Page 48 of The Love Trick

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Okay, great. Also, Mom will probably want you to sit with the family, okay? Just don’t make it weird. She doesn’t know that this relationship will be over for us in a day or so.”

I frown. “You should probably wait a couple weeks before you tell her we broke up. Otherwise, it’ll be really suspicious.”

“Well, yeah, I know that,” she says, sighing. “I just meant forus, this whole ruse will be over in a couple of days.” Addy pats my chest as she slips past me for the door and makes her way out into the hallway.

I stare at the door long after she’s gone, zoning out again. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but part of me isnotlooking forward to going home—and I realize just how contradictory my feelings are.

After spending most of my day at the gym, I finally roll into the wedding right on time, dressed in a light gray suit. There’s a legit dress code, and while I think it’s crazy, I’d never buck the rules, for Addy’s sake.

“What party?” an usher asks me, and I just stare at him, having no clue what he’s talking about.

“Uh…”

“That’s Addy’s boyfriend,” someone says from behind me. I turn and make eye contact with a person Idon’tknow, but it’s clear they know me. This goes to show just how far this whole scheme is reaching—and suddenly, I feel weird…

“Oh, I’ve saved your seat,” the usher says, leading me up to the front of the church, or whatever this place is. It’s a wedding chapel with pews, so I assume it’s fine to call it a church. My heart thumps in my chest as I take my seat in the third row and stare at the program the usher hands me.

I read through it, noticing that, according to the schedule, the pictures are already done. I breathe out a sigh of relief. Addy must’ve been able to weasel me out of being in any of the family pictures. Which is a relief, considering I’ve never taken family photos in my life. It’s hard to take family photos when you don’t have an actual family…

But with Addy I could.

I startle at the intrusive thought. But before I can analyze it, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up to see Addy’s mom and stand up immediately, as if she’s a drill sergeant or something.

“Mrs. Williams,” I choke out, feeling way more intimidated by her presence than I’ve ever felt around Addy’s dad. This woman is the one who runs the roost, of that I’m certain.

But she smiles up at me. “I’m glad you were put in the right seat.”

“I’m just glad I didn’t mess anything up.” I rub the sweat from my palms onto my pant legs, hoping she doesn’t notice.

She chuckles and pats my arm gently. “It’s been a pleasant surprise having you here in Hawaii. You and Addy look really great together.”

“It helps that she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” I just admitted one of my deepest secrets out loud, and I think it shows on my face.

“I know I don’t always show it, but I like you, Blaze.” She grins.

“Thank you.” I gulp.

“And I’ve always known you liked Addy,” she adds, “I just wondered how long it would take for you to finally make your move. Seeing you two together these past few days has illuminated just how well you complement one another. I’m glad you two found each other.”

I try to compose myself as she pats my arm once more. I haven’t seen this side of Addy’s mom. And she just uttered words that I never thought I’d hear from her, words that the younger version of me would’ve been overjoyed to hear.

She’s gonna be crushed when I have to stage a breakup with her daughter after all this.

“Anyway,” she says, “I’ll let Addy know you made it.”

I nod, and as soon as she leaves, I take my seat again and stare at the pamphlet to distract myself. Because if I’m being honest, this whole situation makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it’s because I feel like I’m a part of their family—and I mean, to some degree, I’ve always felt that way, but now…

Now it hits a little harder.

Fifteen minutes later, the chapel is packed, and the music starts playing. I stare at the large double doors as Addy appears, arm in arm with the tall blond guy, Brandon. She’s wearing a floor-length lavender dress, cinched at her waist and then flowing outward. Her hair is beautifully styled half-up, half-down, with luscious waves cascading down her back. Although I usually prefer her natural look …

Tonight, she looksincredible.

As they start down the aisle, I see her scanning the faces of the crowd. My heart ramps up in my chest, and I try not to pass out when her eyes finally meet mine … and shesmiles. I return it, and suddenly I can’t help but wonder, is that what she’d look like if it was her wedding day?Would I be okay seeing her walk past me in a white dress?

My chest tightens, but I shake my head at the thought and settle in for the rest of the ceremony. Addy is a long way from getting married to someone, so I don’t have to think about it right now.

---