? I thought you were friendly with Jess again, since?—”
“I’m not going. Okay?”
He was silent for a moment before nodding and pressing his lips together in a knowing smile. “Oh, I see what’s going on here.”
I spun on my heel, rounding on him. “You don’t see anything.”
My big brother only laughed, not in the slightest intimidated by me. “I do,” he said simply. “But you go right ahead telling yourself that you don’t.”
“Oh yeah?” I zipped up my pack and slung it over my shoulder. “And where’s Lauren today? She pregnant yet?”
It was mean, and I knew it, but I couldn’t help myself. I was hurting and pissed off, and dammit if I didn’t want everyone else to feel the same.
This time, when the smile melted off Brody’s face, it stayed gone. His jaw twitched as he bit back whatever he was trying not to say. “Fuck you, Preston,” he said eventually.
I nodded, understanding completely as I pulled the door to the shop open, Summit at my heels. I didn’t even turn around before I slipped out the door and muttered, “Right back at ya, brother.”
Jess
A beautiful bride looked back at me in the mirror. Her curls were half pinned and falling in soft curls around her face. Her skin glowed with the magic of skillful makeup. The dark circles I knew were hiding under her eyes had completely vanished.
She looked perfect.
I stared back at her and felt nothing. I didn’t even recognize myself.
I leaned forward as if getting closer to the mirror might help me see theglowI was sure was supposed to be reflected back at me.
“You don’t like it?” Kat appeared in the mirror behind me, a makeup brush in hand. “We can touch?—”
“No.” My fingers hovered just over my lips before I sat back. “It’s perfect. I like it. I just…”
I sat back against the chair and took in the entire reflection. My hair and makeupwereperfect. I was dressed in a white velour jogging suit withBridebedazzled along the right breast and across the back.
Iwasa bride, and I looked every bit the part.
I just didn’tfeelit. And feeling nothing scared me more thanpanic ever could. I was about to say vows that would cost more than my own happiness.
“Are you sure, Jess?” Kat spun the chair, so I could no longer look at myself. “I can fix whatever you want.”
“Can you fix how I’m feeling?”
The choice had been made. The ceremony was set to take place in a little over an hour. The time to walk away had long since passed. I hadn’t intended to say anything at all, but the moment the words were out of my mouth and I watched my friend’s face wrinkle with concern, something gave way in my chest. It was too much to keep in.
