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″But that doesn’t mean I’ll be nice to him.” I point my finger at her.
″He deserves it,” she says with conviction.
″Let’s grab something to drink,” I suggest, hoping it will help quiet my racing thoughts.
″All squared away?” Toby asks when we return to the bar, his eyes moving between us.
″Great,” Hope smiles.
″Champagne.” Toby grabs a glass and hands it to me.
I ignore the man standing in front of me while I take a sip of the fizzy drink. Hudson Remington is a man I stopped giving my attention to a long time ago. Just because his best friend is getting married to my best friend means nothing. Soon, he’ll go back into the memory box hidden in my closet that I pretend doesn’t exist.
Hope and Toby talk while Hudson and I remain quiet. His gaze burns into the side of my face, making me uncomfortable. I need space. Zoning out on the conversation, I scour the room for an escape from this current circle I’m standing in. Meeting Ellie’s eyes, I release tension from my tight shoulders.
″Excuse me,” I look at Hope. “I’m going to say hi to Ellie.” I walk toward our friend.
She smirks and watches me approach, her eyes briefly glancing back toward where I came from.
″Hey.”
″Hi. Did I just witness a civil reunion?” She shifts her weight, placing her empty champagne glass on the high-top table beside her.
″Ugh,” I shake my head, failing to hide my emotions. Why is it that everyone can always read my mood? I wish I was one of those people who were stoic and emotionless. A statue. Yes! Being a statue would be ideal in this very moment. A gift. I’d pay big bucks so no one can see how this moment is affecting me.
″It was expected, considering you’re both a big part of the wedding party.”
″I know, but I was hoping I could extend it a bit longer.” In reality, I was aware that this would happen soon. I’d have to confront Hudson, but my heart will never be ready for that.
″Anyway, why were you late?”
″Yeah, what reason would keep you away from my engagement party?” Hope sneaks up on me, and I jolt.
″I’m so sorry,” I tell her again. “Sarah was cast in a local musical as one of their jazz dancers. Her mom stayed a bit longer after her class to tell me the news.” Sarah is one of my best students, and has worked her behind off. She deserves this opportunity.
″That’s amazing.” Hope beams.
″Wow, congrats!” Ellie hugs me.
Laughing, I shake my head. “It’s all on her. She’s extremely disciplined and has been endlessly practicing to get the role.”
″But you’re her teacher,” Hope points out.
″Your humility doesn’t have to extend to such an extreme, Lex,” Ellie adds.
″Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes and look away. I love dancing. My dream was always to open my own studio and share my passion with other people, even if not everyone thought that dream was good enough.
My eyes connect with Hudson’s. I stare for a moment too long. His hair is perfectly combed, and his five o’clock shadow makes him look more grown. Gone is the boyish charm he carried years ago. He’s matured.
I look away as sadness fills my chest.
″Ellie loves the idea of the destination party instead of individual bachelor parties.” Hope smiles.
″I’m not against it. I just don’t want to have to interact with Hudson.” I twirl my flute between my fingers.
″I’m sure it won’t be too much,” Ellie naïvely says.
I remain quiet and nod. When a man in a suit comes to talk to Hope, she nods and excuses herself to find Toby.
