Page 94 of Bridesmaid to Bride

“Well, I’m not starting now. Go get your man.”

I nod, slowly at first, then more resolute. A smile spreads across my face as the realization dawns.

I can tell West how I feel! I just have to go for it and stop second-guessing myself. “Enough with holding back. I’m gonna go get my man. I’m gonna do it—”

“Oh, shit,” Paige cuts in, grabbing her TV remote and unmuting it.

“What?” I say, desperate.

“Turn on your TV. Channel Eleven.”

I do as she says, and on the screen is Mia interviewing West in front of the Groomsman to Groom mansion.

Shit, shit, shit!

Mia says, “How does it feel to be the next Groomsman to Groom?”

“It’s an honor, Mia.” West is glowing like radium, although I think it’s makeup. “I can’t wait to meet the thirty women who have decided to join me on the show, and I hope to be leaving it with my future wife.” His smile looks so amazing. “I know so many have made enormous sacrifices to join me on the show, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I want each woman to be given a chance to explore our chemistry and a connection. This is a dream come true for me.”

“Well, there you have it, folks,” Mia says. “The Next Groomsman to Groom! See you all at next week’s episode, After the Wedding Reunion Show, where we’ll talk to Paige, her new man, and all the contestants from the previous Bridesmaid to Bride!”

“Paige, I gotta go,” I blurt.

“You sure as hell do.”

I disconnect and grab my keys.

49

The Biggest Fan

EVA

Iweave through the crowd of well-wishers, my heart pounding against my ribcage. West stands there, all smiles as the new Groomsman to Groom. He’s looking better than ever, but things always look better after you lose them.

Nah, he looks amazing—and that’s empirical.

“West!” I elbow my way through a cluster of women who are eying him like he’s the last piece of chocolate cake.

He turns, those whiskey eyes locking onto mine, and my knees go wobbly. “Eva! Did you see my interview?” He’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Of course! Wouldn’t have missed it, Mr. Groomsman to Groom,” I say, fighting like hell to sound breezy. My palms are sweaty, and I hope I don’t look as nervous as I feel.

“Thanks, Manhattan.”

“I’m so happy for you.” And I am—truly. But there’s this giant ‘but’ lodged in my throat, big enough to choke on.

“Thanks. It means a lot, coming from you.” I swear there’s a flicker of something more in his gaze.

“Listen, West.” I bite my lip. This is it, Eva. “There’s something I gotta tell you. Now.” I look around to see the place swarming with women ready to interrupt us at any second.

“Shoot.” He tilts his head, attentive, and the hum of celebration fades into the background.

I take a deep breath, feeling like I’m about to step off a cliff. “There’s something I need you to know.” The words tumble out in a rush. “Feelings. Like, the kind that make you want to throw pebbles at someone’s window or write terrible love songs.”

Please just crawl into a hole.

I brace myself for laughter, for rejection, for anything but the shock that seems to freeze him in place.

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