Page 62 of Finding Out

Growing up, Avery had always wanted to get married at my parents’ country club, and that was exactly what she and Chris were doing today.

“You sure you’re okay?” I asked Tom.

When Avery had asked him not to come to the bridal suite early, he played it off as no big deal, but the way he had shut his eyes and taken a deep breath had my heart cracking in half for the dad that had spent years being there for his daughter.

He squeezed my hand, then gripped the steering wheel again. “Chris texted yesterday and invited me to have lunch with him, his dad, and Emerson at the clubhouse. It’s easier for everyone if I’m not there while you’re all getting ready. It should have been this way from the start.”

That might have been true. He probably would have spent most of the time alone out in the hallway while we were changing. But he and Avery were so close. It was hard to imagine her not wanting him therefor every moment today. And as hard as he was trying, the hurt echoed in his eyes.

“I promise I’m good, baby girl.”

I needed to get out of the car, but the club that had been like a home away from home my whole life suddenly looked scary and uninviting. Especially since I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome. I’d gotten a phone on Monday afternoon and had immediately texted Avery, but she hadn’t wanted to talk.

Taking a steadying breath, I dropped Tom’s hand and pushed the door open.

He gave me a soft, sad smile. “I’ll see you in there.”

“I’ll be the one in red,” I joked as I grabbed my dress and bag out of the back.

As he pulled away, I headed up the path surrounded by piles of January snow. I hadn’t even gotten to the door before Jana appeared.

“Ready to talk?” she asked, her red hair blowing in the cold Boston wind.

My throat tightened, making it hard to breathe. I hadn’t answered her texts. But besides Avery’s, I hadn’t answered anyone’s. “Sure.”

“I only have one thing to say, then the floor is yours.” She folded her arms over the red robe embroidered with the word bridesmaid. “You could have told me. I would have squealed in excitement with you. You’ve had a thing for Mr. Wilson forever. This wouldn’t have shocked me. I would have been there for you and helped you tell Avery.” She frowned. “I hate that you felt like you couldn’t come to me.”

“I’m sorry.” I sighed. I hadn’t worked to keep it from Jana. “It all happened quickly, and now, with everyone upset, it feels weird to say that I’m happy.”

She gently took my garment bag, then wrapped her free arm around me. “I think it’s amazing. You should have seen the way he glared at everyone as you left the other night. That man is head over heels for you, Wren.”

“It’s pretty mutual.” And it felt nice to admit that without judgment.

She giggled. “I never thought I’d see the day you fell for someone.”

“Me either, but I don’t want to wreck today with any drama.”

She nodded.

Another wind gust ripped around us, and I shivered. “Can we go in, it’s freezing.” Together we stepped into the club, and Jana led me down to the bridal suite. The closer we got, the faster my heart beat. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would be greeted.

Luckily the room wasn’t crowded. Kristine and Chris’s sister, Gianna, were the only people in the room with Avery.

“Look who I found hanging around,” Jana announced.

Avery turned my way while a hairdresser worked on making her straight blond hair fall in beachy waves. She was always gorgeous, but today, she was going to be stunning.

I’d been there months ago when she picked out her dress. We’d laughed about the way Chris’s eyes were going to bug out of his head when he saw her. Back then, I thought this day would be filled with nothing but joy. How could it not, when my best friend was finally getting her fairy-tale wedding?

Now, I felt like a different person. My feet felt heavy and I slowed to a stop just inside the door.

Her blue eyes met mine, and she blinked twice. She hadn’t told me not to come today, but the blank stare she sent my way wasn’t exactly welcoming. With a thick swallow, I considered offering to leave.

Before I could work up the nerve, she waved me over. I moved without hesitation, and as I approached, Kristine and Gianna moved to the far side of the room, giving us a minute.

“Hi.” I gave her a small, awkward smile.

“Hi.” She sighed and picked at a piece of fuzz on her white satin robe. “I don’t want things to be weird today.”

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