But much like my plan I had for Boston, I don’t think this one will work, either.
TYLER
Toasts are made. People clap. Forks clink against glasses as the anticipation of a kiss between me and Shelby looms like a heavy storm in the air. I don’t want to do it, but I have to play my part, like I always fucking do.
The taste of Sunny still lingers on my tongue, a sweetness I savor as a reminder of her feelings for me, so deeply on my tongue. Until it’s taken away by lip gloss and champagne.
My disappearance is only shown in subtle signs from Shelby, like her red nails clutching my bicep and her persistent presence right next to me. Still, she keeps that barbie doll smile plastered to her face as we greet our guests.
I wonder if she can smell the other woman on me.
We leave the marble interior and trade it for the outdoor view of lush trees and a pond that glistens the reflection of a full moon. The garden is filled with people forming around the string quartet filling the cold night air with music.
“This would make such a gorgeous venue, too. I think the venue our parents secured will be perfect.” Shelby says on my arm.
I don’t say anything as I scan the area, searching for any way out of this conversation because frankly, I don’t fucking care. And where the hell is Sunny?
“Maybe we could hire them for the wedding.” Shelby looks up at me.
“Maybe,” I say, but my eyes are on my family now.
There she is.
Macey is curled into Cole, her shield from the cold while Anthony talks to them, the grin never leaving his face despite the circumstances.
Sam and Sunny stand together, murmuring things I can’t read from this far. The friendship I hoped and prayed for between my sister and the woman I’d maybe one day love. And I got it.
Sam downs her champagne, already grabbing another from a waiter tray. A wind kicks up, blowing Sunny’s curls around and making her rub her bare arms against the cold.
Instinct takes over, and I immediately start peeling my jacket off.
“Ugh, thank you. It’s so cold out here.” Shelby takes it as if it’s meant for her. “Such a gentleman.” She shrugs it onto her shoulders.
I look across the way, still seeing Sunny fighting off the cold.
My jacket is on the wrong girl.
It’s a brief moment, one where her eyes flick to mine, and nothing else exists in the world. Until her already big blue-green eyes round even wider as she looks at Shelby.
It’s in slow motion. It’s all in slow motion as I look from Sunny to Shelby who stands next to me.
And Shelby pulls her hand out of the pocket of my jacket, holding another woman’s underwear in her hands.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
SUNNY
Oh shit.
Reality sets in as she holds the black lace proof of Tyler's commitment to her. Shelby finds me in the crowd, her warm brown eyes turning cold as they bounce between me and Tyler. I’m still not sorry, and hope she feels a fraction of the pain she’s caused him.
Once they meet eyes, it’s not long before her red nails are grabbing Tyler’s face, pulling him down so hushed words are said between them.
It’s a primitive thing, what happens inside me. Something so visceral I can’t put a name to. All I know is before I can even realize it, I’m pushing through the people, moving directly towards Tyler and Shelby.
Before I can make it, she is dragging him back into the venue, disappearing into the crowds of people.
“What the hell is going on?” Anthony calls.
