“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. He was always going to leave town when the warehouse conversion was complete. What was I thinking, getting in bed with him?” I hug my knees, resting my head against them. “Maybe it’s better this way.”
It’s miserable this way.
Kenna offers me a hand up from the floor. “You know what they say …”
“Don’t mix stripes and plaid?” I quip, “because that’s bullshit.”
She cracks a tiny smile. “Nope, that’s not the one.”
“Don’t eat before you swim? Also bullshit.” I take her proffered hand.
“No, Georgia. I’m referring to your situation here.”
“Fine. What do they say?”
“Love makes people do crazy things. Heatstroke, too, apparently, but I don’t think that’s your issue.”
“Nobody mentioned the L word here.” I busy myself, snatching at scraps of cellophane and snipped ribbons on the counter and the floors, shoving them into the trash.
“I’ve known you for a long time, Georgia. I’m your best friend, and I love you like a sister.”
I shove sheaths of packing materials back into their cubbies behind the counter. “I wish I never met that man.”
“No, you don’t.” Kenna drops in the chair and swings her legs over the arm. “You’re just scared because you’re not used to feeling this way. But Georgia, you’re not a coward. You’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t tell him how you really feel tonight. So, stop stress-cleaning and show me what you’re going to wear.”
hudson
The event setupis about to kick into overdrive when Walker pulls me aside to tell me something “important.”
“I’m planning to propose to Ashley and make her wife number four.” He opens his jacket to give me a peek at the ring box. “You snooze, you lose.” He winks at me.
Seriously?
“Shouldn’t you maybe get to know her a little better, Walker?”
Walker just shrugs. “Nah, what’s the point? When you know, you know.”
I don’t know exactly what to say, but I offer up a silent prayer that Ashley never sends me an eggplant emoji text. For both our sakes.
“You’ll get her to sign a prenup, though, right?”
“I’m in love, son. I’m not an idiot.” Walker rolls his eyes and straightens his Mad Hatter top hat. He gives zero fucks what anybody thinks about him. I’m never going to be sure whether I should be impressed or horrified by him.
“I didn’t want you to be blindsided, but don’t say anything. I want it to be a surprise.” He taps his nose and then remembers something.
“When’s Georgia getting here?” Walker looks around.
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “But I hope it’s soon. She’s bringing my costume, and I need to talk to her.”
“Hey Hudson, can we get you for a soundcheck?” Jackson calls across the lobby. People are really starting to stream in now, carrying gift baskets and flyers, running wires, and setting up speakers.
But no sign of Georgia, or my costume. All around me, people are trying to grab me to answer questions, show them the fuse boxes, or direct them to the restroom. I’m pulled in a million directions.
After the soundcheck, I flag down Ashley. She’s seated by the front door, manning the loft’s check-in table. She hasn’t seen Georgia arrive with my costume yet either.
I have an idea. I check my watch. There’s just enough time if I go now.
I locate Jackson and tell him I’ve got to run a quick errand.
