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“Make it quick because we’re putting on our dresses in fifteen minutes. Right after that, we’re heading downstairs to start pictures.”
“Will do.”
I couldn’t wait for this day to be over. If I ever decided to get married, which I wasn’t sure I wanted, I’d opt for a small elopement. No monogrammed robes, women’s brunches, or hair-and-makeup parties.
I’d barely opened the hotel room door when Max pulled me inside. He wasted no time capturing my lips in a kiss.
“Hi,” he murmured in my ear.
“Hi.” Dammit, I couldn’t afford to be late again. “I only have thirteen minutes and forty-seven seconds remaining before you sister has a complete conniption over me being late again.”
He grinned against my lips. “Better eat fast.”
“What?” I looked beyond him to see a huge pile of chicken nachos, a side of guacamole, and two beers on the small table set for two.
“I might not be able to offer up the naked time together, but I figured two out of the three things might be a nice surprise.”
It was beyond thoughtful. “It’s a good thing for you the sex is so great between us; otherwise, I might say this is the highlight of my day.”
He chuckled. “Good thing. Come on.”
The beer tasted divine, the nachos even better. We both grinned the entire time while I tried not to make a total pig of myself during the next few minutes. “My Spanx will not thank me for this, but my stomach sure does. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, and before I forget, here’s the gift for Kate.”
“What is it?” I asked, taking the long wrapped box.
“It’s a bracelet with her birthstone. Anyhow, better chug-a-lug. You’ve got four minutes.”
I finished my beer, brushed my teeth, and shared one last kiss with him at the door. Then I was off to the bridal suite with a big goofy grin on my face. Two minutes to spare.
“Where have you been?” Kate asked the moment I stepped inside. All eyes swung to me, and I saw immediately I was the only one not already in her dress. So much for having fifteen minutes.
“I had to go back to my room and use the restroom before getting your gift from Max.”
She perked up when I held out the box. “Okay, fine, get dressed.”
Ugh. When was this day going to be over again? I quickly changed into the red dress, thankful Kate had made them simple instead of fussy. The strapless bust was flattering, as was the A-line skirt. As I walked out of the dressing area, I could see Kate holding up a beautiful diamond-and-sapphire bracelet from the box Max had given her.
“It’s stunning,” I said amongst the murmurs of everyone else saying something similar.
“He said it’s my something new and blue in case I didn’t have anything. It’s so sweet.”
Thank God she put it on. Max might not ever admit it, but I knew it would hurt him deeply if she refused his gift.
In the church, the ceremony was lovely. As much as I tried to pay attention to the vows, my gaze kept wandering toward Max, sitting in the back with Fran and Dan. It had been years since I’d seen them, and I was pleased they had each other to talk to.
The reception was held at the hotel in the large ballroom. By the time I was done with the bridal-party pictures, I’d completely had it with Shawn. He’d started drinking and was getting meaner by the minute. It didn’t help that Kate put the entire wedding party at the head table, and I had no choice this time but to take my seat next to him.
“You ready for our dance?” Shawn slurred, the strong smell of tequila on his breath.
There would be a bridal-party dance, and I could not have dreaded it more. I consoled myself with the notion that after tomorrow morning’s brunch, I’d never have to see him again. Which begged the question: how was I getting home? Max and I hadn’t talked about it, but since he lived in New York City, I hoped he could drop me off on his way home. I wondered if he’d chosen to skip the reception since I hadn’t seen him since leaving the church.
I cringed when the DJ announced the first dance of the bride and groom. Which meant my dance with Shawn was coming up soon. Getting out of my seat, I walked with the other two bridesmaids toward the dance floor. Was there any way I could ditch Shawn without making a scene? He looked way too eager to take my hand. Once again, I found myself searching for Max.
“You’re pathetic,” Shawn hissed, sliding his hand down to my ass.
I lifted his hand up. “Right. I’m the pathetic one.”
