Page 43 of It's Only Ever Been You

Sarah: Just checking. You seemed a little off earlier.

I chew on my lip, debating how much to say. Finally, I settle on honesty—or at least part of it.

Me: Just thinking about the wedding. It’s weird, you know? Going back.

Sarah: Yeah, I agree. But we’ll get through it together. Promise.

Her words are simple, but they settle something in me. No matter what happens, I won’t be facing it alone.

With a deep breath, I close my laptop and stand, heading to my closet. If I’m going to survive this wedding, I might as well start by finding the perfect armor—or, in this case, clothes that make me feel like I can handle anything.

I flip through the hangers in my closet, pulling out dresses and outfits I haven’t touched in years. Some still have tags on them, remnants of impulse buys I thought I’d have a reason to wear but never did. As I sift through them, my mind drifts back to Sarah’s text. We’ll get through it together.

A small smile tugs at my lips. If nothing else, Sarah’s always been my constant, the one person who’s been there no matter what. I pull out a navy-blue dress, holding it up to the mirror. It’s simplebut still sexy, with a fitted waist and a flowy skirt. Perfect for the rehearsal dinner, but not over the top.

My phone buzzes again, and I glance at the screen, expecting Sarah. But it’s Jace.

Jace: Hey, Em! Just checking in. Wanted to make sure you’ve got your flight info all set. Can’t wait to see you.

I hesitate before replying, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Jace was such a good friend to me after Ethan left, but the idea of seeing him—and by extension, Ethan—stirs up feelings I can’t quite shake.

Me: Thanks, Jace. And to answer your question, yes, all set and booked. Looking forward to it. :)

His reply comes almost instantly.

Jace: Any chance you’re bringing a plus one? ;)

I laugh softly, shaking my head.

Me: Yes, Sarah’s coming with me. She’s my built-in wedding buddy.

Jace: Oh… yeah, that’s perfect. It’ll be good to see her. It’s… been a while.

I bite my lip, thinking about the way Sarah’s face lights up whenever Jace’s name comes up—and how Jace always gets a little awkward whenever hers does. There’s something unspoken between them, but it’s hard to tell if Jace even notices it orif it’s all just Sarah. Maybe that’s why she’s never said anything, why she’s always brushed it off like it’s nothing.

Me: Agreed. It’s been too long. See you soon. :)

I set my phone down, my thoughts drifting back to Sarah. I’ve known her long enough to recognize the way her eyes soften when she talks about Jace, the way she avoids certain topics when he comes up. And now that I think about it, her enthusiasm for being my plus one might not be just about being supportive.

It’s obvious she has feelings for him? I just hope it’s not too hard on her at the wedding?

The question sticks in my head as I finish sorting through dresses and other various pieces of clothing, laying a few options on the bed. I glance at the clock, realizing it’s getting late, and shoot Sarah a quick text.

Me: Think I have my wardrobe pinned down. Want to come over tomorrow to help me pick?

Her reply is immediate.

Sarah: Obviously. I’ll bring wine.

I smile, setting the phone aside and looking back at the clothing on the bed. The wedding is only a couple of weeks away, and as much as I’ve tried to prepare myself, the thought of seeing Ethan still twists my stomach into knots.

What’s he going to say? What am I going to say?

I shake the thoughts away, grabbing the navy-blue dress and hanging it back up. One step at a time. For now, I just need to get through tomorrow.

Chapter Fifteen

The Weight of Hello

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