Page 8 of Something Blue

I practically collapse in relief when I see Dalila waiting there for me.

“Please, stay with me.” I whisper, leaning close to her. “My father will be out appeasing the reporters, and I don’t want to be alone in this crowd.”

Dalila laughs a mischievous little snort. “Oh honey, there is no way we are going to the reception so that you can be entertainment for these vultures.”

“My father said?—”

“Yes, yes - I heard what your dad said, but let’s be honest - this sucks balls. I have no idea how you are holding yourself together to elegantly. You don’t needthat—” she gestures towards the crowded passage the leads to the reception venue. People are already gawking at me.

I bite at my lower lip.

We stand quietly to the side, Dalila smiling and nodding at the guests as they flood from thechurch into the other venue. She is acting as a shield between them and me.

“Ready?” she asks, when the crowd starts to thin out.

“For what?” I ask in confusion.

“Now.” She grins, grabbing my hand as she tugs me across the open space and into an elevator. She slams her fingers against the button until the door closes.

“Dalila—” I can’t help but grin too. “What are you up to?”

“After party.” She raises one of her brows and the elevator rides up to what was supposed to be my honeymoon suite that I have booked for this evening.

On the top floor Dalila tugs me towards the best room in the entire hotel. It’s the penthouse. She swipes the keycard that she obviously found in all my belongings and pushes the door open.

It’s gorgeous.

The room is massive, as big as an apartment, and the views are shockingly good. On the kitchencounter is a basket of champagne, chocolate, cheese and biscuits and a wide assortment of other snacks.

She walks straight over to it and grabs one of the champagne bottles.

“He might have made the biggest mistake in his life by ditching you, but that doesn’t mean we can’t party.” She grins, twisting the cork.

Giving in I pick up the two crystal champagne glasses, jumping a little when the cork shoots out in a loud pop, holding them towards Dalila so she can pour glittering gold champagne for us.

“To the man - who clearly didn’t deserve you.” She smiles, lifting her glass.

I sip my champagne, a little dry for my taste, but who cares.

My heart clenches when I think of how badly today went. I down the rest of what’s in my glass.

“Wow. Ok. I’ll put the other two bottles in the fridge to chill.” Dalila says, first topping my glass up.

I wander over to the balcony and tug the glass doors open to let in a gentle afternoon breeze. Taking a deep breath I close my eyes and tell myself everything is going to be ok.

I down the second glass of champagne.

“Oh fuck it.” Dalila laughs, carrying the bottle out to the balcony to stand with me.

Hours later we are both beyond tipsy. Laughing at nothing, lying stretched out on the fluffy white carpet in the living room and staring at the crystal chandelier above our heads.

“Do you want to know something funny?” I say, slurring my words a little.

“I want to know how you are still breathing in that wedding dress - but sure - something funny - go for it.” Dalila snickers.

“When he didn’t show up - at first, I was horrified. Embarrassed, rejected, feeling like everyone was judging me.” I roll onto my stomach so that I can sip my champagne.

“Andnow?” She asks.

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