“What’s up?”
“If I were to have a relationship with Bryn?—”
“Mm-hmm,” Talia hummed. She didn’t sound at all surprised, not that I blamed her. I’d asked for an unreleased book to be signed to Bryn. Talia had to suspect something was up.
I rolled my eyes. “How would that look from a PR perspective?”
I didn’t care what people thought of me, but I cared about how it might impact Bryn. I’d seen the toll the attention following Derek’s death had taken on her, and I despised the media for profiting off her tragedy.
“First of all, congratulations. I love that for you.” Talia paused, and I sensed hesitation. “It’s something that would need to be handled carefully. In the world’s eyes, she’s Derek’s widow.”
I gnashed my teeth. “And she is, but that undermines everything she is as a person.”
“Iknow that,” Talia sighed. “Andyouknow that. But you have to think about how this would be perceived. She was married to your best friend. Your teammate. When Derek died, people felt that heartbreak along with her. They’ve become invested in her story.”
While I knew that Bryn was grateful for the support, she had been exhausted by the invasive questions, by people feeling like they knew her or were entitled to information about her or her relationship with Derek. Bryn finally felt as if she’d gotten her privacy back. Her life back. And here I was, threatening to upend it all again.
“She wouldn’t want the attention,” I said. “And neither would I.”
“I completely understand.” Talia’s tone was gentle, and I sensed I wouldn’t like what she had to say. But I’d asked her to give me her honest opinion, and she was. “But people are going to be interested.”
Talia wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know—or fear. But that was a bridge Bryn and I would have to cross at some point. At least, if we wanted to be together. And I wanted that more than anything. I only hoped the potential media attention wouldn’t deter Bryn from wanting to be with me.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ilet out a happy sigh, drinking in the beautiful view as I peered at the ocean from the bridal suite. I eyed myself in a nearby mirror—the romantic half-up, half-down hairstyle was both relaxed and elegant, and I was excited to see how the makeup artist would finish my look. My eyes were bright. I looked relaxed, and I felt alive. I knew I’d be tired later, but I hadn’t been this happy in a long time.
It wasn’t just about the sex, though obviously, that had been phenomenal. Frasier made me feel cherished and adored, both in and out of the bedroom. But it was so much more than that.
I felt as if I’d walked through fire and come out the other side. Something had finally clicked—the months and months of therapy, the work I’d done myself, my talks with Frasier, all of it. For the first time in a year and a half, I was no longer surviving but thriving. The grief was still there—it would always be there, but it didn’t feel as heavy as it once had.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to glance at the screen.
Georgia: I know you’re busy with wedding stuff, but I just wanted to check in to say I’m thinking about you!
I smiled, feeling so grateful for the women in my life. For Georgia and my mom and Allie, Kylie, and Logan. Each of our relationships was so special to me, and I loved how unique they all were.
Me: Thanks! Getting ready for the wedding now.
I snapped a few quick pictures—of my view from the window, the bouquets lined up—and sent them to her. Allie’s bouquet was particularly beautiful, taking inspiration from the island setting with the palm fronds and large green leaves that backed a cascade of white flowers.
Georgia: Looks gorgeous. You know I’m here if you ever need to talk.
My chest warmed at her offer.
Me: I know. Thanks. Lots to catch up on when I’m back.
Her response was almost immediate.
Georgia: Ooh. Interesting. I’m definitely intrigued.
I knew she wanted more information, and I felt bad for being vague. But this wasn’t the type of conversation to have via text, especially not on my sister’s wedding day.
Me: Girls’ night in with the gang?
Georgia: Definitely. I’ll mention it in the group chat since I think Logan’s coming to LA soon.
Me: Awesome! Looking forward to it.
