by Sophie Meyer
where’s the groom?
(a romantic comedy)
sophie meyer
Copyright © 2013 by Sophie Meyer
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 1
The late April evening grew cool as breezes blew up from the ocean, tossing Ashley’s long, blonde hair onto her face. Ashley’s wavy hair was one of her best features and she’d always been proud of it. She pushed it back onto her neck now as she and Brad walked along the promenade, barely looking at each other, or talking. Ashley didn’t know if the chill she was feeling was from the wind or the distance that seemed to have suddenly grown between them. It was inexplicable. Their first three dates had gone wonderfully. And now this. It was becoming a pattern for her.
Things would start out great in her relationships, but very soon into dating, the excitement petered out, and things turned sour. Ashley had no idea why, but the pattern had become more intense these past few months. It happened more quickly, and left her feeling shaky about herself.
Ashley was slim and beautiful, with a lithe figure, and never had any trouble attracting guys. She came from a fine family, had a job she loved, and a beautiful apartment in Santa Monica, with a patio overlooking the hills. All these years she’d enjoyed her freedom, built her career as a graphic designer, met new friends, rollerbladed, ran in marathons, sketched on the beach. But now her thirtieth birthday was fast approaching and it was time for her to settle down. She knew it and so did everyone else. By now most of her friends were married or engaged. It seemed like the whole world had someone—except her.
As she and Brad walked along in silence, Ashley let out a long sigh, and Brad turned his head and looked over at her.
“Something the matter?” he asked, almost gruffly.
“It turned so cold so fast,” Ashley murmured under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.
Brad ran his hands through his dark brown hair and looked away.
“Is something wrong, Brad?” Ashley managed to ask, as the wind grew stronger around them.
He stopped, turned away and looked at the ocean, where the waves rolled in and out, oblivious to what was going on at the shore. Ashley and Brad had met through work, at one of her company’s trade shows that she’d done the designs for. They’d started out on a high note, enjoying each other’s company, having a lot to talk about, knowing many people in common. Ashley told friends she was excited about him, and they couldn’t wait to hear what happened next. Ashley’s friends and family sat on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear good news from her. They called regularly to get the details of her latest dates and cheered her on relentlessly.
In the beginning Ashley liked it, but now she did not. It was upsetting to have to answer to everyone and hear the long silences on the other end of the phone when things fell flat. It was becoming a ritual, and now it had happened again. Brad had suddenly become withdrawn. Had she done something to cause it? Ashley had no idea. As the evening was coming to an end, he actually seemed sullen and reserved.
Ashley took a step closer to him and then stopped cold. She wasn’t into chasing—not him or anyone.
“I’m sorry,” Brad managed to finally say, “I can’t do this anymore.”
Ashley didn’t understand.
“Can’t do what?”
“I’ve met someone,” Brad spoke very fast. “She’s a terrific woman, perfect for me, everything I’ve been looking for. It’s not fair to lead you on this way.”
Ashley felt a chill run up through her arms and shoulders. He was breaking up with her? Right now, right here? It didn’t make sense. Everything had been great between them yesterday, and now he’d suddenly met someone?
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Ashley asked, in a cool, even tone, desperately trying to regain her dignity.
It wasn’t that she was in love with Brad. It was way too soon for that. Ashley wasn’t the kind to jump into things quickly, to give her heart without being careful and taking time. But to be broken up without seeing it coming, to be rejected on the turn of a dime—why? It didn’t make sense.
“Can’t you be happy for me, Ashley?” Brad said falteringly.
Ashley knew that she should be happy for Brad, but she wasn’t. She felt rotten and let down. Wasn’t she terrific, too? What was wrong with her? Why wasn’t she the one he could see building a life with? Why had the tide turned this way in her life, especially now with tomorrow being her thirtieth birthday?
“Come on,” Brad continued, trying to make light of it, “it’s not exactly a tragedy, we’ve only gone out a few times. Be happy for me!”
“It’s not a tragedy,” she answered. “It’s the furthest thing from it.”
Ashley turned her back on him and walked away, towards the huge, ominous globe of the setting sun.
CHAPTER 2
Ashley tossed in bed all night, unable to sleep or settle down. Her friends had planned a birthday brunch for her at noon the next day at The Lobster restaurant, downtown. She didn’t know how she’d get through the day. Was she going to have to tell everyone she and Brad broke up the night before? Would she have to look at their long faces, and hear expressions of condolences again?
Thankfully, she slept a little and then woke up very early. There was even time enough for her to run over and take an early yoga class before heading to the brunch. The class would relax her, lift her spirits, definitely help her get through the day, as it always did.
Ashley jumped out of bed, showered, pulled her hair back into a pony tail, put on some light make up and changed into her yoga clothes. She grabbed a quick cup of coffee, and looked out through the large glass pane windows of her modern kitchen at the beautiful hills in the distance. She had to remember what a good life she had, how fortunate she was in so many ways. It was easy to lose sight of that, turning thirty, and still alone. It was easy to feel depressed and hopeless when nothing with guys seemed to work. She couldn’t let that happen, though, especially on her birthday today. She knew she’d feel so much better after yoga, after seeing Ray, her yoga teacher. She decided to stay after class
today and talk to him about what happened last night.
Ashley had only started taking yoga a few months ago, but it had made a real impact on her—and so had Ray, who was quickly becoming a close friend. He was different from most people she’d known. He always soothed her and made her feel confident, no matter what was going on. Ray seemed to care so much about each person he worked with, and took lots of time with everyone.
The yoga studio was only about twenty blocks away, and Ashley usually walked, but this morning she was eager to get there. She jumped into her car and drove along the streets which were empty at this hour of the morning. Everything looked fresh and clean and the palm trees that lined the streets were shaking gently in the wind as if waving at her as she drove by, wishing her a happy birthday.
The car got there in no time. Ashley parked in the open parking lot in the rear, and quickly walked upstairs. The studio was on the second floor of a three story building in the center of town. Ashley opened the door and walked into the large, airy room which had plants in the corner and crystals and seashells scattered on shelves along the walls. On the far wall Ray had hung photos of the mountain in India where he’d spent two years.
The place was empty when Ashley walked in, except for Ray in the corner, spreading out mats, getting things ready. It would be a wonderful class, Ashley could feel it. All of his classes were. With each pose Ray had something else to say about how to relax more deeply, trust life, feel good.
The minute she walked in, Ray felt it. He turned around and smiled at her.
“Nice and early,” he commented brightly, “great to see you today.”
Ashley had an impulse to tell Ray that it was her birthday, but hesitated. Maybe, later on. Over these past few months Ray seemed to have taken a special liking to Ashley and the two of them had gone out for coffee after class, once or twice, and chatted. He’d told her that he was an only child and his parents lived in the Northwest, and that he loved it here in Santa Monica and finally felt at home.
Ashley stopped a moment and looked at him. Ray was slender and good looking with tousled light brown hair, big hazel eyes and a strength that accompanied his grace and gentleness. This was his studio, and he loved it and had built it up carefully. He offered classes at all hours to accommodate different schedules and in recent months had been attracting more and more students. Most of the single women there loved him, but lamented regularly that he was gay. Ashley didn’t think much about it, didn’t think it was her business. Ray seemed happy, and she was happy for him.
Ashley stood there, suddenly feeling sad and lost, undoubtedly the effects of the night before.
Ray looked over, saw Ashley’s face and came over immediately.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Rotten date last night,” said Ashley, trying to be light hearted about it.
“Sorry,” said Ray.
“Broken up with again,” Ashley retorted, feeling a wave of darkness overcome her, as she bit her lip hard.
Ray reached out his hand and put it on her arm. It felt warm and comforting.
“Stay after class a little while,” he said. “I’d love to talk to you about it. Tea?”
A warm flood of gratitude filled Ashley’s heart.
“Thanks,” she said.
She wasn’t going to refuse the friendship he so generously offered. It came at the perfect time.
*
The class lasted an hour and a half. Ashley did her best to follow along, breathe deeply, stretch, listen to the music in the background, take in Ray’s soothing voice.
“Breathe in all the light and love in the universe,” Ray guided them, as they all held a pose.
Ashley imagined breathing all the light and love in.
“Breathe out all the darkness, sorrow and pain,” Ray continued.
Was it just that easy? Breathe it all out? Ashley wondered, and let out a deep sigh.
“The universe is here to support you. Let it!” Ray’s voice intoned. “There’s a floor beneath you. Let it hold you up.”
Ashley relaxed more deeply onto her mat. It was good to know that something could hold her, that she didn’t have to carry everything in her life alone. When the class was over Ashley felt calmer, more herself, looking forward to time with Ray.
CHAPTER 3
After everyone was gone, Ray went into the little kitchen in the back of the studio and brought out two cups of green tea. He and Ashley sat down on stools, next to each other and drank the tea while the morning sun shone in through the high, slanty windows, making circles around both of them. This was a beautiful spot, and Ashley was glad she’d come first thing in the morning. It was the perfect way to start the day.
“Talk to me,” Ray said as they sipped their tea.
Ashley was amazed how at ease the two of them felt with each other, how familiar Ray felt. They both even had the same unusual color hazel eyes, as if they were in the same family. Ashley had never felt so at home with anyone in her own family, though, not even once.
“So, what happened last night?” Ray prodded.
“It’s not just last night,” Ashley put the tea cup down on the floor. “It’s been one bad situation with guys after another. By now, it’s really getting to me. I’m losing the ability to just laugh it off.”
“I can relate,” Ray said quietly.
“It’s not that they’re all terrible. Sometimes it’s okay, we have a good time, wonderful discussions—but nothing else ever develops!”
“And the relationship comes to a grinding halt!” Ray added.
“How do you know?” Ashley was taken aback.
“Been there, done that,” said Ray.
Ashley felt oddly relieved.
“That much I’m used to,” said Ashley, “but these past months, it’s getting worse. Now things start out fantastically, and then quickly, out of nowhere, completely fall apart. It’s like a dark cloud comes and the guys have to get away. I end up feeling horrible, humiliated.”
“That’s what happened last night?” Ray seemed surprised.
“This time I really didn’t expect it.” Ashley wanted to cry. “And I have no idea why this is going on. I’m pretty enough, caring, intelligent.”
“You’re beautiful,” said Ray, and meant it, “in every possible way.”
Ashley caught her breath. It felt wonderful to hear him say it.
“Any guy with half a heart would be thrilled to have you,” Ray kept drinking his tea.
“But no one wants me,” Ashley’s voice caught in her throat. She felt like crying.
Ray looked sad now, too.
“Stop and think a minute, Ashley, was it ever different? Were you ever in love, even once?” he asked.
The tone in his voice stopped Ashley and immediately she thought of Scott. But that felt like another lifetime, it was so long ago. Maybe she could have called it love, but they were so young, no one took it seriously, including her.
“Of course I’ve been in love,” Ashley said quickly, “hasn’t everybody at one time or another?”
“I don’t mean it that way,” Ray interrupted. “I mean were you really in love, swept away, your heart in his hand?”
“Yes I was,” Ashley suddenly realized, her voice dropping a notch. Of course she’d been in love with Scott. “It was during college and a year after that,” she said softly.
“That’s a long relationship,” Ray was impressed.
“Three years in all,” Ashley went on. “It didn’t seem so long, things were different then. It was a time for being young and romantic, writing poems to each other, talking all night long on the beach, making wild plans you knew would never happen. I was a different person then. It was like magic while it lasted, but we were so young.”
“What happened?” asked Ray his eyes wide open.
“What was supposed to happen? Those things never last. He was studying to be an architect and got an amazing job in England, restoring landmark buildings. It was his dream. He had to take
it, and he did.”
Ashley hadn’t really expected anything different. All first loves ended, they had to. You grew up, went forward and later on found someone to build a stable life with.
“His name was Scott,” said Ashley, realizing she hadn’t even said his name in the longest time.
“You didn’t want to go to England with him?” Ray seemed fascinated.
“I never really even considered it,” said Ashley, “my whole life was here, my friends, my family. I was working as a graphic designer, too. I liked my job. You don’t marry your first love.”
“Some do,” said Ray.
Ashley shrugged his comment off.
“My parents kept urging me to date others, and I agreed. Sure, I missed him at first, but it was fine. I knew that it was important to meet lots of guys and find out who I was.”
“And what did you find?” Ray asked slowly.
“That’s a strange question. “ Ashley felt unnerved. This was more than she had bargained for. She’d just hoped for a few comforting words from Ray and a hug for her birthday. She grew quiet, pulled her pony tail out and tossed her hair over her shoulders.
“I don’t know what I found,” Ashley answered plainly. “I grew up, dated, had good times for a while, but the truth is I’ve never had a serious relationship since then. I don’t know why. Guess I just haven’t met the right one.”
Ray finished the last bit of his tea and turned to face Ashley.
“Ashley,” he said, “Listen to me. I have something really important to tell you. There’s a reason you’re telling me all of this now.”
The sound of his voice changed so quickly that Ashley felt startled. Her tea cup started shaking in her hands. “What?”
Ray leaned closer.
“I have the answer to your problem. The perfect answer, believe me. Do you want to hear more? Are you game?”
“What is it?” Ashley felt trembly inside now. The look in Ray’s eyes scared her a little.