“I know it’s unconventional, but with my background, I think life’s too short not to allow yourself the things you want. Sometimes it’s dessert for breakfast or flying to the middle of nowhere to get married, and sometimes it’s to fuck the hot bartender.”
This time it’s my turn to laugh.
“I’ve never wanted to be confined by the traditional ideals of marriage, and Grant gets that about me. He loves me for it. I didn’t want to stop living my life to the fullest, and nor did he. We’re honest and never take the other person for granted. He will always put me first, and vice versa, and at the end of the day, that’s enough.”
It makes sense. Even in college Meredith broke a lot of hearts by never wanting to commit. And honestly, I’m happy that she’s found someone that understands her lifestyle choices.
“I figured someone would find out eventually. It’s not like we’re discreet. We go out on dates with other people all the time,” she offers, leaning back on the couch. “Honestly, I’m more shocked Katherine got Hudson to agree.”
I bite my lip, not sure if this is my secret to tell. Meredith senses my apprehension and points a finger at me. “You know something.”
“They broke up.”
“Really?” Meredith gasps.
“A while ago.”
“How do you know?” she asks, inquisitively.
“Between you and me, I’m pretty sure Hudson and I are dating now.”
Meredith takes a beat, eyes widened. “When did this happen?”
“Uh. Technically we’ve been talking for months, but officially yesterday.”
“Wait. So last night. His speech. That was about you?” she asks, realization washing over her.
“Yeah, I guess it was.”
“I have so many questions,” Meredith says, resting her head on her hands.
“When it’s not your wedding day, I’ll be happy to answer them,” I say, pushing myself off the couch.
“I do want to know the answer to one though.” She turns to face me, a quiet reflection on her face as I ready myself to regale her with tales from the lake, or the rehearsal dinner, or Finn’s, but she asks, “Why did you think I wouldn’t believe you?”
The question catches me off guard as unease works its way through my body. “I had to tell someone a similar truth and it didn’t go as well.”
“Oh, honey,” Meredith says, wrapping me in her arms. “Is that who wrote that review?”
“You saw that?” I cringe.
“I looked up your account the other night to make sure I had the right number. And it popped up. I thought who the hell would say something like that. But if that person didn’t want to see the truth, that’s their burden. Not yours.”
Meredith rests a steady hand on mine, gripping it tightly. “You’re a good person, Mira. And an even better friend. You came to me because you care and didn’t want to see me make the wrong choice, and that’s admirable. That takes strength. I’m so fucking grateful I have you on my side, and here with me this week. I want you to know you can always come to me, okay. About anything. And I’ll always hear you out.”
Her words simultaneously rip me open and stitch me back up as I fight back the pricking behind my eyes.
“Oh no,” Meredith says, standing up to wrap her arms around me. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I’m sorry,” I sniffle against her cotton robe. “I think I just need a minute. Is that okay?”
“Take all the time you need,” Meredith assures me, giving me another squeeze for good measure. “Like I said, you don’t have to put on your work face for me. I trust you completely.”
I take a minute to collect myself, waiting for Meredith to make her way back up the stairs before I slip outside for some fresh air. The heatwave broke overnight, and even though it’s still a balmy eighty-eight, it’s worlds better than the triple-digit hell we’ve been suffering through.
Gripping the railing, I find Hudson sitting on the porch of our cabin two doors over. He’s dressed down in a soft brown tee and green shorts.
“How did it go?” he asks solemnly.
