WOOD
“I’m just not going to wear a tie.” Noah yanks it from around his neck after his fifth attempt at tying it before taking a sip from the flask he brought up to my room.
I chuckle. He glares while handing me the flask. I take a swig, inhaling sharply as the alcohol burns down my throat.
“It’s not that hard. I learned how to do it when I was nine.”
“I’ve never been so delighted that I didn’t go to the same preppy schools as you did.”
I roll my eyes, and he begrudgingly lifts his chin to allow me to fasten his tie for him. When I’m done, I pat his chest. “The black on black really brings out the skull tattoo on your throat, bro.”
“Doesn’t it, though? Thanks.” He goes into the bathroom, and I go to the dresser to grab my cufflinks.
As I put them on, I study myself in the mirror to make sure the look is impeccable. I went with my navy suit because I thought that would look better with the color of Macy’s dress. White shirt, black tie, black shoes, the watch my father gave me as a graduation present.
Something white catches my eye in the reflection of the mirror. A piece of paper bent and crammed behind a table clock on the dresser.
I pick it up. It’s an envelope with Macy written on it. It’s not sealed. In fact, when it was crumpled, it popped the flap open and the folded paper inside is clearly visible.
I shouldn’t look. I know that.
It’s not for me. I should put it right back where it was.
But my fingers are already slipping inside and pulling out the contents.
It’s a singular piece of lined paper, filled almost entirely with small, precise handwriting, addressed to Macy.
From Spencer.
And I already know this was a terrible mistake.
I shouldn’t read it.
He starts off by telling her that these past few weeks apart have been torture. That she can’t deny they are meant to be together, and he will do whatever it takes to get her back. Even reconsidering his five-year plan to include marriage, if that’s what she wants.
Jesus Christ. Even when he’s trying he’s still an uptight, narcissistic asshat.
Nowhere does he apologize for anything or even say he loves her.
I put it back in the envelope and return it to its, admittedly, terrible hiding place just as Noah reappears.
After another swig each from his flask, Noah tucks it into the back of his belt, and we head down to the ceremony.
There are freaking swans walking around. Swans.
So many flowers and petals, the whole area smells like my grandma. But, like, in a good way?
Three violinists are playing quietly in the background as everyone takes their seats. The place is packed.
The music stops. There’s a cough in the crowd. People turn in their seats as the officiant comes to stand at the altar.
Everyone quiets down except for some whispering. And then the music starts back up, louder and more cheerful as Jake and his parents, along with Bex’s mother walk down the aisle. The parents take their seats and Jake stands in his gray suit, rubbing his hands together as he shifts on his feet.
He already looks like he’s about to burst into tears.
Just like in rehearsal, Margot and Dane walk down first, arm in arm.
“There she is.” Noah beams when Livvy turns the corner with Zayne.