Forty-five minutes later, I’m showered, packed, and standing in the elevator with my suitcase in one hand and the bouquet I caught last night in the other. I didn’t mean to, but I was pretty much the only single / non-engaged or married to the love of their life woman there last night, which kind of made it impossible to avoid.
That and Madison might’ve dragged me to the dance floor and pushed me in the direction of the throw. I couldn’t bear to see it fall on the floor, so I caught it.
Olivia is standing next to me with her hand on the top of her bump as she looks down at the flowers. “You’re not bringing those with you, are you?”
I follow her gaze, taking in the wilting white roses and blue hydrangeas. “I don’t know,” I admit. “It kind of felt wrong to leave them.” I run my hand over the gold ribbon that saysForever Starts Todayin white script, and all I can think about is Zach’s smirk when I caught them.
“Even if Zach sees you carrying those, he’s going to take it as a personal invitation to start planning your wedding?”
“He’s not going to see me.”
Olivia snorts. “And I’m not pregnant. That man already acts like your ex-boyfriend, current boyfriend, and future husband all at once. You really think you’re going to get out of this hotel without him seeing you?”
“I do.”
“Well, I like your optimism. How did it work out for you last night in the bathroom?”
I sigh. “That was a mistake.”
She hums. “Have you ever thought that the universe is hitting you over the head with a mallet and you’re too oblivious to notice?”
I glare at her. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am on your side. Unfortunately, your side keeps making out with the same six-foot-six problem, and I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do about it.”
I let out a laugh despite myself.
“It won’t happen again.”
When the elevator dings open and we walk out into the lobby, Olivia pulls me in for one more hug.
“I’m sorry I can’t come with you, but will you call me when you board?”
“Of course.”
“And text me pictures of everything. I want to live vicariously through you for the next two weeks.”
“I will.”
“And Honey?” She pulls back, her hands on my shoulders. “Whatever happened with Zach last night—it doesn’t define you. You get to decide what it means. Nobody else.”
My throat tightens. “Thanks, Liv.”
Mike appears behind her and slides an arm around her waist before hugging her. “Hey, Honey,” he offers me a slow smile. “Sorry about Liv.”
He steps forward and pulls me in for a quick hug.
“It’s okay. Will you make sure to take care of her while I’m away?”
“Always do.” He squeezes me back and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “You want to come to breakfast with us?”
Is that the universe knocking again?
“That’s a kind offer,” I say, raising my phone, “but I’m waiting for a car to pick me up so I can’t.”
I also don’t want to see Zach and have to say goodbye.
“Okay.” He nods along, and I doubt he believes me, but he doesn’t push.
