And for the first time since the weekend, I realized the pull I felt toward Jaxon wasn’t just heat or impulse.
It was the gravity of knowing someone’s broken pieces and fighting the urge to put them back together.
18 | All I Can Think About Is You
Savannah
Bythetimethefirst round of mimosas came, my cheeks were aching from smiling and my fingers were clenched tight into fists under the table.
Just breathe,I reminded myself as I took in the ambiance of the pastel-drenched café.
Maribella'swas one of the brunch spots downtown, with pink, flower-print wallpaper, gold-trimmed mirrors, and an aggressive commitment to charm.Sunlight poured through tall windows, bouncing off crystal glasses and polished marble.It was the perfect spot for Lori to have herperfectbridal brunch.
And it was torture for me.
I sat at a long table with Lori’s bridesmaids and friends—women who laughed too loudly and shared the same goal of reminding me that Chase chose my cousin every chance they got.Lori sat at the center, basking in the compliments and blows to my character.
I wondered if she would look sovictoriousif she knew what Chase said to me at their little gift opening ceremony.
“And then the planner confirmed the florals,” she gushed.“We’re going full garden fantasy.And the pictures she showed me of the progress?Sensational.It’s going to be magical.”
“It already sounds magical,” one of her friends sighed.
I didn't care to remember any of their names.They were just as bad as Lori was.
“I just can’t believe I finally found my forever,” Lori said, pressing a hand to her chest.“I mean, not without some complications.”
The table erupted in giggles, and some threw sly glances my way.
“Worth it,” another woman said, sweeping her brunette hair out the way, then turned to me with a sweet, apologetic smile.“No offense, Savannah.It just… wasn’t meant to be for you.”
Laughter rippled around the table.
Another woman tilted her head.“You never even acted like you wanted Chase.You were always so… reserved.”
“Exactly,” someone else chimed in.“It never looked like you were that into him.Someone like him, especially with his family fortune, needs to be cherished.”
Their words stung, but I didn’t flinch.
I forced a laugh.“Right.”
It felt like swallowing glass.
I lifted my mimosa and took a slow sip, letting the bubbles burn on the way down while they pivoted seamlessly back to wedding plans, seating charts, color palettes, honeymoon fantasies.
“We’re going to the Bahamas,” Lori announced.“Straight after the reception.Omg, I can't wait!Imagine—weeks alone with my husband, completely uninterrupted.”She turned to me with a smile sharpened to a blade.“Isn’t that where you wanted to go?”
I returned a thin, impeccable smile.“That was a long time ago, Lori.Dreams change.You should enjoy it, though.”
“Oh, she will,” the brunette giggled.“And Chase definitely will.Didn’t he say his sex life has gotten much better lately?”
More laughter.
The same woman looked at me with mock concern.“You do know how sex works, right?”
The table erupted.
Lori waved a dismissive hand.“It’s not her fault.She always loved her books more than Chase.Besides, without their little fling, I wouldn't have met the love of my life.”
