Lottie shakes her head. “No. He’d never do that. You should know him well enough at this point to know he wouldn’t do that, either.”
“But . . . he didn’t get hard. He didn’t hold me. He’s been so possessive of me ever since we got together, and then, all of a sudden, that just ends? Something is off.”
“Maybe he was worried you’d find out.”
“Because he’s hiding something?”
“Or maybe because he’s afraid of losing you.”
I lean back on the settee and shield my eyes.
“Just text him.”
“Text him what?”
“Text him anything, see what he says. Here, give me your phone.”
I hand it over to her and she types away.
“What are you doing?”
“Showing you that everything is okay. I really think this is all a misunderstanding. JP is crazy about you.” She types away and hits send before flashing me the screen.
Kelsey: Hey, how’s it going over there? You guys having fun?
“See? Casual, easy. We’ll see what he says.”
“That’s if he texts back.”
My phone beeps and Lottie gives me a know-it-all look before she leans in and we read his response together.
JP: Good, just got done with breakfast. We’re off to basketball with full stomachs. If I suck, I’m blaming it on the bacon. How are you, baby? Did I tell you how gorgeous you are today? If not, you are. So fucking gorgeous.
“See?” Lottie says, tossing her hand in the air. “I told you. Having been around Huxley during work crises, I’d say this is exactly what happened—someone brought up this email that JP sent who knows how long ago, they did damage control, and JP was worried about it last night. Look at that text. You’re telling me he doesn’t like you? You’re telling me he’d rather be with someone else?”
I stare down at the text, reading it over a few times.
A part of me believes her. It all makes sense when you line it up like that, but . . . what about this morning? What about his rejection last night, not holding me? Even if he was worried, he’d at least hold me, right?
But I need to store that away for now. I can’t worry about it. I’ve already ruined this morning, and I refuse to ruin the rest of the day.
Pulling out the best smile that I can, I say, “Yeah, I think you’re right.”
“I know I am.” Lottie gives me a hug. “Do you feel better?”
“Yes.” I smile even bigger, but I don’t feel it inside of me. I don’t feel the joy. I just feel . . . sad. “Want me to grab the girls?”
She shakes her head. “No, I want to grab some more drinks. I’ll be right back. Need anything?”
“I’m good.”
She pats my shoulder. “Text your boy back, see just how much he likes you.”
When she leaves, I stare at my phone. I’m tempted to not say anything, to just ignore his response, but I don’t want to be that girl. I don’t want to ignore him. I don’t feel great inside, but I do know I should continue talking to him.
So, I do. Even though I’m hurting, I know that it’s not right to push him away.
Kelsey: Thank you. I’m doing okay. Slightly dehydrated. The makeup artist is currently attempting to cover up a deep purple hickey on Lottie’s neck. We’re hoping the magic of makeup wins today.
I hear laughter downstairs. Forget your troubles. Forget your feelings. This day is for Lottie, and I need to make the best of it.
My phone beeps.
JP: Hux told us. Lottie didn’t seem fazed. How’s that zit . . .
I bite my bottom lip. God, does he know I was lying? Hopefully he doesn’t. Would Hux tell them about a zit? Who knows?
Kelsey: Mellowed. Shouldn’t be a problem.
JP: Looks like you’re a zit whisperer, after all. Good job, babe. Oh, hey, the boys are yelling at me to get off my phone. I’ll check back in. Thinking of you, babe. Can’t wait to see you in your dress.
Kelsey: Have fun.
I set down my phone, take a deep breath, and as I release the air, the door to the bedroom opens. It’s time to put on my happy face.
“I do,” Lottie says, her voice tight with emotion.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man prouder than Huxley at this moment. His chest fills with air, his eyes sparkle with tears, and you can see the relief in his shoulders, knowing the woman standing in front of him will now carry his last name. Absolutely beautiful.
The entire ceremony has been beautiful. They timed it to begin right before sunset, so as they proceeded, the sun set against the water behind them. The location has its own beach, so there isn’t a tourist or local around. The sky is beautifully dotted with puffy clouds that reflect the sun in shades of pink and purple, creating the most stunning glow.