Page 53 of All Our Nevers

My knuckles are turning white where I grip the case, waiting for another text to come through from Connor. Saying he saw me. Saying he’s coming. Any second, I’ll feel that telltale buzz and my heart will lurch in my chest the way it always does now.

But a minute ticks by. Then two.

Nothing.

“Why don’t you just leave?” I ask Owen without looking at him. “It’s not like we drove together.”

“Leave my girlfriend on the street alone? Wouldn’t present a very chivalrous image to my coworkers.”

I don’t respond.

A group walks out of the party behind us and I dare a glance at them out of the corner of my eye. They’re not him. I’m okay.

The group walks down the block, then turns left. A bus drives past, completely filling the narrow street. Time unspools slowly like woolen yarn, dragging it against itself. I’m still waiting for my phone to buzz. For him to come out here and find me.

“It was the wine, wasn’t it?” Owen asks with feigned lightness. “I knew they served cheap shit at these things, but I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

“Yeah, and way too expensive,” I say of the open bar.

“That paired with Guy’s ugly face, I’m not surprised you wanted to get out of there.”

I clench my jaw. “Guy wasn’t the problem.”

“Can I ask honestly… was it me? I meant the bratty misandrist thing as a joke, but if it was too much I’m sorry.” I don’t reply, and Owen adds somberly, “Do you really hate being around me that much?”

“No,” I reply, looking down the street, anywhere but at Owen, refusing to expose myself. “It wasn’t you. I just wanted to leave. That’s all.”

He’s smart enough not to push it.

We wait in silence until my car pulls up.

12

Lia

I don’t see Owen again until the following week, at Sophie and Andy’s wedding rehearsal, and I have so much on my mind that he barely crosses it.

The happy couple managed to get an absolute steal on a wedding venue. First of all, it’s in Beacon Hill, which is insane. I really thought with their budget we were going to end up in like Leicester or Cochichuate or some other unpronounceable Massachusetts town. But nope, they found a historic building right off the Boston Public Garden that’s absolutely gorgeous. The exterior isn’t overly ornate, just a five-story red brick building with a beige awning, but on the very top level… there’s a library.

Three-story ceilings, dark wood, warm fabrics, and antique chandeliers. Secluded balconies up high on either side of the room, and a large marble hearth along one wall—that’s where the ceremony will take place. Guests will move into an adjoining room for a cocktail hour, then flow back into the main library for the reception and dinner.

Does everyone involved in the wedding actually know that’s what’s going to happen? Debatable. But that’s what today is for.

The rehearsal part of their rehearsal dinner is only attended by the essentials: the happy couple (Sophie and Andy), their officiant (Nolan), their best people (myself and Owen), and their parents (Andy’s mom, Sophie’s dad, Sophie’s mom, plus her boyfriend).

The dinner part of the rehearsal dinner will take place at a restaurant a few blocks away, and they’re expecting around fifty people for it. But in order to make our 7:00 reservation, we need to get this show on the road.

“Marsha,” I say to the venue liaison, “I’d love to get things started as soon as possible if that’s okay.”

Having spent most of their budget on the venue, Sophie and Andy didn’t exactly have the spare cash lying around for a wedding planner. Good thing they’re friends with me.

“Sure thing,” Marsha replies. “Is everyone here?”

“Yup. Do you mind if I go over some logistics for tomorrow before we do the run through?”

“Go for it.”

“Alright, hello everyone.” I project my voice enough to call attention to where I stand before the library fireplace. Shelves of books frame me on either side, at least twenty feet high if not more. It’s romantic and erudite and everything I could’ve dreamed for Sophie and Andy’s big day. “I just wanted to make a few announcements as we head into tomorrow. The ceremony starts at 5:00, so plan to be here by 3:45 at the latest. Come wearing your clothes for the wedding, because photography starts at 4:00. I’ve also shared a hair and makeup appointment document in the group text, and anyone who’s getting hair and makeup done should arrive by 2:00, not by your specific appointment slot. In case things are running ahead of time we don’t want to wait around for you. I will bring light refreshments and mimosas for everyone, but definitely make sure to have a full lunch before arriving. We’ll be able to store our stuff in the third-floor meeting hall, and the fourth-floor board room will be the bride’s dressing suite. Does anyone have questions?”