AllFreeNovel
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“Either way, you’ll be thinking of us and not just him,” Hugh says, clinking his glass with mine.
I laugh at Hugh, always wanting the attention on himself but in a fun way.
When the sun disappears, automated lights turn on, creating an ambient glow over the balcony. We move to the chairs by the round, white concrete firepit. Matching sculpted white concrete chairs surround the fire with comfortable cushions wedged over them. One of my favorite things about this place is that the balcony is wide enough to entertain. I think it could be what sold Franklin on buying it. At this time of year, we don’t need the warmth, but watching the flames flicker and dance emits a calmness I feel all the way to my core.
The delivery arrives, and I grab plates and cutlery for the Thai food, which we all serve ourselves, and return to the balcony.
“Hugh finally booked our honeymoon.” Sienna’s smile is broad as she eyeballs Hugh. “He was so undecided I thought we’d miss out.”
Hugh shakes his head. “Babe, we were always going to find somewhere. I couldn’t choose between Fiji, Hawaii, and the Bahamas.”
“And where did you decide?” Zara asks.
Hugh taps his nose. “I have it under control, and it’s going to be a surprise.”
Zara and I groan. “Women need to know what to pack.”
Hugh waves his fork at us. “Bikinis for the water, some casual clothes for day wear, and nothing at night.”
We all groan.
“I guess you know by those three destinations,” I remark.
Sienna nods. Her eyes are bright with excitement. “I can’t wait, and if I don’t have appropriate clothing, I’ll buy it.”
Zara reaches across and pats her shoulder. “Right on, girlfriend.”
“The wedding is only a few months away,” I exclaim. “Where has the time gone?”
“This is probably my last weekend free as I have much organizing to do,” Sienna says before taking a bite of a spring roll. “How does Franklin feel about sitting with a table of strangers if you’re sitting with the wedding party?”
“He’s invited?”
“Of course,” Hugh says. “Give me his email, and I’ll send an invite.”
The idea of Franklin coming to the wedding excites me. I can visualize it all. His eyes on me as I walk down the aisle as a bridesmaid. How great it would be to laugh with him and my friends.
But am I kidding myself? Because behind me is an empty condominium. He can’t even make it back on weekends, so it’s unlikely he’ll get to their wedding.
“You know, maybe count him out. He’s stressed with work at the moment, and the last thing he told me is he expects to be in New York for a few months. It’s one of the reasons I took this place as I feel closer to him here as he picked out most of the things for me.”
“Oh, honey.” Zara sets her plate down and comes to wrap an arm around me. “You’re missing him more than you’re letting on.”
I nod, not wanting to elaborate as our future scares me. My stomach has a permanent knot, and it doesn’t take much for the knot to expand and make me nauseous.
“If you need me to stay, I can. Anytime,” Zara continues, and we all chuckle, but I know Zara is sincere.
“Thanks. I might take you up on that.” I look at Hugh. “I’ll pass on Franklin’s email, though I’m doubtful he’ll attend.”
Sienna regards Hugh. “If Franklin turns up on the day, that’s great. If not, then a few no-show guests can’t be helped.”
“He’ll miss out on the best wedding of the year.” Hugh uses his hands for emphasis.
It will be good, but have my friends forgotten how Franklin and I met? Their wedding will be epic, and I won’t forget my bridesmaid commitments to sneak off to receive the best orgasm of my life as I did at the previous wedding. It has gone down as one of my favorite weddings to date because ofeverythingFranklin.
Hugh leaves to get another bottle of wine. I check my cell for a message from Franklin, secretly hoping he’s tried to call and I’ve missed it. Of course, that’s impossible when my cell phone is beside me and I’m glancing at the screen every few minutes.
Still, there is a new email, but nothing from Franklin.
