Lake came to a stop in front of us and steepled her hands together. “Okay. I have to be quick because Chris and I are due for a romantic spa date soon, but I needed to catch you before tomorrow.”
Tally pushed her sunglasses up her nose and angled her head back to get a better look at her. “What’s up?”
Lake hesitated, but then jumped in. “Look, this is awkward, and I’m sorry to ask, but could you two just lay off the happy couple thing for a bit?”
I stared at her, stunned. I’d had no idea what she was going to say, but this sure as hell hadn’t factored in as an option. I reached across and took Tally’s hand to show my support. Lake’s comment didn’t hurt me, but Tally could definitely take it the wrong way. Honestly, I wasn’t sure there was a right way to take it.
Lake motioned toward our joined hands. “See, that’s what I mean.”
“I don’t understand,” Tally said.
A few different emotions flitted across Lake’s face, but I definitely caught a glimpse of anxiety and perhaps a hint of guilt. My metaphorical hackles rose, and I clasped Tally’s hand tighter.
Lake sighed and looked around, perhaps searching for another chair, but when she didn’t see any, she remained standing. “Coral is upset by the tension between you and Thad. It would really help things go smoothly if you would stop rubbing your new relationship in Thad’s face.”
“Excuse me?” Tally demanded, whipping off her sunglasses.
“Especially when it’s clear to everyone that he isn’t the only one that cheated,” Lake continued, as if she didn’t realize how deeply she’d just ventured into the danger zone.
Fury simmered in my gut as I straightened. “You have some nerve saying that.”
“Why?” She flipped her hair back. “It’s true. People don’t move on this quickly, and you guys have known each other forever; you’ve probably been sneaking around with each other for years too.”
I drew in a deep breath, ready to blast her with a list of all the ways in which she was completely wrong, but Tally squeezed my hand in warning and I caught myself. I wanted to chew Lake out, but I needed to remember a few things.
This was her wedding, and Coral was her sister. Of course she wanted the event to go smoothly and for her sister to be happy. She was just going about making it happen in a really shitty way.
“I never cheated on Thad,” Tally said levelly.
“Here’s what actually happened,” I added, “in case you’re interested in the truth instead of rumors.”
Lake had the decency to blush.
“Tally called me, in tears because she’d found Coral and Thad in bed together when she went home early to surprise him. I picked her up, took her home, and did my best to comfort her. As you can imagine, she was pretty fucking upset.”
“Of course,” Lake murmured.
“Her confidence was knocked, and I made it my mission to repair it. During that time, we got closer than ever and things shifted. Became more. She was faithful to that asshole, even though he didn’t deserve it.” I paused, considered how much more to say, decided to go for it. “This may be your wedding, but I won’t tolerate anyone being rude to Tally.”
Tally tried to shush me, but I ignored her.
“She’s done nothing wrong.” My voice was steely. “She deserves better.”
Lake’s eyes darted between us and she gnawed on her lower lip. “This really didn’t start before the breakup?”
Tally shook her head. “It really didn’t.”
Lake deflated slowly, like a leaky balloon. “I’m sorry. It seemed obvious that that’s what must have happened. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”
“It’s fine,” Tally said.
I wanted to argue. It wasn’t fine. But I’d said my part, so I kept my mouth shut.
“I’m sorry if me being here has caused problems for you,” Tally continued, and that time, I couldn’t keep quiet. I started to talk, but to my surprise, Lake beat me to the punch.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Lake waved dismissively. “Alec is right. You’re not the one who fucked up. Just… Ugh. Do you think you could consider what I said? Maybe try to get along with Thad? I know it’s not easy, but it would be really nice if I could, you know, enjoy my wedding without any drama.”
“We’ll try,” Tally promised.
