Page 48 of Break Me Gently

No. She couldn’t know. Damn it, the woman was like a bloody witch.

We were both dressed in gold, though Rhea’s outfit came with stunning Indian jewellery layered over hers—both arms stacked with decorative bangles that chimed faintly whenever she moved. Her earring and necklace set came with a delicate addition nestled in her hair, a small pendant resting against her forehead, catching the light every time she turned her head.

“You look stunning too, Rhea.”

“Oh, here. I brought you some bangles too,” she said, turning toward my mum’s dressing table.

We were walking Mum up the aisle, so it would be nice to have matching jewellery.

“Thank you,” I said, taking the boxes from her, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

“You are most welcome, my darling. They’re yours to keep,” she beamed. “We just have some finishing touches before we head to the church.”

I opened the boxes to find two sets of gold bangles, similar to Rhea’s own, but these had diamantés set into the thicker outer bands, catching the light every time I tilted the box.

“Rhea, these look expensive. I can’t keep them,” I gasped.

“I had them imported. They aren’t that expensive.”

“Trust me. Rhea is frugal. Take them and run before she changes her mind,” Mum whispered.

I grinned as the two of them fell into easy bickering, the sound warm and familiar, filling the room. I carried the boxes to the window and set them down on the sill, sunlight catching the gold. My thoughts drifted to the men, who’d all stayed at Luke’s house overnight, much to Zach’s dismay. They’d be at the church by now.

Navy suits, gold and ivory ties, matching pocket squares—I couldn’t wait to see him in it. The night apart had come as a surprise, given how attached they’d become. Every other text I’d gotten from Zach had started with fucking Luke.

I listened to Mum and Rhea trade barbs behind me, their laughter rising and falling like an old, comfortable rhythm.

That could easily be Zach and Luke, in a few years.

My phone buzzed against the windowsill.

Maybe in a few decades.

❧ ❧ ❧

My mum had her arm looped through her bouquet, held at her midriff. Rhea and I held her arm on either side as we stepped inside the church. Three men, all dressed in navy, turned toward us.

“Ooh, who’s the hottie?” Rhea whispered.

“A friend who flew in for the wedding,” Mum whispered back.

“Is he single?”

“You’ll need to ask him.”

“Are you sure that’s the right question to be asking?” I whispered loudly over the organ.

“She’s got a point,” Mum whispered.

Rhea went quiet, probably trying to size him up. My eyes were on Zach. God, he looked good in a suit. I wondered if we could sneak away again.

Someone screamed behind us.

I turned and saw Sadie running up toward my mum. I didn’t hesitate—I dropped my mum’s arm and jumped on Sadie.

“Not on my watch, bitch,” Rhea screamed, diving on top of both of us.

“Fuck,” I gasped, trying to breathe. “Get to Weight Watchers, Rhea.”