“And more!” Tay squeals a little.
The next second, I’m holding my stomach to keep from doubling over as she starts pulling out and tossing things onto the bed like she’s dealing cards at a particularly scandalous poker table.
There’s a glitter-pink one shaped like a dolphin. A purple one that curves like a candy cane. One with two ends, that I didn’t realize was an actual thing. And a neon green model that comes with what appears to be a remote control.
“This one’s called the Jet Setter,” she announces with pride, holding up something sleek, black, and... frankly intimidating.
“Did you go through security with these?” I’m trying to picture the TSA agents’ faces, while Tay just grins.
“They were way more embarrassed than I was.” Tay doesn’t even blink.
“You—”
“Just kidding. I checked them.”
“Hilarious.” I chuckle, and then widen my eyes when I see the price tag on the one in my hands. My sister really does have good friends. “Tay. These are like... the luxury line. You brought the Cadillacs of dildos.”
“Well, Luna’s only getting married once. Might as well go full throttle.”
But even as I’m shaking my head, I reach for one of the boxes—fascinated and maybe a little impressed by the engineering involved. Who designs this stuff? NASA?
BACHELORETTE PARTY
ASHLEY
As much as I want to let go and enjoy the festivities, I can’t shake the worry gnawing at the edge of my thoughts. It’s a low, relentless hum—like a song on repeat, impossible to tune out. And I hate that I feel split in two, that even in the midst of laughter and champagne—while everyone’s passing around Tay’s colorful…prizes, shrieking and giggling like college roommates—part of me is kind of… buffering.
All of me should be here—celebrating my sister, this day, this joy.
After the scavenger hunt, the catered lunch, and the gift-opening chaos, the energy starts fading.
My phone buzzes in my hand.“Hey Miss Maid of Honor, bring the party up to the stage by the pool. I have something special for Luna and her bachelorettes.”
My eyebrows shoot up, curious. But then I hop onto one of the chairs.
“Alright, ladies!” I have to repeat myself a few times. “Finish your bubbly, fluff your sashes, and grab your flip-flops—we’re taking this party to the pool deck! Elise—the cruise director—just texted. She’s got a surprise for Luna!”
The word “surprise”ripples through the group, bright and electric.
Cheers break out. Someone squeals. Champagne sloshes.
My smile lags. Just a half-beat.
Suddenly, everyone’s on their feet—buzzing with curiosity, a little buzzed from champagne, glittering like little girls playing dress-up in their mother’s jewelry. Tay holds up the last gift bag, and Courtney grins and calls out, “I’ll take two! Luna, hand yours over. You’ve got the real thing now.”
For half a second, the room goes still—like everyone’s wondering if this is about to get awkward.
But then Luna barks out a laugh. “Fair enough, Court.” She then turns around, and mimicking the tradition of the bridal toss, throws the package over her shoulder.
Courtney snatches it out of the air like a pro.
The entire suite erupts. Laughter bounces off the walls, someone snorts champagne, Helen fans herself with a napkin like she might faint.
And just like that, I’m smiling. A real one this time.
Across the room, Tay catches my eye, lifting her mimosa with the tiniest nod. There’s something reassuring in her eyes, like she’s saying,you’re here. That’s enough.
And for the first time all day, it feels true.
