“Anything for you, Ashie poo.” She casts a wink at me.
It’s always you, Ash.
Sort of wish I didn’t remember her saying that. Rest of the night is a bit of a blur, but that? That I remember with crystal clarity. 4K Ultra HD.
Confusing, fickle woman.
I glance behind me at the guests filtering in. “Do you think the food will be as awesome as this setup?”
“I hope so. I’m starving. If there’s not crab cakes, I’ll punch Julian in the nuts.”
As I burst into laughter, a couple in front of us turns to stare disapprovingly. Joss wiggles her fingers at them until they face forward again, muttering to each other.
“God, I’d love to see that,” I say more quietly. “Highlight of the weekend.”
We settle into a companionable silence. This weekend has really thrown into stark relief how I’m lagging on the road of life. Maxwell is a good enough doctor to be training new ones. Julian is marrying the love of his life today. Grace has blossomed into a confident and happy woman. And I... am stagnant.
Tolerating it all would have been infinitely harder without Joss. Her presence is like a security blanket. Feels a bit warm and fuzzy, truly. Sort of enjoyable. Comfortable.
I lean my shoulder into hers. “Thank you for doing this, Joss.”
Her brow knits. “Doing what?”
“Just being here. With me. It’s made everything a lot easier.”
She smiles at her lap. “Well. It’s not like it’s hard. I really like you.”
Ah. The mark of the Friend Zone. Perhaps the warm fuzzy is a bit too hot. Didn’t know I was claustrophobic, but I’m definitely feeling trapped. Like I’ve entered an escape room with no real exit.
I breathe it away, using the sea air and the sun to refocus.
The ceremony is short and lovely. A little boring, honestly. Afterward, we shuffle into an elaborately decorated event space in the hotel.
Jocelyn whistles under her breath as we take in the tasteful decor. “This is the nicest party I’ve ever been to.”
Well-dressed guests mingle and chat in groups. Some find their way to circle tables. Others stand at the windows to admire the views of the ocean. Outside, on the beach, the newlyweds pose for photos. In an unguarded moment, Julian touches Grace’s face, then low on her stomach over the free-flowing gown. She presses her hand over his and smiles.
Ah. She’s pregnant.
Isn’t that... perfect?
I’m happy for her. Forthem. Truly.
Also unhappy for me, though. They have everything I want, and I’m annoyed that I’m envious. Fed up with my reality. Frustrated that such a future seems like a pipe dream.
“Yeah. Super nice.” I steer Joss toward the open bar. “Let’s drink.”
She chuckles. “Didn’t you have enough last night?”
“Yeah, butyoudidn’t.”
She stops and puts her hand on her hip. “Doctor Foley, are you trying to get me drunk?”
“I’ve heard it said that alcohol is the best lube.”
She barks out a laugh and throws an open palm in my face. “Don’t be extra.” Sashaying away from me, her tiny, impeccable ass glimmers in gold satin.
Shit. Forgot not to look.
