Page 4 of Forever After Fall

So I left the place single, and I barely told anyone about our breakup. I didn’t want to lie about the circumstances. I also didn’t want anyone finding out I’d been dumped by the man I stood by through thick and thin. I could take being a spinster by Purgatory Falls standards. What I struggled with was being embarrassed by how many years I wasted on him.

Whether it was that worry about embarrassment or just my disappointment in men in general, I hadn’t been able to conjure so much as a flutter or palpitation out of my heart. Or anywhere else. Not for lack of trying. I’d gone to bars. Parties. Hookup apps. I’d searched high and low for anything approximating butterflies. But I felt nothing.

I knew the smile on Jasper’s face well enough to know what he meant. Did I want to have that kind of fun with him? Could I? I suppose I won’t know if I don’t try. Maybe that’s just what I need to do. Try and see if following through beyond the lack of interest might summon anything. Jasper is as good as anyone to make it happen. At least if I’m supposed to believe the rumors.

“I think they’d notice if we left the reception,” I lament.

“We don’t have to leave yet. Just need to find a place to sneak off to for a little bit.” He nods to the hallway outside the main ballroom. “There’s a linen closet back there. One of the big ones with all the extra pillows and mattresses for the hotel.”

“I’m guessing I don’t want to ask how you know that.” I lift my brow in admonition that I don’t actually feel.

“Wasn’t me. Was a buddy of mine.”

“Uh-huh.” I press my lips together before he dips me dramatically, and I come back up laughing.

“I’m serious. I wouldn’t do that to you. Fuck, I’ll take you up to my room if you want. Order champagne. Flowers. Whatever you want.” His face turns more serious as he looks at me, and I worry I’ve hurt his feelings.

“I know. We’ve been friends long enough. I didn’t take offense.”

“Maybe too long.”

“What?” My brow furrows as I try to study his face.

“I’m just glad you and Chris are done for good. You deserve better than him, Bristol.”

“Don’t tell me you’re concerned too. Did Dakota put you up to this?”

“Only concerned with you leaving with someone else before you give me a shot. I like you, Bristol.” He sounds so sincere; I almost believe him.

“I was already going to say yes to sneaking off.” I don’t mean to be quite that blunt, but the whiskey dulls my filter.

“Then let’s go.” He grins, spinning me loose from the tight dance we’re in and making his way to the door while holding my hand behind him.

“Bristol! I need you for a second.” Marlowe appears and glances at her brother before her eyes meet mine. Whether she actually needs me or if she’s just worried about me becoming another casualty of her brother’s is anyone’s guess. I want to tell her that I know exactly what I’m getting into with him and that I’m more than happy to wake up alone in bed tomorrow morning. No questions asked. No strings attached.

“I thought you had it handled for a bit?” Jasper looks at Marlowe like she’s just popped his bubble.

“I do, but Hazel wants both of us for a minute. She and Dakota want pictures of us before they serve the cake.”

“But—” Jasper starts, but I cut him off.

“It’ll just be a minute. Get me a piece of cake, and I’ll meet you?” I flash him a smile, wanting him to know Marlowe won’t change my mind.

“All right,” he agrees reluctantly.

The second he’s out of earshot and Marlowe and I are headed for our two best friends, she gives me a sideways glance.

“You know how he is.”

“I know. We’re friends too, you know.”

“I just don’t want our friendship to be collateral damage from his recklessness.”

“Never. Not in a million years. Unless you’re gonna hate me for it?”

“No. If you want to have fun, that’s your business. I definitely don’t want to hear about the details of that one at our next gossip session though.”

“Pinkie swear.” I hold up my pinkie finger, the same one we’ve been exchanging since we were knee-high, and she tangles hers with mine in a show of solidarity.