by Sarah Peis
“Still not making this any better, Oliver,” I yelled again.
“Then tell me how to make this right,” he replied, sounding resigned.
“I don’t see how you can fix this. You lied to me. Made me into someone I swore I would never be.”
And now I was close to losing the battle with my fucking tears. They could go right back where they came from and fuck right off. Because I was in no mood to sob in front of Oliver. And by the feel of things, it would be a big sob.
Nope. Not going there.
“But you were never the other woman. The engagement wasn’t real.”
And he was so missing the point. I looked at the ceiling, hoping the pretty fairy lights would settle the fury brewing inside because violence was not the answer this time. And in my current state, I would be likely to do a lot of harm.
Also, if I got arrested, I’d have to see my ex again. Which wasn’t happening.
“Your five minutes are up, and I haven’t forgiven you. Please leave,” I said and pointed toward the door.
“I’m not giving up on us. You might not believe me, but you’re it for me. I don’t want anyone else. I know I screwed up, but I’ll make this right.”
I looked at the floor and studied the pattern on my pretty Betsey Johnson flats. They were rose-colored with rhinestone accents. I noticed one of the rhinestones had fallen off and made a mental note to fix it. I had an entire wardrobe full of buttons, fabric, rhinestones, crystals, and beads; I was sure I could find something that would match.
“I can’t do this,” I said and walked to the door, opening it. “You need to leave.”
He studied my face for a moment but then followed me and stepped outside. Before he had a chance to say anything else, I closed the door in his face and locked it. I tried pulling the blind down as well to make a point, but the damn thing was stuck and only came down halfway. After wrestling with it for a while, I just turned on my heels and walked to the back door. I unplugged the lights on my way out and set the alarm before I left.
Then I walked home, hoping to cool off.
Needless to say, it didn’t work.
I never thought I’d say this, but why the fuck did I wear the highest heels I had in my closet? I was going to an engagement party on a farm. And Willa told me it was all happening outside in Mason’s backyard. Because apparently his place was fairy-tale perfection—a direct quote, because no way would I ever describe anything with those words. And fairy tales were for suckers, anyway.
But no, instead of wearing sensible wedges, I strapped on my metallic leather Gianvito Rossi stilettos with a pointy toe and see-through sides. They were from about three seasons ago; they were worn in, and I had gotten them for a fraction of the price they usually were thanks to my friend Shannon who worked at Nordstrom. But I loved them, and they were the only shoes that matched my dress.
Despite my fashion obsession, I was of the firm belief that shoes and accessories could be worn as many times as necessary. Dresses had a special occasion limit, which meant you couldn’t wear the same one to two different weddings. However, you could wear the same dress to a wedding and a birthday party.
Tonight, I was wearing a light pink full-length dress with a slit up the side. Small spaghetti straps held up the front, crisscrossing down to my lower back. It was a pain to sew together and took forever to put on but was so worth it. The silky material flowed lightly over my body, and the built-in shaping slip was covering imperfections instead of highlighting them. The dress was also a great advertisement for my new line that I would be starting up a few weeks after the shop opened.
Thanks to my impractical footwear and dress, I was now also running late. As in I was sure I was the last person to arrive. But I couldn’t see Willa anywhere, so I hoped she was still getting ready herself.
“Maisie,” Mrs. Drake, Jameson and Mason’s mom, called and waved at me.
I waved back and walked over to where she was standing near the big bifold doors leading into the huge farmhouse. Willa didn’t lie when she bragged about the place. It was beautiful. Behind the impressive old farmhouse was a vast lavender field in full bloom. And the view of the mountains was spectacular. I wondered why Mason—the eternal bachelor—needed a place this big.
“Maisie, there you are. I was looking all over for you,” a breathless Mrs. Drake greeted me. She didn’t wait for me to respond or to greet her but shoved me toward the door. I had only met her once, but that didn’t seem to matter right now. She was on a mission. And the mission was to drag me inside and up the stairs behind her.
“Mrs. Drake, is everything okay? Where is Willa?”
“She’ll explain everything to you. Thank God you made it. She would have been devastated if you hadn’t been part of her special day.” She stopped at a door at the end of the hallway and knocked.
I felt myself getting pushed forward and through a doorway. Once inside the room, I spotted Willa, Stella, and Rayna.
“I’m so fucking sorry I’m late,” I said and walked inside, closing the door behind me when Mrs. Mason didn’t follow.
“You just made it,” Willa said.
“What is going on?” I asked and did a double take when I looked at Willa. “Are you getting married?”
My mouth dropped open and stayed that way. Willa was wearing a white dress.
More specifically a wedding dress.
Stella pushed a garment bag into my hands, but my eyes were still on Willa.
“Surprise,” Willa said and did a little twirl. “Now get dressed so we can get this show on the road.”
I closed my mouth, put the garment bag down on the bed, and stripped as instructed. My best friend was getting married. And apparently she wanted her bridesmaids to look like strippers, because the dress I pulled out of the bag was gold. And it glittered. It was also short. But this was Willa’s show, so I didn’t pull a face or comment on the stripper dress as I put it on.
It was damn tight, and I struggled to get it over my hips. Once I had squeezed myself in, Stella zipped me up and handed me a bunch of flowers.
“Okay, girlies, let’s do this,” Willa said and grabbed her own flowers. “Oh, and you’re not only my bridesmaids, you will also give me away.”
I nearly dropped my flowers when I hugged Willa, Stella doing the same from the other side.
“Are you sure?” Stella asked.
“Absolutely. Nobody else I’d rather walk me down the aisle,” Willa said.
I would deny this to my dying day, but a tear might have slipped out of my left eye. At least it was just one. I could always blame it on some dust getting in there.
“Okay, Wills. It will be our honor,” I said, and Stella and I each stood on one side of her and took her hands.
We had to separate to get down the stairs, walking in single file, Stella holding the long train to save it from getting dirty. Rayna made us wait in the living room and went outside to check if everyone was ready. She came back almost immediately and waved us through as soon as the wedding song started. I was surprised Willa had gone with Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” I always assumed she’d be walking down the aisle to the Backstreet Boys. Or Spice Girls. They were, after all, our guilty pleasure.
We walked toward Jameson, his brother Mason, and Landon, who were waiting with the marriage officiant in front of a gorgeous arch decorated with flowers.
Stella and I lined up on the other side of the guys, and Jameson pulled Willa close, looking at her like she was the reason he was breathing. I nearly swooned at their obvious love for each other but got my shit together before I embarrassed myself and cried or something equally as mortifying.
The ceremony was short and beautiful, and a quick glance around confirmed there were a few tears being shed. But the one who was the biggest mess was Stella, who stood next to me staring at Mason and letting the tears fall freely.
Well, well, well, I guess I’m not the only one keeping secrets around here.
As soon as the ceremony fi
nished and Willa let go of Jameson, I pulled her into a tight hug. “Congratulations Wills. I’m so fucking happy for you.”
“Thanks, Maisie. It means everything to me that you’re here.”
Before I had a chance to respond, Landon hip-checked me away from Willa and hugged her while lifting her off her feet.
I looked around for Stella but couldn’t see her anywhere. Mason had disappeared as well. Coincidence? I thought not. I was glad I had something else to think about than my own failed love life. And Stella’s made for some interesting material. But first I needed to keep my strength up, so I wandered over to the food tables. After filling up my plate and grabbing some champagne from a passing waiter, I sat down at one of the tables.
“Why are you sitting by yourself, my little lollipop?” Landon asked and plopped down next to me, his date following his lead with obvious disdain on her face when she set her fake eyelashes on me. I chose to take the high road and ignore her.
“You know you can get more than one serving, right? It’s a buffet. Unlimited refills,” I said, pointing at Landon’s overflowing plate. Did he mix meat with chocolate cake? And put gravy on top? I either had to look away or separate his food. I looked away. Served him right if he got an upset tummy. Hopefully he’d throw up on his date.
“And have to get up again? No, thanks. Besides, as soon as everyone has given their well wishes to the happy couple, the buffet will be crowded. I like quick access.”
I snorted at his last comment and inconspicuously looked at his date. Oh, who was I kidding, I full-on stared at her when I said, “Yeah, we all know.”
“Hey now, why so snarky? You don’t see me judging your lifestyle. How is Mr. Moneybags? I didn’t get his name when he was planning on murdering me when I met him at your shop.” He looked off into the distance. “Good times.”
I dropped my fork on my plate, and it clanked loudly. “We’re not together,” I said, my voice unsteady. Then I finished my drink, which had been over half full, and waved to the waiter for a refill.
“Sorry. Sensitive topic?” Landon apologized. “Let’s start this conversation again.”
I looked at him and nodded when I saw the sincerity on his face. Nobody could ever be mad at Landon for long. He was usually the charming guy, the one everyone liked. I wondered if the wedding was getting to him. Or maybe his date’s bad manners were rubbing off. She still hadn’t said a word. Or introduced herself. But then again, Landon wasn’t really helping, doing his part to ignore her.
“Did you know that camels’ knees bend backward?” I asked to ease the sudden awkwardness and extend an olive branch.
“No way. Prove it.”
I got out my phone and typed it into the search engine. Once the results popped up, I held it up to Landon. “Your turn. Tell me the most useless fact you know.”
“Did you know that the king of hearts is the only king in a deck of cards that doesn’t have a mustache?”
“Really?” I asked and promptly looked it up on the internet, which confirmed it was true.
“Let’s make this little game more interesting,” Landon said and finished the last bite on his plate. “The first person unable to come up with a random fact in less than a minute when it’s their turn has to be the other one’s bitch for a week.”
“A week? No way. One day. No more.”
“Scared you’ll lose?” he taunted me. Unfortunately, that worked because I wouldn’t back down now.
“I’m not scared. Just trying to be fair. What if you have to be at my beck and call for a week? Won’t that interfere with your work?”
“Let me worry about that. But I’m willing to go down to five days.”
“Two.”
“Four.”
“Two.”
“Three.”
“Fine.”
“This will be fun. Guess I should have mentioned that I have a photographic memory,” Landon said, a smirk on his face.
“What?” I yelled and narrowed my eyes at him. “That’s cheating.”
“A deal is a deal. There were no conditions. Now sit down and lose this game like the badass you are.”
I crossed my arms in front of my chest in protest. “I’m only doing this because you called me a badass, and it’s wrong to go back on your word.”
“Works for me. Now, your fact, if you have another one?”
“You can turn peanut butter into diamonds. If you’re a scientist and have a lab, that is.”
Landon nodded. “I read about that one. Some dude in Germany did it.”
I shifted in my chair, not liking my chances of winning this game.
“My turn,” he announced. “Did you know that the words sweaterdresses, tesseradecades, and aftercataracts are the longest words you can type on a keyboard while only using your left hand?” Landon asked.
“Didn’t know that but will just take your word for it until I’m back in front of my computer,” I said, having no intention of doing so. “Okay, here’s my next useless fact. Dragonflies have six legs, but they’re useless because they can’t walk on them.”
“Another animal fact: a frigate bird can sleep while flying,” Landon replied almost immediately.
“The body has about a hundred thousand miles of blood vessels,” I said, looking at him triumphantly. Surely there were only so many facts he would know, photographic memory or not.
“Americans spend about 2.5 days each year looking for things they’ve lost,” Landon continued our game. “In your case it would be more like two weeks though.”
I poked my tongue out at him and tried to think of another useless fact.
“Giving up already?” he asked and finished his water. Not two seconds later, a waitress placed a fresh bottle in his hand. I was still waiting on a refill, but she didn’t spare a glance at me or his still mute date, who now looked like she had a lemon stuck in her mouth. I was surprised Landon was drinking water. He was usually the first person you asked if you wanted a drinking buddy.
“Would you mind topping up my friend here?” Landon said, bringing out his dimples. The waitress nearly fell over herself in her haste to do his bidding. Pathetic, really. The only place this would go was the coat closet. Or the bathroom. Silly girl.
But I couldn’t be mad at her because she had bought me some time to think, which meant I had another fact. “Dr. Seuss made up the word nerd.”
Both our drinks were now full again, and the waitress was still hovering. Landon ignored her, much to her disappointment. But I guess he took this way too serious and was most likely going to win this stupid game that I should have never agreed to.
“The most common password is 123456,” he said and leaned back in his chair.
Damn, I had nothing. “Just give me a minute.”
That minute would do me no good because I was out of facts. Landon made a big production out of looking at his watch. As soon as one minute passed, he jumped off his chair and punched the sky. “Suck it, loser, I win. And now you’re my slave. I’ll let you know when I require your services. Be ready.”
I covered my face with my hands and groaned.
“Mairead, there you are,” my mom said, saving me from further victory dances.
I dropped my hands and stood up to greet my parents, who were now standing at the table.
“Hey, Mom,” I said and hugged her tight. Mom hugs were the best, especially when you just found out your sort-of boyfriend was lying to you. Alcohol helped too, but I always paid for it the next day. I decided I would stay with them for a night sometime soon to prevent me turning into an alcoholic. I had already hired two girls at the shop who showed promise, so if they didn’t screw up during opening week, I was sure I could leave them for a day or two.
“How is the shop going? I loved the way you used all the drawers to display jewelry and accessories. Wasn’t I just saying how much I loved it, Jon?” Mom said and turned to my dad.
He, in turn, watched me closely, most likely using his infallible dad radar t
o detect ripples in my force field.
“You did, honey,” he said to my mom and then opened his arms for a hug. I didn’t delay in falling into him, and he held me close. “Hey, sweetheart.” He patted my back.
I reluctantly pulled back and downed my champagne. I put the empty glass back on the table and waved toward Landon. “You guys remember Landon?”
Dad shook his hand. “Of course. You work at Drake’s Garage. How are you?”
“Good, Mr. Slater. And yourself?”
I tuned out the rest of the pleasantries, instead searching the party for Stella.
“Hey, candy face, you want another drink?” Landon asked after I spent some time looking for my friend but came up empty.
I nodded, more enthusiastic than the offer warranted, realizing I was tipsy already. “Yes, please.”
He went in search of the waitress, who didn’t appear out of nowhere this time. Guess she finally got the hint.
“Oh, sweetheart, what happened?” Mom asked as soon as Landon was out of hearing distance. “Your aura is as black as the night.”
“I’m fine, Mom. Just feeling a little stressed with the shop opening coming up.”
“I knew you were taking on too much. Why don’t you let us help you this week?”
I nodded again, this time making sure I didn’t imitate a bobblehead. I needed help, and I had to start asking for it—or accepting it, in this case. “That would be great, Mom, thanks,” I managed to get out. Hopefully Landon would get back with my drink soon.
He didn’t disappoint and appeared with a tray full of alcohol. He handed my dad his beer, a wine for my mom, and more champagne for me. There were also a few shots on there, and I looked at them longingly. He got nothing for his date. I wondered why he brought her if he didn’t want to have anything to do with her.
“You up for some shots?” Landon asked, holding one out to me.
“Yes, please,” I said. My mom held her hand out as well, and my eyes widened. She wasn’t a big drinker. At all. I had never seen her have more than two glasses of wine.
Landon handed out the shots, and we all clinked glasses. “To a fucking awesome wedding and the best couple I know,” he said and downed his shot. Now that was more like the Landon I knew.