The wine rack.
A neat little grid of glass bottles, all different shapes and shades—gifts from professors, clients of my internship, my mother who believed I was a “goodie two shoes.”
I pushed myself off the floor, eyeing the rack with newfound purpose.In passing, I dropped my keys and phone on the coffee table, then walked barefoot across the cool wood.My hand reached out for the first bottle and twisted, then brought the bottle straight to my lips.
The first gulp burned.
The second went down easier.
By the third, the edges of my thoughts began to blur.
I wandered through my living room, empty except for textbooks, case files, and an unwatered plant that probably deserved better than me.I could see my phone light up from here, but I didn't care anymore.No doubt it was another notification on their post.Hundreds of comments.Thousands of likes.
My stomach turned.
I took another swing of the bottle.Then another.And another.Enough to make me forget how radiant Lori looked.Enough to drown out the feeling of betrayal when I saw Chase get down on one knee for her.Enough to erase the last two hours from my mind.
“Uptight,” I muttered into the half-empty bottle.“I’ll show you uptight.”
Crossing the sofa, I slumped to the floor and fired up my laptop.Typing always steadied me.Facts, logic, steps to action.I could get a headstart on the case study for next month.
Queue distraction number two.
Everything would be fine.Everything would befine.Everything would be—
An unread email flashed across my inbox.My eyes narrowed on the sender.She couldn't possibly be serious.
______________
From: Lori Ann Bristow
To: Savannah Bristow
Date: Thursday Nov 6, 11:16 a.m.
Subject: My Wedding Party ??
Hi girlie!
I just know you saw my engagement video (eek!) but just in case you didn't—Chase proposed!!I'm so excited that I can barely breathe right now.We agreed not to waste any time so we're having the wedding in about three weeks (isn't that exciting!)
Chase is having his people send out personal invites but I just wanted to let you know.I know things have been rough for you since the breakup, but Chase makes me happy and I hope you can respect our engagement.He loves me, after all.
Don't worry if you don't have a plus one!Grandmama and I will be just happy to see you.Ooh, and I got your mom to come too!You know she adores Chase :)
See you at the engagement party!
Ciao!
Lori B
3 attachments
?Mr.and Mrs.Sinclair Wedding Invite.pdf
?Engagement Party Location Details.pdf
?Dress Code.pdf
