“Okay.” I breathe out a sigh, wishing I could hug her. But we both have an armful. So, I resign to following her gratefully into the church and through the corridors.
In the area sectioned off for the bridal party, it’s a madhouse. Bridesmaids are doing final lipstick checks, groomsmen are doing that weird bro-hugging and chest-bumping thing, and the wedding planner is speaking so fast, it sounds like she’s speaking in tongues or something.
Over by the stained-glass windows, I spot Wes, already deep in conversation with a blonde in a bridesmaid dress. Her laugh is loud enough to carry, and when she touches his arm, he leans in, a grin on his face.
What the hell?
My stomach feels like it’s in knots. But again, that’sjustWes, the ever-friendly,nice guywho knows how to talk to anyone. Including Elizabeth’s long-lost cousin, apparently.
Riley follows my gaze and then touches my arm. “Honestly, I don’t know how you put up with him being so distant all the time. He’s totally an avoidant. Also, you seem on edge. Is it the job thing?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only to me.” She smirks, her blonde hair with pink streaks clashing horribly with her dress. “But speaking of being avoidant, you should tell him you want to move in. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“You don’t want to know. I tried earlier, but I don’t know if it’s the right time… And I’ll probably fuck it up before I even get half the words out.”
“Maybe not.” Riley wrangles the veil out of my hands. “But I know you’re going to be okay, girl. Let’s just get through this and drink as much free Prosecco as possible. Don’t worry about the rest. Or you know,that.” She nods to where Wes is now laughing his ass off, with the long-lost cousin tipping her head back to join.
I swear, he could charm a dead cat if he wanted to.
“Hey, is there a Maddy Williams here?” the wedding planner calls out suddenly, her eyes scanning all our faces.
I swallow hard and raise a hand. “Right here.”
She breathes out a sigh of relief. “We need that backup veil. I just got a text from Elizabeth. Can you take it to her?”
I nod, just as Riley shoves the stupid veil back into my hands. “Sure. I can do that.”
“Follow me,” the wedding planner says to me, giving me a tight-lipped smile beneath her gray updo. “She’s very nervous.”
“I can only imagine.” I have to nearly jog to keep up with the woman as we head down a side hallway, the lighting gloomy and casting a yellow shade across anything it touches. I have no idea why they chosethisplace of all wedding venues, but to each their own.
It’s a good distraction from the fact my mind is still stuck on the woman with her hand on my boyfriend’s forearm.
I’m just feeling jealous because I’m insecure right now. That’s all it is.
But my gut sure as hell still doesn’t want to settle down.
Finally, the wedding planner pushes through a set of double doors, and Elizabeth is waiting there, a vision in lace and tulle, her dark hair perfectly arranged in beachy waves. She looks like a princess. And hugs me so tight I almost drop the veil.
“Maddy, oh my god,” she drawls, “You look amazing! I’m so glad we went with the coral. It brings out your complexion in the best way.”
“Thank you,” I manage to mutter as she releases me from her vice grip. “You look like something out of a fairytale.” A genuine smile erupts on my face. “I’m so happy for you and Lance.”
She smiles, batting away an invisible tear. “Thank you. Is Wes here already, too? He’s the only one who can get my brother to behave for photos.”
“He’s here,” I say, my lips faltering. “Already charming the guests, too. I think he made friends with your cousin… I can’t remember her name.”
“Oh… Ellie. She issucha sweetheart. And kind of shy. That’s great that they’re getting along.” Elizabeth beams, her eyes starry. “He’s just the best, isn’t he?”
I hesitate. Iwantto say yes. Iwantto see him the way everyone else does—a loveable, harmless guy who always knows how to make everyone feel better.
But I can’t see him like that right now. And I’m not sure when I started feeling that way about him either.
“You okay?” Elizabeth tilts her head at me. “You look a little pale.”
I shake my head and extend the veil. “I’m totally fine. I think it’s just the lighting in here.”
