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“She’s the bride. Just talk about why you love her, and the half of the wedding party that’s there for her will enjoy your speech.”
Something about his advice gives me relief.
I don’t have to talk about fate, or soulmates, or convince a room full of people that Vinny and Juliet belong together. I’m standing up there because I’m Juliet’s best friend. I can tell everyone why she’s so great. And that’s enough.
My lips lift. “I think you might’ve just saved my speech.”
“I expect credit.”
“I’ll mention you by name.”
His hand settles lightly against my waist. “Does that mean you’re bringing me to the wedding as your plus-one?”
“It’s between you and another guy, but since you brought flowers…”
His smile tips as he slides closer. “Good thing I brought flowers, then.”
He kisses me, and I don’t hesitate.
I kiss him back.
And every time, I’m surprised by how much I like kissing Shane.
When he pulls away, he’s smiling. “So Saturday, then?”
“And Friday night for the rehearsal dinner, if you don’t have anything going on.” It would be good for me to have a distraction.
“Consider it a date.” He checks his watch. “I better get going so I make it back to the hospital in time. And you better start working on your speech.”
He kisses me one more time, then I watch him disappear through my classroom door before taking a seat back down at my desk.
I stare at the computer.
Shane’s right.
I can make the speech about Juliet.
About why I love her so much.
And about why she’s the one who deserves the fairytale ending.
VINNY
I punch in the same four numbers that have been the code to my childhood home since we moved in fourteen years ago. The door unlocks, and I creep inside.
It’s late.
10:22 p.m.
The house is dark, so I flip on the kitchen light.
“Vincent Ray Brooks!” my mom scolds. She’s in her pajamas, holding an umbrella in the air like a weapon. “I thought you were a thief breaking in.”
“Sorry.”
Her eyes narrow as they move over me. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.” I shove my hands into my pockets. “Maybe not.”
