Prologue
CHARLIE
THE WORST DAY EVER
Breathe, Charlie. Breathe.
I drag my shirt collar away from my neck, needing relief from the sweltering hell of summer heat. Figures my best friend would get married on the hottest day in Moose Falls, Maine.
The park where they are getting married transformed overnight, it seems. A large, hardwood floor takes up the entire area under the tent. Round tables, with ten chairs seating guests dressed to the nines, have bouquets of extravagant flowers that I couldn’t name reaching toward the twinkling lights that hang down. A DJ is playing a lively tune as I sip my drink and watch everyone in front of me from my spot at the head table.
Aside from the heat, it’s the perfect day for a wedding. The perfect opportunity to show Brooks how much I support him as he marries the woman he loves.
The perfect day.
Maybe if I keep telling myself that, it will make the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach go away.
It doesn’t get any better when the DJ calls everyone’s attention to start the speeches.
Breathe, Charlie. Breathe.You can do this.
“You’ve been my best friend for as long as I can remember, Dee.”
I snort around the wine I’m sipping on, getting an elbow to the side from Brooks. Delia and Britney have known each other for two years. Is it really that hard to remember? Brooks and I have known each other since third grade when his family moved to town.
And I’ve been in love with him since sixth grade when I realized what my feelings meant.
I really need something stronger than wine to get through the rest of this night. I hate how close they’re sitting. The way they’re touching. The way they move together.
When he told me he was planning on proposing, I congratulated him and then went home to cry. I knew I’d never have him, but it didn’t make the pain any easier.
If only I could find someone. Maybe that would help ease the sting I’m feeling as I force myself to sit still and listen to the maid of honor wax poetically about how Delia knew Brooks was the one.
I recall him saying something like this to me when he first told me about her.When you know, you know. I know the feeling. It hit me when I knew Brooks was the one for me.
Clapping brings me back to reality. Being in love with your straight best friend? The worst.
“Now let’s hear from the best man, Charlie Palmer.”
Gulping down the rest of my wine, I grab the mic from Britney and stand.
Breathe, Charlie, breathe.
Delia’s arm is wrapped around Brooks, her thumb stroking his shoulder. I shouldn’t notice these things, but I do.
I hate that I do.
I clear my throat and glance down at my best friend who is staring up at me with a huge smile on his face. Turning to face the crowd, I start the speech I’ve had written for weeks.
“I’ve known Brooks since he moved to town in third grade. Our teacher asked me to show him around school, and we’ve been friends ever since. The awkward middle school years…”
“God, those were the worst!” Brooks laughs, everyone joining in.
“I think it was easier for you than me. At least it got easier for me in high school. I always had you at my side. Trying out for the soccer team and failing. Stuttering my way through speech team. Wherever I was, there you were. We were inseparable. The best times of my life always involved you.”
He’s grinning up at me, pride and love shining in his hazel eyes. They’re framed by the expert coif of his auburn hair, and my stomach clenches as I realize I prefer the shaggy mess of his hair to this perfect look today.
Not love for me, mind you. I’ve dreamed of those eyes looking at me like that for years. But it will never happen. I have to push down the feelings I have for Brooks and finish this speech.
