Falling for My Nemesis

by Peyton Cross

  Falling For My

  Nemesis

  By:

  Peyton Cross

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Copyright © 2019 by Peyton Cross

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Peyton Cross holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  ***

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  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Epilogue

  Follow Peyton

  Chapter One

  I stood next to my best friend, Sarah Kaiser when I noticed an odd crease on Sarah’s wedding dress. The woman who had completed the alterations nervously fluttered around us.

  “That will be steamed out, no problem,” the woman assured us both.

  I could see that Sarah was on her last nerve. She was a damn train wreck with her upcoming marriage and all. Then I watched as she turned a nervous eye to me.

  “What do you think?” She whispered.

  I had no idea what she was looking for, so I leaned closer and rubbed a finger up and down the unsightly line. “I don’t think you’ll be able to see it,” I shot her a reassuring smile as I straightened up. “There’s no stitching or anything holding it there.”

  Sarah’s face broke into an expression of relief, which was then displayed on the face of the seamstress.

  “Trust me,” the other woman said again, “you will never see it.”

  After the final fitting was complete, Sarah and I were escorted into the spacious fitting room where I carefully helped her climb out of the dress.

  “She was a little annoying,” Sarah confided. “I wasn’t saying I was going to refuse to pay her or anything like that.”

  “I know,” I murmured as we carefully replaced the dress on its hanger. “I think she was more afraid that you were going to cry or something.”

  We both laughed a little. Sarah had been more emotional in the last weeks leading up to her wedding, and rightfully so— weddings were damn stressful. If she had started crying, it would not have surprised me in the slightest!

  I had met Sarah during college, considering we were both in the same dorm building together. We had spent four years going to the same classes, then proceeded to complete graduate school together. Naturally, the long hours and rigorous academic strain had drawn us that much closer together. When Sarah had announced that she and her long-time boyfriend, Mark, were getting married, it was a given that I would be the Maid of Honour. What are besties for right?

  Planning the wedding had been just as stressful as our last year of graduate school. There had been problem after problem to fix, significant planning and preparation, and not to mention Sarah’s mother’s impossibly high standards.

  I was relieved that they were a week away from the big event and everything was coming together perfectly.

  Just a little bit longer and we can go back to enjoying our Thursday night date nights together in peace, I thought to myself. We had always spent Thursday evenings together after we had gotten off work, either enjoying take out or the latest rom-com movie. The last few months, however, had been taken up by the wedding preparations and I was excited for the break.

  I’m never getting married, I thought in amusement. If I do, I’m just going to sneak off and elope!

  Sure, I’d always fantasized about the brilliantly white wedding dress in a beautiful ballroom, but after helping Sarah, I realized that one fairy tale evening was hardly worth all the damn work that went into it.

  Realistically, I knew that I would probably change my mind, but without a prince charming, there was no chance for a fairy-tale wedding, whether I wanted it or not.

  “So you’re really not bringing a date?” Sarah asked for at least the hundredth time since I officially confirmed by handing her my RSVP back.

  “Honey, it’s a plus zero for me,” I replied with a grin. “I won’t have time for a date. I’ll be too busy taking care of you!”

  Sarah frowned at my response. “I don’t want you to miss out on the evening, Elaine. I want you to enjoy yourself, too. Not just be at my every beck and call.”

  I waved her off like she was a madwoman. “I will, honey. I’m just messing with you.”

  Sarah narrowed her eyes at me, looking very unconvinced.

  “Besides,” I went on, “I don’t have anyone I want to take. Will turned out to be a total douche bag, so he’s definitely not getting an invite.”

  Sarah grimaced. We both knew that my last attempt at dating had been an absolute disaster, to say the least. Sarah, who had hated Will, gave a grudging nod of her head.

  “That’s fair. I can’t believe you put up with that jackass for as long as you did. Just promise me you’ll try to relax at some point. I’ll be fine.”

  I wrapped my arm around my friend’s waist and squeezed. “Of course.”

  We walked out of the alteration shop after scheduling a time to pick up Sarah’s dress the day before the wedding. It was raining slightly and unseasonably cold for September.

  “I hope this lets up,” Sarah said, glancing at the grey, cloudy sky. Considering they were smack dab in the middle of Orange County, she was sure the weather would cooperate.

  “It will,” I said, pulling out my phone. “My weather app still calls for sunny skies and a high of 73 degrees.”

  “I hope that holds.”

  Even though the ceremony was indoors, Mark and Sarah had scheduled all their wedding photos to be taken at a nearby park, which would require the weather’s fullest cooperation.

  “Everything is going to be perfect,” I assured her as I slid into Sarah’s car. “Trust me.”

  Chapter Two

  The day of the wedding began bright and sunny, as predicted. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, which was bright, crisp blue.

  Sarah had stayed at my apartment the night of her wedding so that Mark and a few of his friends from out of town could hang out at the apartment the couple shared.

  I stole a glance at Sarah and could see that she had been a bag of nerves the previous day but calmer today, which I had expected.

  “It’s here,” Sarah explained when I asked her why she was so relaxed, “there’s nothing more we can do now, right?”

  It was true. The decorations had been set up the night before by event staff. All the confirmation calls had been made, and everything seemed to be going off without a hitch.

  We spent the morning laughing and sharing a small pot of coffee before Sarah’s hairstylist and other bridesmaids showed up to get ready.

  It was a whirlwind of a day between hair, makeup, and plenty of photographs being taken by the entire group. They had a light lunch since Sarah had catered in a large meal for all the guests that evening.

  “You look amazing,” a woman named Lucy bubbled with excitement. She smoothed a small patch of Sarah’s hair, which was twisted into an elegant braid that draped over her shoulder.

  I turned back to the small mirror I was clutching, trying to put the finishing touches on my make-up. Sarah had given all of her bridesmaid's small gifts, which included the eyeshadow and lipstick Sarah had picked out for everyone.

  “Alright, what do you think?” I cal
led the group, spinning around to show off my work.

  There were many appreciative oohs and ahhhs from the group of women, who smiled at me admiringly.

  “Perfect!” A voice called out.

  Sarah slid closer and examined my eyes.

  “I wish I could do makeup like you,” she stated. “Whenever I try to do that I look like I unleashed a two-year-old with a crayon on my face.”

  “Well, you make up for it by having the most perfect handwriting in all of Orange County,” I teased back. “I look like I have no concept of language or the written word.”

  Everyone laughed at the banter between us. Suddenly, another bridesmaid let out a shriek as she popped the cork off of a wine bottle she’d brought over.

  “I’ll drink to that,” the bridesmaid laughed, pulling glasses out of her bag.

  Everyone hurried forward and accepted their drinks, toasting friendship and laughter as they continued to get ready.

  I glanced at the glass of wine apprehensively.

  “You’ll be fine,” Sarah assured me.

  “I don’t know; it’s pretty early,” I muttered glancing at the clock.

  Wine had a peculiar effect on me. It always got me drunker than any other type of alcohol. Some of my wildest memories had been born with a few too many glasses of wine, but I was older and wiser now. I knew my limits.

  “Screw it,” I said and took a few sips.

  Nearly two hours later, I’d only had two glasses and everyone was completely ready. My surprise for Sarah was that I had hired a limousine driver to pick us up and take us to the ceremony location, instead of having to drive our own vehicles.

  “Did you do this?” Sarah exclaimed as she was led outside to find the limousine waiting. “I didn’t think anyone would want to leave their cars behind.”

  “You thought wrong,” I replied, laughing at the shocked look on her face.

  I hope I never stop being able to surprise you, I thought affectionately, feeling slightly warm from the wine.

  Everyone piled inside talking loudly to one another and carrying on multiple conversations at once. I made sure that Sarah didn’t get any grease on her dress as she settled just inside one of the passenger doors.

  We spent the short drive to the church taking pictures and posting updates on social media, giggling together like a bunch of school girls. Sarah looked excited and happy, none of the nervousness that had plagued her in the last few weeks betraying her expression.

  I felt completely relaxed and at peace, mostly due to the lifting of my responsibilities and the influence of the wine. I chatted with enthusiasm with everyone around me and then squeezed Sarah’s hand in excitement.

  “We’re here!” Someone shouted and everyone started to scream and clap.

  The driver pulled around to the back of the church, but not before everyone had noticed a steady stream of visitors going in the front door.

  “This is it!” Sarah said, grinning at everyone. “I’m getting married!”

  I and several others hugged her before carefully climbing out of the vehicle. We walked inside, guided by one of the church attendants, and were led into a small room off the sanctuary. The mood turned slightly more serious as everyone put the last minute touches on their make-up and made sure that every strand of hair was in place.

  I caught Sarah staring at herself in the mirror, a far-away expression on her face.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Nothing,” Sarah replied.

  At the skeptical look on my face, she shook her head and continued, “I’m serious. Everything is fine. I was just thinking how weird it is that after today, everything is going to change, but nothing is going to change. Does that make sense?”

  I thought for a moment. “I guess.”

  “I’ve always wanted to be with him, but now we’re going to be really together. Yet, we already live together, so our everyday lives are going to be the same.”

  “That’s true. You two are meant for each other, though, this is just a formality,” I finished after a moment of thought.

  “I can’t think of a better person to stand by my side,” Sarah said, giving me another hug.

  “You know, I’d feel a little better about it if I’d met Mark’s best man before,” I said, going back to the teasing I’d been giving my friend for nearly two straight weeks.

  Sarah groaned. “I know, I know!” His flight didn’t come in until late last night, and we were already at your place in our pajamas. His name is Tyler and he and Mark met in college, just like us.”

  Mark had not gone to the same college as Sarah and I but had met us both four years previously when they all went to the same graduate school. He and Sarah had immediately been drawn to one another and were finally tying the knot.

  “He better be hot,” I whispered to Sarah.

  “He is—trust me,” Sarah replied, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “I know how you like your tall, dark, and handsome men.”

  It was true. I had always been a sucker for a tall, dark-haired man. There was something about them that always caught my eye.

  “Ladies, all the guests are seated and we’re ready to start. If you’ll all line up, you’ll meet your partners in the hallway.” The attendant said in a crisp, business-like voice. “Sarah? Your dad is waiting for you in the foyer.”

  “Thank you,” she replied with a nod.

  I stayed at the back of the line and straightened a few of the folds of Sarah’s dress before filing out behind the others. A group of groomsmen stood clustered together in the hallway just off the foyer and despite myself, I stood on my tiptoes and peered at them all, hoping I’d catch the first glimpse of Tyler. The evening would be that much more fun if he were as attractive as Sarah had hinted. At least I’d have some eye candy to enjoy.

  At the sound of our entrance, the men turned and began greeting their partners. A tall guy with pitch-black hair turned towards me, who stumbled to a halt in shock.

  The sharp features, grey eyes, and brilliantly white teeth were all incredibly familiar to me.

  Tyler? Tyler Anderson? I thought in shock, rounding on Sarah.

  “That’s Mark’s best man?” I demanded in a strangled voice. “That, Tyler?”

  Sarah looked completely confused by my reaction. “Yeah, why?” Do you know him?”

  I laughed bitterly. “Umm. Yeah. We went to high school together.”

  “Oh,” Sarah answered, her eyebrows raised. “I take it you didn’t get along:”

  For a moment, my mind was quickly drawn back to my years of high school. Tyler and I had been rivals from the moment we stepped foot on our high school campus all those years ago. I was a cheerleader and he’d been the jock. While most people assumed we had dated, there had been a strong sense of competition between us, which had almost entered the point of hatred at times. Let’s just say; he was my damn nemesis.

  “We aren’t friends. Not by a close shot!” I said vaguely. “It’s fine, though.”

  “Are you sure?” Sarah asked, looking worried.

  “Of course!” I insisted, determined not to let my complicated emotions ruin Sarah’s evening.

  The truth was that I had always had secretly harbored an obsession with Tyler. He had been my crush, but I had never acted on it after so many years of pissing each other off and trying to outshine one another. It got old. While I had always considered him cute when we were teenagers, age had certainly agreed with Tyler. He was down-right gorgeous. His features had matured. His face slightly more narrow and his skin had a deep California tan. He was tall and muscular, with his dark hair lightly tousled.

  Everyone had missed our fervent conversation while we greeted our own partners for the ceremony.

  “Well, isn’t this a small world?” Tyler asked as he stepped forward and greeted me. “Elain Jackson. How are you?” His voice was deep and mature with a strong, sultry note. It was clear that he remembered our old days together as he flashed me a dazzling smile.

&nbs
p; “I’m doing well, Tyler, thanks. I didn’t realize you knew, Mark.”

  “Ah, well, we met several years ago. I just can’t believe this, of all the people to be in my best friend’s wedding party, I’d run into you!”

  We both laughed, and I tried to relax a little. Even though Tyler oozed confidence, his tone held none of the condescension it had held in high school. He’d obviously grown up.

  While Tyler greeted Sarah, I stole that private moment to really take in Tyler’s appearance. His suit was form-fitting, showing off his strong, broad shoulders with slightly narrow hips. He towered over me, having hit a growth spurt sometime after high school.

  The wine that I had drunk seemed to swirl up into my head for a second, making me slightly dizzy and giddy.

  Hold it together, I coached myself, but my face flushed deeply as my thoughts of Tyler betrayed me. He seemed to notice my discomfort and stared deeply into my eyes for a second before winking.

  “Your father is just around the corner,” Tyler told Sarah.

  Sarah and I shared one last smile before parting ways, leaving me alone with Tyler, who put his hands casually into his pockets.

  “Elaine,” he said in a slow voice, looking at me up and down in rom-com way, “it’s been a long time. You really look beautiful.”

  Flattered by his compliment, I felt my cheeks burn and I was sure it was visible they had turned red under his gaze. “Thank you. You look great, too.”

  Tyler was completely at ease, talking with me and slightly crowding my space. I felt hot in my dress and slightly awkward, not sure what to say to my old rival.

  “From what Mark tells me, tonight should be a lot of fun,” he said, palming the back of his neck, “now I get a chance to spoil my surprise date.”

  I looked up in surprise at his words and found Tyler’s eyes resting on mine.

  His date? Is he talking about me? Since when am I his date?

  “Me?” I asked.

  “Of course!” Tyler insisted as if it was obvious. “We’re the best man and maid of honor, remember? Plus, I always make it a point to show ladies a good time.”