Page 14 of Come Break My Heart Again

“Warmer today than I was expecting,” my mother comments, reluctantly shrugging her dress’s matching jacket off.

“Feels like summer,” my father agrees, busy perusing the menu.

My mom slips her sunglasses on. “Is Prescott on his way?”

My boyfriend also graduated today. He was visiting with some friends after the ceremony, then is supposed to be meeting us for lunch.

I pull my phone out and scan the recent messages.

PRESCOTT: Leaving now.

PRESCOTT: Twenty minutes.

The second message was sent fifteen minutes ago.

“He’ll be here in five minutes,” I say, then continue reading through the messages in my group chat with my best friends.

JULIET: CONGRATULATIONS!!!

JULIET: Our very own Elle Woods. I’m so proud.

KEIRA: Congrats!!!

KEIRA: So sorry we couldn’t make it to the ceremony. We’re shitty friends.

JULIET: Speak for yourself.

KEIRA: I *was*.

JULIET: Oh.

JULIET: Forgot you’re a *we* now.

KEIRA: I’m only marrying the guy.

KEIRA: We’re celebrating next weekend, Elle!!!

KEIRA: No wedding or work talk.

KEIRA: You’re coming, right? You didn’t reply to the email.

JULIET: Of course she’s coming. Right, Elle?

KEIRA: Elle?

JULIET: She’s probably busy with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Serious.

JULIET: Bring him to the Vineyard. I want to meet him.

KEIRA: You’d better be there next weekend.

KEIRA: Love you!

JULIET: Drink lots of champagne!

“Is that Prescott?” my mom asks.

I set my phone on the table and shake my head. “Just some texts from Juliet and Keira.”

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