“Uh,” I stutter. “The dating pool is pretty shallow right now,” I say, hoping that will shut down this line of questioning. Besides the Hudson fiasco, the last few dates I’ve been on crashed and burned—yet another reminder that I need to get my own life together before I bring anyone else into it.
“At least you have this amazing career, though,” Vanessa says, trying to lift my spirits. “I can’t believe the last time we saw each other, you were prepping for a gallery opening, and now you’re this big-time photographer, traveling the world, capturing love stories.”
Instead of enlightening them on how it’s also working on demand, surviving eight-hour workdays on a slice of cake, and staring at the computer so long you develop an astigmatism, I just nod politely.
“I get that safety is important, but these shoes do not go with my ensemble,” Katherine gripes to Hudson as she stomps down the stairs. The shoes in question are two-hundred-dollar Golden Gooses that still give her a chic New York commuter look. They’re paired with a marigold sundress that clings to her hips and accentuates her long legs and toned arms. Two yellow bows are attached to the shoulders and cascade down her body. She looks like she’s in one of those over-the-top perfume commercials.
Hudson trails a few paces behind her, looking uncomfortable in a white button-down shirt and brown slacks, a matching jacket hung over his arm. The perpetual smile I’ve grown accustomed to has been replaced by a tight, hard line.
I’ve seen Hudson calm down heated arguments, charm tears away from emotional drinkers, and put himself in the line of fire of many a birthday boy or girl who wanted to do a belly shot. But I’ve never seen him this reserved.
I try to hide behind Vanessa and Adrian, but Katherine beelines for our group. She gives Vanessa a few air kisses and doles out compliments.
“You look amazing.”
“Thank you,” Vanessa beams. “You do too. That dress looks like it was made for you.”
“It was actually,” Katherine whispers, as if it’s a secret. “Susan got me a few custom pieces. Just wait ’til you see the dress I got for the rehearsal.”
After a beat her eyes find me. Glancing down at my outfit, I realize that my mud-covered Docs paired with my khaki shorts are giving offJungle Cruisevibes.
“I hope I didn’t scare you off earlier,” she says.
“Do you two know each other?” Vanessa asks.
“She’s my new roomie,” Katherine explains, an artificial sweetness to her voice. As an antisocial introvert I get not wanting tobefriend the girl who infiltrated your room. “Meredith has nothing but nice things to say about you.”
At least I have that going for me. At the mention of her name, cheers erupt from the crowd as the couple of honor descend the stairs towards the group. They’re swept into hugs and handshakes before Meredith sneaks past gushing guests to come over to me.
“Mira,” she says, giving me another hug. She’s wearing a matching white linen set, the subtle crop top showing off a hint of skin, and her hair is parted into two braids pinned to the top of her head. Her naturally golden skin glows, and besides a bit of mascara to make her hazel eyes pop, she isn’t wearing any other makeup.
“You look wonderful,” I say, giving her a squeeze.
“Thanks.” The smile on her face doesn’t reach her eyes and I can tell something is wrong.
My pulse quickens as she reaches for my hand.
“I hate to ask this, but is there any way you could take a few photos tonight and at the rehearsal dinner? I know I said you wouldn’t have to work, but Grant’s stepmother would love it, and I’ll do anything to get her off my back,” she says, scoping out the crowd. “That’s her over there.”
She points towards an older woman in a red wrap dress with gold accessories and shoes that definitely don’t adhere to the closed-toe dress code. She’s talking with Hudson, his arms crossed in annoyance as she punches her eyebrows together in a disapproving line.
“Not a problem,” I say, forcing a smile.
I’m not one to give myself additional work, but having a task to focus on would be a way to distract myself from being trapped on a boat with Hudson. Not to mention, late-night editing sessions will give me an excuse to sleep out in one of the chairs in the sitting area, a fate I’ve already decided for myself.
“I just gotta run back to the room and get my gear.”
“Thank you.” Meredith beams, grasping my hands. “And I’m sorry again about the room mix-up. This week’s been a bit chaotic.”
“It’s not a problem really. But if anything frees up, let me know. I don’t want to cramp their style, since I know many couples view destination weddings as romantic getaways.”
“Oh, please,” Meredith says, waving me off. “Those two have been together for three years. I’m sure they can keep it in their pants for a weekend.”
Three years! They have been together forThree Freaking Years.
The whole time he was texting me, he was probably sitting on the couch with Katherine, cooking dinner, or picking out baby names. The thought makes me want to run over and punch him. To call him out in front of everyone. But I know better.
Clenching my jaw, I shoot a death stare in Hudson’s direction before I stomp back to the room to get my camera.
