Don't Kiss the Bride

“It does. I just feel like it’s been a fuckin’ whirlwind. Like maybe we’re stuck in the honeymoon phase.”

“Honeymoon phase usually means everything is perfect. We’re far from that. And that’s okay. We don’t need perfect. Look at your aunt and uncle. They got together fast.”

“Come here,” he says softly.

I cross the room and sit next to him on the couch. He takes my hand in his, linking our fingers together.

He heaves in a breath and slowly exhales. “I’m sorry I’ve been distracted. I’m trying to do a lot of things in a really short amount of time.” His eyes are gray pools of emotion, dark and turbulent. “I heard what you said that night,” he says hoarsely. “And it woke me up in so many fucking ways. I meant what I said in the necklace. I don’t want you to leave. Hold off on moving out, okay? Too much is going on all at once. Give me a little time, okay?”

He presses his lips softly against mine in a kiss that begs for patience.

“Are you alright?” I whisper, reaching up to touch his cheek. The anguish in his voice and in his eyes is worrying me.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind. I need some time to think about everything with a clear mind.”

“I’m sorry I’ve put doubts in your head,” I say.

“I’m sorry I’ve put some in yours.”

I lean my forehead against his, touch my nose against his. “We’ve been a bit of a rollercoaster, huh?”

He grins. “I like fast, crazy rides, but I think we’ve both had enough.”

Holding on to his hand, I stand and pull him up. “Will you come do something with me?” I ask.

When he nods, I lead him upstairs to my bedroom. He waits in the doorway as I turn on the galaxy night light, and the ceiling lights up with stars.

“Since we can’t get to your favorite place on the mountain, maybe we can look at the stars here and it’ll make you feel better. Help you clear your head.”

Smiling, he pulls me into his arms and whispers, “I think you’re my favorite place now.”

Chapter 54

Skylar

“Can you float me a loan for about five grand? I want to get my tits done,” Megan says, as we choose a table in the corner of the cafe.

I can’t tell if she’s kidding or not.

“Is that how much new boobs cost?” I ask, taking the lid off my tea and stirring it with a straw.

“I’m not sure. I’m just teasing you. I think when I graduate, I’ll ask my dad if he’ll pay for it.”

“You look perfect the way you are.”

She juts her chest out for my inspection. “They could be bigger. And firmer.”

I look down at my own small chest. “So could mine.”

“Well, you can afford to get them done now. You’d look so sexy with bigger boobs. Especially with your tiny waist.”

I shake my head and cut my corn muffin up into four pieces.

“Nah, I’m good.” Now that I’ve got financial security, I’m not going to waste a dime of that money. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my life can change in a matter of seconds.

“How’s Jude feeling?” Megan asks.

“He’s better, still has some headaches. He’s working out all the stuff for the bar. Licensing, upgrades… it’s a lot. But, he’s going with my seventies-themed decor idea. And guess what he’s naming the bar?”

“Tell me.”

“Fupagus!”

She laughs. “You’re kidding. That’s amazing.”

“Right? Once things get moving and the inside is ready, I’m going to take pictures and manage social media accounts for the bar. I can do that from anywhere, I guess,” I say. “It’s overwhelming and stressful, but I really think it’s going do great once it’s all off the ground.”

I wish I felt as excited as I tried to make myself seem. Things have been bittersweet. Me and Jude are both happy about the progress with the bar, but unfortunately, he’s been distant. Nothing between us has changed or progressed yet. He’s still suffering from fatigue, headaches, and mood swings from his head injury, and I’ve taken the position of giving him what he asked for—time.

Time for what exactly, I don’t know.

Megan sips at her latte and leans forward. “I still can’t believe you won the lottery!”

“Girl, me either. It still feels like a dream. The damn IRS took a huge chunk.”

“Ew, taxes. Have you decided what you’re going to do? Are you going to hang around here? Get a condo or something? Hit the road in an RV? You can totally do that now. It’s like you manifested it!”

“I know,” I reply, staring out the window. Rebecca’s boutique is right across the street, and I can see the seasonal window display I put together from here. I’m still part-time since I’ve also been creating content and sharing for some other small businesses, but I love working with Rebecca.