Until I Met You

Samantha stretched onto her tiptoes to glance into the room over Jen’s shoulders. She admired the ivory linens and floral centrepieces that Naomi had selected. All the guests were seated and chatting amiably except for Hugo, Jason, Roman and Chris, who had a table to themselves. They were laughing hysterically.

By the looks of it, Hugo was telling one of his famous stories. Jason and Chris were doubled over with laughter. Roman kept his head low and bit back his laugh, but Samantha could tell he was having fun. He fit so seamlessly into her world. Timothy had never made an effort to fit in with her ‘crazy’ friends.

She started to imagine future holidays, beach getaways where they gathered under one roof. Naomi and Anthony would pull up to the rented cottage in a mini van loaded with kids. She and Roman would—

Without warning, the wedding planner slammed the doors shut in their faces. Thank goodness, too. Her imagination was spinning out of control.

‘The DJ is experiencing some difficulties. He’s asked for ten minutes to sort it out.’

‘What difficulties?’ Amelia cried.

‘Of the technical sort, madam.’

‘Calm down, Mum,’ Naomi said. ‘It’ll be fine.’

Maya proposed they plug her phone into the sound system. ‘My playlists are unparalleled.’

Samantha took advantage of the commotion to break away. Ten minutes was enough for a quick dash to the ladies’ room. She handed her bouquet to Jen. ‘Hold on to this. Heading to the restroom. I’ll be right back.’

‘Ah yes,’ Jen said. ‘You’re going to pop to the loo.’

‘You don’t get to say that, Jen!’

As she dashed toward the restrooms, she passed a man slumped on a bench outside the men’s room. Adrian! ‘Hey, there!’ she called out cheerily, without stopping. She used the facilities, washed her hands, arranged and rearranged the yellow flowers in her hair, and came out to find Adrian in the exact same position. He was staring at his phone as if willing it to ring. Samantha had no choice but to stop and check in on him.

‘Are you feeling all right?’

The only socially acceptable answer to that question was: Yes, I’m fine. Go on and enjoy your night. For some reason, Adrian made another choice. ‘No, I’m not.’

Samantha stammered. ‘Are you ill? Should I get you a bottle of water?’

‘No thanks. I’m not dehydrated. Only deeply disappointed in you all.’

Now she was really confused. ‘What are you talking about?’

Adrian arched an eyebrow. He had the most symmetrical face she’d ever seen. The effect of the single arched brow was devastating. ‘You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve ignored me. It’s like you’re pretending I’m not here.’

She couldn’t speak for the others, but she hadn’t gone out of her way to snub him. It was true his rift with Hugo had gone a long way to isolating him. He’d mostly kept to himself. Nonetheless, she couldn’t recall a single conversation with Adrian since their arrival. And she’d had deep, meaningful conversations with just about everyone, including Chris. That was saying something. Except now wasn’t the time to get into it. She had to march in step with the other bridesmaids shortly.

‘I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat this trip. We can catch up later, maybe?’

‘Hey, missy!’ Jen flagged her down from the end of the hall with both their bouquets clasped in one hand. She looked ethereal, a bridesmaid fairy, with her long blonde hair worn in a French braid strewn with flowers. ‘It’s showtime!’

Samantha turned to Adrian, feeling a pinch of regret. She had to leave him with something. ‘I know you and Hugo are going through tough times, but I’m rooting for both of you. You’re my favourite couple in the world.’

He smiled wanly. ‘Doesn’t that honour go to the newlyweds?’

‘It goes to whomever I’m speaking with at the time.’

‘Fair enough.’ Adrian stood and tugged at his cuffs. He was a striking man, smart, stylish and serious. His stern demeanour complemented Hugo’s playful, freewheeling ways. They were proof positive that opposites attract. What a shame their differences were now driving them apart.

‘Come, my friend.’ She offered him her arm. ‘I’ve got to make a grand entrance and you’ve got to clap and cheer.’

Adrian sighed. ‘We each have our roles.’

She tightened her fingers around his arm. He sounded so defeated; it broke her heart. ‘Adrian, you and Hugo love each other. It’s palpable. We can all feel it. And we’re all rooting for you.’

He smiled wanly. ‘You’re sweet. You know that?’