Page 1 of Walk Off

Chapter 1

––––––––

Celia

Thank god she’d been able to pick her own dress.

As she stared in the mirror of the hotel room she was currently getting ready in, that’s all Celia could think.

Being a bridesmaid was hard enough. Doing it in an ugly gown was harder.

Cassidy had been totally on board with all of the bridesmaids picking their own gowns as long as they were the same color. It was a blessing since the gorgeous, low-cut, strapless dress that Zara, her friend and another bridesmaid was wearing would have fallen down as soon as Celia put it on.

It required boobs, something she definitely did not have.

A round stomach, now that she had. Which was why her own dress was A-line. Tight on top and flaring at her stomach so no one could see those last fifteen pounds she still hadn’t lost from having a baby seven years ago.

Jasmine might be the best thing that ever happened to her, but that extra weight was a burden each and every day. If only those extra pounds had gone to her boobs.

“You look gorgeous,” Hannah said as she stepped up beside her to glance in the mirror. She was another one of Cassidy’s bridesmaids and also Celia's friend.

Celia tugged and pulled at her dress. “I feel silly.” This was the third wedding she’d been in during the last year and she still hadn’t gotten used to the dresses or having people stare at her while she stood up front with the bride. Hannah’s dress was similar to the one she was wearing but showed more skin up top. Her own went all the way to her neck. There was no need to show skin when you had nothing to show.

“Stop being like that.” Hannah spun to face her. “Take the compliment, especially when it’s the truth.”

Celia sighed. “I know, it's just, you’d think this would get easier after doing it twice before.” In the last year she’d been in her sister Ruby’s wedding and Hananh’s.

“Someday, when we’re super drunk, you’re going to have to tell me why you hate weddings so much.” Hannah patted her shoulder and strolled over to the vanity where she freshened her makeup.

That was never going to happen.

Because all it would do was make her seem petty.

She wanted her friends to be happy, she truly did, but she also wanted to be happy. Only she knew that was never going to happen. She’d never get married and have the love she so desperately wanted.

The love she remembered so well.

The love she still held onto.

She might love him still, but he didn’t love her. And worse, if he ever found out what she did, he’d hate her.

Kyle Dulanay was the only man she’d ever love, and at the same time, the one man she could never have.

“We’re ready!” the wedding planner shouted as she came into the suite that Celia and the rest of the bridal party were in. It included her daughter, Jasmine, who was being tended to by her sister Ruby. Ruby had offered to take care of Jasmine for the day so that she could relax and not have to worry about her.

Although at seven, Jasmine was pretty easy to deal with. Way easier than when she’d been a baby and cried night and day.

Thank god those days were over.

“Mom,” Jasmine said as she ran over to her, “It’s almost time.” Her eyes were filled with excitement, and unlike her mother, she couldn't wait to walk down the aisle as a flower girl and have everyone stare at her fluffy white dress.

“It sure is, baby.” Celia squatted down, something that was not easy to do in three-inch heels and a dress. “Remember to listen to Aunt Ruby and don’t talk or fidget during the ceremony.”

“I know, Mom.” Jasmine rolled her eyes. God, if she was this grown-up at seven, what would she be like as a teenager?

Celia shivered at the thought.

“I got her,” Ruby said. “You don’t need to worry about anything. Dallas and I are in charge of her the whole night until Kayla’s mom picks her up. Your only job is to have fun.” Kayla was Jasmine’s best friend and her mom had offered to keep Jasmine for the night, letting both Celia and Ruby enjoy the evening without a seven year old running around.

---