Page 84 of Regards, Mia

Brad squeezes my elbow, supporting me as he walks me to my place. “You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever known,” he whispers. “Just admit you’re in love with him.”

“I’m not…”

“Shh!” Chelsea hushes me before I can finish denying my love for Jay.

Brad winks at me and saunters over to his place on Max’s side.

I’m not in love with Jay.

I don’t do love.

As my previous boyfriends would attest to, I’m incapable of love.

But there’s something about Jay that makes me feel fizzy. I’d break every rule I’ve ever made for myself for Jay.

My mouth goes dry, and my heart is a dull thud between my ears.

Jay is everything I ever wanted in a man. He’s sweet, and funny, and he’s the kind of solid that rivals the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jay isn’t just a rock of strength. He’s an entire mountain.

My mountain.

The wedding march starts up, and all heads swivel in Samantha’s direction. All eyes are on her, but Jay is looking at me, and I’m looking at him.

Something bright and beautiful passes between us. Something very real.

CHAPTER 33

What Are You Thinking, ShortCake?

After spending so much time with Mia, I can usually read her expressions like a book. I know whether she’s had a good day or a bad day without her having to speak a word. Her big, expressive eyes give her away, even if she doesn’t realize it.

But, for the first time, I have no idea what Mia is thinking.

Whatever it is has a hard grasp on her. She’s thinking so hard, she doesn’t hear the officiant’s cue. The rest of the bridal party turns and faces the couple, but Mia’s gaze is locked on me.

I raise a brow, concerned that something’s wrong. Did she eat some bad fish for lunch? Is she still hung over?

She has the funniest look I’ve ever seen on her face. Her eyes are wide, and her cheeks are pink. She looks like she’s seen a ghost.

What are you thinking, ShortCake?

Chelsea bumps her from behind, and Mia turns with a start to face the couple.

I hardly listen as Max and Samantha exchange their vows, promising to love each other forever. I’m thinking hard now, too, wondering what it would be like to have someone in your life worthy of forever. Someone who felt the same way about me as I felt about her. Someone who wasn’t ashamed of me.

The newlyweds kiss to an enthusiastic round of applause, andthe ceremony is over. While Mia and the rest of the bridal party leave to take photos, I’m left on my own. It’s the longest half hour of my life.

I’m trapped in conversations about the weather, Ivy League colleges, and the cost of Samantha’s dress. It’s the worst kind of hell. When I finally make my way to the bar, Anna corners me.

“How long do you give it?” she asks.

I count the heads in front of us and then assess the bartenders, who are moving with lightning speed. “Five minutes at the most.”

She laughs. “Wow. You're even more of a cynic than me. I was gonna say six months at least.”

It takes me a moment to realize she's talking about the length of the marriage, not the wait time for a drink.

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