The Best of Us (Love in Isolation 2)

I’d hoped he’d reach out to me first and reassure me that our time together meant something to him. I’ve been counting down the days until I get to see him, and it’s finally here. He’s Eli’s best man, and I’m Cami’s maid of honor, so we’re walking down the aisle together, and we’ll be in dozens of photos with each other. It’d be nice if things aren’t strained or awkward.

Since I’ve been home, I’ve been busy helping Cami take care of last-minute wedding tasks. We also had some fun too and got mani’s, pedi’s, and had bridal party massages. I even treated myself to a trim and some highlights. I just can’t believe their big moment is finally here.

I arrive at the church in a pale blue dress and heels, wanting to look my absolute best for when I see Ryan.

Butterflies surface when I notice him dressed in black slacks and a button-up shirt with a tie. I can’t stop watching him as he chats with Eli and Cami. The moment my best friend notices me, she beams and rushes over.

"Kendall! You look so pretty!" She wraps me in a hug, and it feels like I haven't seen her in forever.

We break apart, and I smile at her. "Thanks, so do you. You're glowing!"

"I can't believe I’ll be married in less than twenty-four hours. After all this time it feels so surreal."

"I'm so excited for you two. You guys deserve it."

“Have you and Ryan talked yet?” she whispers. He’s been one of the main subjects of our chats all week. She’s told me to give him time and not to worry, but that’s easier said than done.

“No.” I frown.

When I look over and see him staring at me, I freeze. A shiver ripples through my whole body, and I wonder what he’s thinking or feeling.

“Well, you two better have a conversation before we get started. The last thing you want is for there to be tension.”

I inhale a deep breath and square my shoulders. “You’re right. I can do this.” I give myself a pep talk before walking over to him and Eli.

“Kendall,” Eli greets with a hug.

“Hello, groom-to-be.” I smile as we pull apart, then look at Ryan.

“You dress up nice, Doctor,” I tease.

Ryan touches his tie and smirks. “Not my first party.”

“No but it’s your first St. James’ wedding. Your mother would’ve killed you had you not,” I say.

“Very true.”

“Speaking of…” Eli clears his throat just as Clara St. James and Stephanie, the wedding planner, come into view. She claps her hands to get everyone’s attention.

I glance at Ryan as we’re told the rehearsal is starting soon and to get into position.

“Best man and maid of honor in front of the bride and father of the bride,” Stephanie orders, then directs the other members of the wedding party into position. “Eli up front. The minister is ready.”

Cami and I head to the end of the line. When Ryan stands next to me, I give him an awkward smile. “Been busy at work?”

He brushes a hand over his jaw and blows out a breath. “Complete madness. I have about a dozen shifts to cover for those who worked mine when I was gone. At this rate, I should just move into the break room. I had to offer some extreme favors to get this weekend off even though it was scheduled months ago.”

“That sucks. Sorry.”

“Not your fault, even if it was your idea to drag me with you,” he teases, flashing me a wink. Those stupid giddy butterflies return, and I wonder if we’ll talk about the elephant in the room.

Before I can respond, Stephanie shushes everyone, then gives detailed instructions. She makes us go through the ceremony twice.

After an hour and a half, it’s over, and I’m so relieved. I’m starving and can’t wait to eat. I hope I can get a few minutes alone with Ryan, but he’s been pulled in every direction by his mother, father, and the groomsmen.

Thirty minutes later, we’re arriving at the upscale restaurant for the dinner Cami planned. I manage to take the seat next to Ryan before anyone else does. We chat about something that doesn’t include us or the two weeks we spent fucking. Cami and Eli keep the conversation going, and I’m relieved when it doesn’t feel awkward.

Halfway through dinner, Ryan’s phone vibrates on the table between us. He responded to a text earlier and left it out so when a call pops up on his screen, it’s impossible not to notice Rachelle’s name.

“I gotta take this. Be right back,” he tells Cami and Eli.

Jealous immediately rips through me, and my insecurities take over every thought.

Is she the reason he hasn’t texted or called me? Are they back together? Did being with me make him realize she was who he wanted?