As I suspected, down to the last cent.
The others erupted—hooting and laughing.
“That can’t be right,” Griffin said.
I made myself smile. “Definitely not. I’m sure they’ll correct it as soon as they realize. Probably best if you don’t tell James until it’s fixed.” I hooked a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m going to step outside and send them a quick message just to make sure. Be right back.” I turned back. “Charlie, let me haul that one to the van since I’m heading outside anyway.” I took the arrangement.
I made myself walk down the aisle before breaking into a jog outside. Then I ran. Once I was around the back of the church, I set the arrangement on the ground. I turned on my phone’s flashlight, dropped to a squat, and tore through the flowers.
I ripped a bug and a camera out of the arrangement. I crushed each with the heel of the cowgirl boots Charlie had let me borrow, sending DayGlow a message of my own. Then, because I couldn’t stand the idea of a single Dupree admiring DayGlow’s monstrous spy bouquet, I carried it around the side of the church and hurled it into the dumpster.
I slipped into the shadows of the building and braced myself against the cool brick, frantically swiping to the privatemessaging app Fallon and I used to communicate anything of importance. The only texts we sent over regular messaging were boring things like,What should I wear today? Or do you want me to get you a soda from Swig on my way home?
As I typed, I prayed my best friend wasn’t napping.
Juliette
Fallon, are you there?
I white-knuckled the phone as I waited.
Four excruciatingly painful minutes passed.
She responded.
Fallon
Juliette?!
Juliette
It’s me. Sorry, I went dark for a while.
Fallon
Where are you?! Are you okay?! I thought you’d been kidnapped.
Juliette
I’m fine. In Virginia. Happily married to Griffin Dupree.
What good did it do to keep it from her now?
Fallon
Oh my gosh, really? I thought there was no chemistry.
Juliette
I had to say that. I didn’t want DG to find out.
I watched the first messages disappear. It only gave me a tiny bit of relief knowing DayGlow couldn’t touch this. It seemed their slimy, black tentacles could touch every other part of my life.
Fallon
Understand. But I can’t believe you’re married, and you didn’t invite me to the wedding. I was supposed to be your maid of honor!
Juliette
