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Paula snorted.
“Try telling them that.”
She knew that her friends thought her single status was a point of contention, which was almost laughable. Paula had accepted that she was on her own, and she didn’t mind it. But her friends saw it as a bad thing, and they were determined to find her a boyfriend despite her protests. Sam was the most recent attempt, and Paula had really lost her temper on her friends about it. She was fed up with her group doing matchmaking and believing they knew better.
She had half-expected something to happen while she was at the wedding. All of them were present, including Sam, and she had noticed some of her friends and fellow bridesmaids looking at her and giggling. Something was clearly going on, but, so far, things were relatively normal. The wedding was in full swing, and nothing bad had happened beyond Paula realising that Sam was in the wedding party. He had escorted her down the aisle as the groomsman opposite her, and Paula had felt sick to the stomach.
“Look, I can talk to Jason about you leaving with me now,” Charlie offered. “You and I can leave and we can go and get takeout and a bottle of wine.”
“Do you think Jason will let his best man leave this early?”
“He won’t have a choice. He knows about your discomfort with his friend, and he isn’t listening. I’m not about to have my sister uncomfortable.”
Paula leaned into her brother, resting her head on his shoulder.
“There are times when I’m glad you’re overprotective about me.”
“I’ll ignore the ‘over’ part,” Charlie grunted. “Once they’re done with the first dance, I’ll tell Jason we’re done. Just go and get your things, and wait for me in the lobby.”
“How long will you be?”
“Hopefully not long.” Charlie kissed her head. “Let’s go.”
Paula felt bad about leaving now - as a bridesmaid, she was supposed to be there for the bride - but she also felt relieved at the thought of going home. She would be able to finally breathe again once she was away from everyone.
Then, in the morning, she would be having strong words about her friends and their pressure on her to be with Sam. Paula had said no, and she wasn’t changing her mind. They could fuck off, as far as she was concerned, if they were going to not listen to her.
Maybe she needed to find new friends.
A friend came to mind. Paula felt a flutter in her belly as the image of Michael Henriques floated into view. He was always there for her, letting her rant if she needed it, and he was always able to cheer her up. Paula didn’t think she had laughed so much with anyone else, not even her brother.
That’s another reason why you won’t get together with Sam. He doesn’t compare to Michael.
It’s just a crush. It’ll pass.
It’s been three years. That crush is not going away.
Paula sighed. She partly wished that her feelings for her swimming teammate would go away. But she also partly hoped that Michael would ask her out. They were both single, and they had great chemistry. The two of them had clicked since they first met each other. And nothing was happening.
Maybe he still wasn’t over his divorce. Or maybe he wasn’t that attracted to her. Paula was a little despondent about that, but she was a big girl. She could handle it.
She could probably handle the rejection better than Sam was handling his right now.
“Paula!”
Paula was almost out in the lobby when someone grabbed her arm. Paula was almost swung around and nearly collided with the maid-of-honour.
“Tilly, was that necessary?”
“Where are you going?” Tilly demanded. “We’re not done yet.”
“Charlie and I are heading out.”
“What? Why?”
Paula raised her eyebrows.
“Are you serious? Sam is present, and you don’t know why I’m uncomfortable.”
