by Olivia Burke
Aubrey hurried off to the bride’s suite to be with the bridal party. Tom went off to hang with Logan and Cody, who’d been roped in as ushers, greeting people at the venue’s doors.
Alice hurried her inside the room, approving of her hair and makeup.
“You remember Victoria?” Alice said, motioning to Chloe’s wedding planner.
Aubrey gave Victoria Mitchell a friendly hug. “Of course, how are you?”
Victoria tossed her long, auburn hair over her shoulder, offering a warm smile. “Terrific! It’s going to be a perfect day.”
Chloe slipped her dress on and the sisters took a few seconds together, just the two of them – and the photographer. Aubrey finished up the last of Chloe’s buttons on the bodice. Alice came in to help fix her veil, and the photographer’s clicks went off like crazy. When she was ready, Chloe turned around to face them.
Tears immediately sprang to Alice’s eyes, and she dabbed them away with a tissue. “You’re perfect.”
“You look absolutely stunning,” Aubrey agreed.
Chloe smiled widely, smoothing down the top of her dress. She hugged her little sister, whispering in her ear. “Thank you, Aubs.”
The bride hugged her mother and walked out into the room with all her bridesmaids. The other girls’ eyes watered at the sight of her, and even Aubrey, who’d seen her sister in her dress at least twice now, got a little misty-eyed again. Thankfully, Alice shoved tissues into all their hands, demanding they keep their makeup perfect.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Aubrey completed all of her maid of honor duties, while her mother and Victoria took care of everything else. Chloe glowed, happiness practically dripping off her as she and Greg married, kissed, danced, and thanked guests for being a part of their day.
Aubrey even managed to have fun, thanks to Tom and her cousins, who dragged them out onto the dance floor to do ridiculous moves. Tom didn’t have a single complaint about the caterer, which thrilled her mother. She had to nearly drag Tom away from her father when they got into an enthusiastic discussion about college football in the middle of Greg’s best man’s speech. She kept her own maid of honor speech short and sweet, receiving an enormous hug from her sister afterwards.
The cake was cut, the bouquet thrown, and soon it was nearly the end of the reception. The crowd had died down considerably, and Chloe and Greg were inside the venue, changing clothes before running off to the airport to start their honeymoon. Aubrey and Tom took a dance break, and he went to grab water while she collapsed in a chair.
Victoria came by, pausing to check on her. “Everything ok?”
“Everything is great,” Aubrey said emphatically. “You’ve done an awesome job, and believe me, my sister is not an easy woman to please.”
Victoria let out a pleasant peal of laughter. “Well, I’m glad to have been part of her wedding. You know, I’ve gotten a few more event opportunities here lately thanks to Chloe. I’m thinking of moving to Crystal Springs.”
“You should.” Aubrey clapped a little with excitement. “And you let me know whenever you need an event bartender, or an ear to bend.”
Victoria swooped in for a quick hug. “Thank you, I’ll definitely take you up on both of those offers. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on the caterer, but we’ll talk soon.”
Aubrey waved her off, sitting back and enjoying the view of everyone enjoying themselves. Her mother, standing nearby, waved goodnight to a couple before joining her at the table.
“It’s been a wonderful day,” Alice said, taking a sip of wine.
“Yes,” Aubrey agreed. “I’d say Chloe had the perfect wedding, thanks to you.”
“Thank you for all your help,” her mother said, surprising her.
“You’re welcome.”
Alice removed her heels momentarily, rubbing one stockinged foot as they sat there in companionable silence. Aubrey glanced at the bar, where Tom stood with two water bottles, talking to her father. Alice followed her line of sight, smiling at her daughter.
“I like your chef,” Alice admitted.
“I do too,” Aubrey said automatically, ignoring the way her heart clenched.
“He’s certainly my favorite out of all the boys of yours I’ve met,” Alice continued. “I don’t mean to pry, but do you think he could be ‘the one?’”
Aubrey tried to laugh off her mother’s question. “Oh, I don’t know, Mum, we haven’t been dating that long.”
“Yes, but you’ve known him for years. He’s a wonderful young man. Good-looking, smart, focused, certainly a strong enough personality to keep you interested.”
“You’re just saying that because he’s not covered in tattoos and getting drunk at Chloe’s wedding,” Aubrey replied, rolling her eyes.
“Your father’s wild about him,” Alice said, chuckling. “Hasn’t stopped talking about him since dinner at our house the other night.”
“Really?” Aubrey couldn’t help but be delighted. Her parents had never liked anyone she brought home.
“Yes, of course. Not only does the boy have a backbone, he cooks and likes college football.”
Aubrey snorted. “Of course Dad would like him.”
Alice placed a hand on Aubrey’s wrist. “Don’t let this one go, Aubrey. He’s quite special.”
“I know he is, Mum.”
Aubrey moved to look down at her lap, but Alice gently tucked a blond curl behind Aubrey’s ear. Her hand moved to her daughter’s face, and Aubrey met her mother’s eyes. They were the same shade as her own.
“You are more than special,” Alice said. “I know we’re hard on you, darling, and perhaps it took seeing you through Tom’s eyes to step back and understand what we’ve been doing to you. Your father and I only want the best for you and Chloe, I want you to know that. You’ve always been so independent, so strong, that I suppose I was simply trying so hard to hold on that it ended up holding you back. I’m sorry if it’s brought you grief.”
“Mum …” Aubrey said, moved.
“I can’t promise I’ll change, but I will try much harder to understand you, and your happiness.”
Aubrey blinked back tears, surprised to find herself a little choked up. Tom and James came over, effectively ending the moment. James reached for Alice’s hand, helping her up and offering support as she put her heels back on. Tom had a seat close to Aubrey, and she smiled at him as he handed her a water.
It was thanks to Tom that her parents could see her in a new light. All because he’d stood up for her, because he’d even agreed to this crazy fake dating scheme. She didn’t even have the words to explain her gratitude.
So she was as stunned by her actions as he was when she suddenly leaned in and kissed him.
The moment Aubrey’s soft lips pressed against his, Tom saw fireworks, exactly like the ones he’d seen when she kissed him at the photo shoot. He didn’t complain, milliseconds away from wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her to him, and never letting go.
Tom’s eyes widened as she pulled away instead. “That was–”
“I’m so sorry,” Aubrey said, brushing her fingers against her lips. “I got a little carried away by it all, I think–”
“It’s okay–”
“No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that without warning.”
Tom was still stunned she’d kissed him, and almost wondered if he’d imagined it. But Aubrey continued to babble, as if covering up what had just happened between them.
“My mum was so nice to me just now. I mean, sure, it’s two parts wedding, one part alcohol, but still,” Aubrey said, trailing off with an astounded chuckle.
“I’m sorry things are so tense between you two.”
“Don’t get me wrong, she’s my mum. I know she loves me, wants the best for me. There’s nothing wrong with her wishes for me.” Aubrey rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “She just wants to control it for me sometimes, too. But it sounds like she really wants to let go and let me be me. And that’s al
l thanks to you.”
“Me?”
She nodded. “I don’t know how to thank you, Tommy, for everything. And you look so handsome tonight, and I guess I just got carried away.”
Right. Tom looked down at his shoes, steeling himself against the wave of hurt at a “carried away” kiss. “It’s really nice she cares so much.”
Aubrey grew serious as he picked up on his tone, her voice a near whisper. “You must miss her a lot.”
Thoughts of his own mother still weren’t easy. He swallowed hard. “Every day.”
“I have no doubt she’d be incredibly proud of you.” Aubrey put a soft hand over his, and he met her earnest blue eyes. “You’ve accomplished so much.”
“It’s funny, this award.”
She tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve spent most of my life trying to get out from under my dad’s shadow. Now I finally have a chance to do it, to stand on my own reputation, and all I can think about is having him there to see it.”
“Of course it is,” Aubrey said. “He’s the whole reason you are who you are. It’s okay to want him there.”
His mouth turned down. “I want him to be proud of me.”
“He is proud of you. And for whatever it’s worth, I’m proud of you, too. I think you’re an amazing chef and …” her hand tightened over his, her voice oddly high-pitched as she finished with “… a wonderful man.”
“Thanks, Aubs. That means a lot.”
They grew quiet and Tom finished his drink. Aubrey stood from the table, turning to him in question. “Walk with me?”
“Sure.”
Aubrey grabbed Tom’s hand, guiding him to a quieter section of the venue. He tried to ignore the warmth of his skin, her fingers intertwined with his, setting his empty glass on an empty tray they passed. It’s only for show.
“Wow, I can’t believe this day has actually been fun,” Aubrey said, giggling. She poked him in the chest. “All thanks to you.”
“I don’t know about all that,” Tom replied, pleased beyond belief. “But I agree it’s been a good day. See, it really was like a band-aid. Now it’s ripped off and done. You made it sound like it’d be so much worse.”
“Well, I guess we had the family get-togethers as practice.” She winked. “I still can’t believe they love you so much.”
“And why shouldn’t they?” Tom asked, gesturing to himself. “I mean, I kind of am the whole package.”
Aubrey burst out laughing, and Tom joined her, but it didn’t stop the tightening in his chest. They paused beneath a weeping willow tree, its trunk wrapped in fairy lights, which created a magical glow.
“Thank you again,” Aubrey said, lowering her voice, “for everything. Not just today, but spending so much time with them, with me. For being so patient and willing to deal with the crazy that is the Walkers. And most importantly, for standing up for me. No one’s ever done that before, not like you did.”
“That’s the thing, though,” Tom said, struggling to keep his voice down. “You didn’t have to concoct some wild plan to impress your family! All you had to do was ask me to be here with you. I would’ve been your platonic date without a second thought.”
Aubrey’s blond curls fell in her face as she looked down at her shoes. “I know, Tommy. I’m sorry for putting you through all this. I just … I thought if I showed up with this fantastic boyfriend, it’d make them respect me more. I don’t want them to keep thinking I’m a failure.”
Tom softened. “You are not a failure, no matter what they say. Who cares if they don’t like that you’re a bartender? You’re the best in Crystal Springs.”
“I guess.”
“Aubrey, please, look at me.” She did as he asked, and he had to refrain from losing himself in her wide, beautiful blue eyes. “Are you happy?”
She bit her lip. “I-I think so. I mean, yes, I am.”
“Then who cares what anyone else thinks? Why should you? Let them stick their noses up,” Tom said, grabbing her hands. “Just because they have sticks up their bums, as you would say, it doesn’t mean you have to abide by their rules.”
A laugh escaped Aubrey, but she nodded at Tom’s words. He looked down at their hands, at the burn marks and scars that dotted his palms and the smoothness of her unblemished, perfectly manicured ones. His heart thumped uncomfortably at their closeness, physically and emotionally, and he swallowed hard against the sudden lump in his throat.
“Thank you, Tommy,” Aubrey said. “For everything these last few weeks, for being my fake boyfriend, my best friend, all of it.”
My best friend. The words hovered there between them, souring Tom’s mood. He was tired of being the best friend, of being the sounding board just so she and all the others could go off with some jerk who’d ditch them the moment things got hard. And just like that, he made a split decision to tell the truth.
“Aubrey, I’m in love with you.” The moment the words left his lips, he wanted to take them back.
She froze, hands still in his. “You what?”
He swallowed hard, torn between repeating himself or passing it off as a joke. But what a terrible joke that would be, so he went with his other option. “I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for a long time, actually, long before I agreed to fake date you.”
“I-I had no idea,” Aubrey said.
“I know, which is why I had to tell you. And I’m not asking you to reciprocate or anything, I just … it’s been harder than I thought, pretending to be your boyfriend,” Tom said honestly. “Because I’ve had a really amazing time being your boyfriend, so much that I wish it was real. And I can’t keep not telling you.”
“Tommy …” She pulled her hands from him, awkwardly wrapping her arms around herself as if to barricade against his confession.
“I know, but look, the last few weeks with you have honestly been some of the greatest weeks of my life,” Tom said honestly, not caring he was pouring his heart out like a chump. “The only thing missing is … the real thing, I guess. You, next to me in the mornings; the promise of our future together.”
“Tom, you’re one of my best friends,” Aubrey said, wide eyes shining fervently. “You’re right, the last few weeks have been great. But as far as a permanent situation? I just don’t know if I can change; if I even want to change it. Your friendship is so important to me, you have no idea.”
“I’m asking you to trust me with your heart, Aubrey. I know it’s a lot to ask.” Tom nervously ran a hand through his hair. “But I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t at least ask, especially after the last few weeks. All the things I told your parents, that I said to that writer about you, all of those things were true – are true.
“I always knew how great you are,” he continued. “You’re smart and funny and beautiful, god, so beautiful. But the last few weeks, it’s like I got to see this other side of you, this woman who is sensitive and far more vulnerable than she’d ever be with just anyone. How could I not love you?”
Aubrey was quiet for a long time, long enough that Tom’s stomach began to twist and churn with regret and anxiety. He hadn’t expected her to blurt out that she loved him back, but he couldn’t help the way his heart thumped with the hope she might see herself able to one day. She looked down at her shoes, a few tears spilling down her cheeks.
He deflated, however, at her anguished expression that finally settled on her beautiful face. He began to pull away even before she spoke, waiting for the same speech he always got.
“I-I’m sorry, it’s just … I adore you, Tommy, truly, but I just don’t think I can ever see myself feeling that way about you.” Her voice broke, along with what felt like Tom’s heart.
I can’t stay here. Tom knew he had to leave, didn’t want to make her any more uncomfortable than she clearly already was, thanks to his profession of love. I’m such an idiot. He’d told himself over and over that Aubrey would never see him as anything more than a friend, and yet he’
d been stupid enough to try anyway. Fool.
Tom placed a gentle hand on Aubrey’s upper arm, his voice low as he struggled not to break in front of her. He couldn’t catch a proper breath, couldn’t stifle the red sheen he knew covered his neck and face.
“Thank you, Aubrey, for helping me get through the time with my dad. He and I will be fine at the party. Now that the wedding is over, we can tell everyone we had an amicable breakup. Your secrets are always safe with me.” He offered her a sad smile, stepping away as if to leave.
“Tommy,” she tried, but he could stand there no longer.
“I’m sorry, Aubrey, I should go. I’ll see you at work next week. Please thank your family for a wonderful day. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them.”
He turned to walk away, urging everything he had to move forward and hold his head high. Tom didn’t want to turn back, didn’t want to risk seeing the look on her face that would make guilt flood through him. He couldn’t be the nice guy, the best friend, to her anymore. Not if he wanted to save his own heart from breaking over and over again.
Aubrey’s head pounded when she woke the next morning. Her tongue felt too big for her mouth, and as she struggled to sit up, little flashes of the night before came back to her. Hit her square in the eyes, more like, at how sudden they rushed in bits and pieces.
Sure, she’d proceeded to drink half the bar after Tom left her at the reception. More like most of a bottle of wine, but her headache argued otherwise. Luckily, most of the guests were gone, she didn’t run into her parents, and only her two favorite cousins saw the worst of it. She was grateful to Logan and Cody; they’d ditched single American bridesmaids, after all, to get her home safely and in bed. A bottle of ibuprofen and a glass of water sat waiting for her on the nightstand.
“Ugh.”
Aubrey took two pills and curled back into bed, hoping it cured her headache. But even despite the slight hangover, everything inside her felt weird. Wrong. This wasn’t like the morning after a late night out with friends. This was more like an emotional hangover, like her very soul had been hit by an eighteen-wheeler.