Page 106 of The Longshot

This must’ve been before we met—surely.

He promised he’d never hurt me.

He promised.

“And here comes the train.” Ruby takes me by surprise as she re-emerges by my side, a packet of crisps in her hand. “Hey? You okay?” she asks, focusing on my blank stare.

“Yeah.” I attempt to shake myself out of it as I watch the girls load onto the train. “I’m fine.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

C H E L S I E

There’s people everywhere—an unsettling amount of people. Family, friends, and even acquaintances from all across the country have traveled in for today.

Mum and Dad weren’t kidding when they said they were going to go all out. Not only is the guest list extensive, but the way they’ve gone above and beyond with the vendors has just about blown my mind.

The company they selected to set up a grand tent in their back garden is luxurious and, most of all—expensive. Why is that always the case with weddings… vow renewals?

I can’t help but feel like weddings and anything of that nature are a total cash grab and a complete show-off of status. Somehow, the day always becomes about everyone else and never about the two people celebrating their love for one another.

If I know one thing to be true, it’s that if that time ever comes, I’m eloping. Which when I think about it, is an improvement from a few weeks ago, when the idea of getting married repulsed me to my stomach.

Now, it’s a wondrous yet premature thought that pulls my mind right back to the person I wait for at the entrance of the venue—Gary.

Ruby insisted that she’d wait with me, but I assured her that I’d be okay. Somehow, she obliged and let me go. I know the only reason she’s being clingy is because of my past experiences at these family functions, but I can’t help but feel like there's more to it.

I think Ruby sensed that something was off as we boarded the train. Deep down, there was—my mind was clouded with a reminder of what those girls had said to me.

“Ask any girl in Crawley, and I’m sure they’ve had their taste of Gary Wilkinson.”

“He’s literally been with all of us for at least a night.”

“Wilks and I were drunk at the bar together not long ago, and one thing led to another, and we took it back to his place.”

Everyone has a past. I know that. I live with that myself, and frankly, to judge another person on theirs would be absolutely hypocritical.

I don't know how many people Gary’s been with, and to be honest with you, I don’t care. All that matters is that since he’s been with me, he's stayed loyal to me.

Gary has never given me a reason not to trust him, and for all I know, what happened between him and Felicity could’ve happened right before we got together.

I have to believe that.

I have to.

My Gary would never cheat. I know he wouldn’t.

I’m left gazing up at the dazzling chandelier above my head as I gulp down any remaining sense of doubt.

Gary will be here soon. He texted me to let me know he would, and as I exit the venue, standing off to the side, I’m left patiently counting down the minutes until he arrives.

People greet me as they make their way through the tent—some I know, most I don’t, but somehow, they know me.

It’s that standard conversation of “Oh, I remember you when you were little. Do you remember me?”

Rather than flat out saying “No”, you then put on the whole song and dance of “Oh yes, I remember! It’s just been a long time, that’s all”.

It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but when are most family gatherings not, am I right?

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