Page 14 of Fate Forever and Always

“What’s got you smiling? I’ve missed that smile lately.”

I didn’t say a word and just showed her the bouquet.

She knew.

I asked everyone attending tonight to wear black. Since we are celebrating the death of my relationship, funeral attire just felt right. Nick made a massive deal about picking me up. He made it all extravagant and bought some cheap champagne. He also insisted we make a toast to my singleness before we left the house. Then he told me to wait two minutes before going outside, then kissed my cheek as he smiled before he took off outside. It was a little weird, but that’s Nick for you.

When I walked outside, I saw he had taken red chalk and colored a “red carpet” on the stairs and sidewalk. He stood at the bottom of the stairs with his hand out.

“Your chariot awaits, M’lady.”

I threw my head back and let out an obnoxious, loud laugh that made me snort. I took his hand and kissed his cheek. “You're such a dork.”

He linked his arm to mine and opened the car door. He leaned down and whispered in my ear before he let my hand go, “You love it.”

Shivers ran down my body as the door shut. I felt a warm, fluttering feeling in my stomach that I couldn't quite place. Was it nervousness? Was it excitement?

He got in the car and kissed my hand before giving me a once-over. “You look beautiful, Callie.”

“Thank you,” I smiled shyly.

Once we arrived, everyone seemed on edge about giving me their condolences and trying not to harp on the subject. Aubrey’s biological father, August, was the first one to make me laugh by telling me he would put some termites at Jake’s next job site if I wanted him to. He and his wife, Liza, are really the sweetest humans on the planet.

When Aubrey learned about her dad last year, I thought it would be absolute chaos. When she finally met him earlier this year, he and his wife became such a constant in her life and mine, and I’m so grateful for that.

Aubrey sat between Nick and me as she always does at any function we attend, but Lincoln was also between us this time. Nick and I usually end up bickering, but I was honestly sad he wasn’t next to me.

Small conversations broke out as everyone arrived. I was joking with Brielle across the table when Aubrey’s mom, Michelle, caught my attention.

“So, Callie, what will you be doing about the honeymoon?”

A few people, including myself, froze. I even heard Aubrey’s mom choke on something. I looked around before answering.

“Um, I haven’t really thought about it, actually.” I gulped my wine. “I guess I will just go anyway and enjoy everything I had planned. Getting away from here for a few weeks will be fun and beneficial,” I said with uncertainty clear in my voice.

Aubrey paused mid-sentence while in an entirely different conversation with her dad, turning to me.

“You’re going alone?” The question sounded judgey. She was definitely judging me.

“Who else am I going to go with? None of you can just up and leave for three weeks on such short notice.” Nick and Aubrey were giving each other a look…I know that look. What are they planning?

I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard the server telling someone to stay out. I stood up instantly because I knew Jake was about to walk through the glass doors. Then the door opened.

“What the fuck is this?” Jake said rather loudly.

Nick, Link, and Aubrey stood up. I sat back down as if his presence wasn’t going to affect me in the slightest, even though a red-hot rage was burning inside me. I kept eating without acknowledging him.

Nick spoke first. “We are celebrating our friend, and I am one thousand percent sure you were not invited.”

“Excuse me?” Jake sounded a little hurt. “This is the dinner for my wedding.” He sounded almost desperate.

Aubrey looked at me for a clue on what to do. Honestly, I am winging it just like everyone else. I motioned for everyone to sit down, so they did. I started speaking to Jake without looking up at him. I knew If I did, I might cry.

“Jake, I’m not sure what you’re doing here, but I am celebrating my newfound singleness with the people whoactuallylove me. Your name is not on the guest list, so if you will see yourself out, I would appreciate it.”

I went back to eating. Everyone else remained starkly quiet for a few seconds.

“Cal, I need to talk to you,” he said in desperation.

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