Fallout (Crank 3)

in fact, standing alone, in back.

Aunt Cora goes off to the dressing

room, gown hidden beneath a plastic

bag. “I’ll be right there,” I call. Then

I go over to Bryce. “Glad you made it.”

His eyes light up. You look great.

But I feel like a fish out of water.

I guess you can’t sit with me, huh?

“I have to stand up in front and hold

Aunt Cora’s bouquet. But I’ll sit

with you at

the reception.” I should

introduce him to some people.

There’s Micah, too handsome

in his tux. No, not him. Not sure why.

IT’S AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY

First, I’m having a hard time

remembering everyone’s names.

And as I struggle to label faces,

Micah comes over to, uh … help?

First he gives me a major once-

over. Whoa now. Don’t you look

kind of amazing? He ignores

my intense blush, turns to Bryce.

Don’t believe we’ve met. You

must be a friend of the bride?

But before Bryce can respond

(and say what? Sort of? Not exactly?),

Grandfather’s semi-feeble

screech interrupts, Holy shit