Page 46 of Love Over Easy

“You were wrong to make her choose. By doing that, you rejected her and her accomplishments. She’s excelled at the sport. That means something to her. I’ve heard it takes months to train for a fight and she’s only had weeks. She needs your support now more than ever. Instead, she’s probably just as miserable as you’ve been and feeling abandoned by the man she’s come to care for. You’ve told her you only want her if she’s someone other than who she has been for these past years.”

The more Bode talks, the louder I hear the door slamming closed on any chance I may have with Shy. “I never looked at it that way and now I’m ashamed of myself even more.”

Bode wasn’t finished turning the knife. “Just because you aren’t there doesn’t mean Shyanne won’t get hurt. Let me ask you…what are you gonna do if something does happen and she’s injured? She has to go to the hospital, maybe even to surgery. And what if she doesn’t make it?”

The blood pumping through my veins turns to ice. To never hold her in my arms or kiss her lips again? I couldn’t bear it. “Stop, Bode. I can’t have that in my head.”

Bode pushes once more. “But what if it did happen? Would you hurt any less if you’re not there to hold her hand and be by her side when she needs you most?”

The pain in my chest is real. Bode is right. How could I have fucked up so bad? Standing on principle isn’t important. Shy is and I’ve let her down.

Bode gives me a pointed stare. “What are you going to do about it?”

That’s a very good question. “I don’t know. Nothing until after my best friend marries the love of his life. And then, I’m going to have the fight of my life.”

* * *

“Friends, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Kimberly and Bode in holy matrimony…”

I’ve been to a few weddings, but I can’t believe, as I stand beside Bode and watch him join his life to Kimberly’s, that there has ever been a more beautiful or meaningful ceremony. Chicken included. Henrietta, with a satin bow tied around her neck and two platinum rings tinkling as she strutted, followed Kimberly and her dad down the aisle and took roost in the white satin covered box Bode made for her.

Just as Bode expected, Kimberly was overjoyed and touched that he had picked up on her stress and surprised her with the wedding of her dreams.

The pastor continues, “If there is anyone present who has cause to believe that this couple should not…”

I don’t think that would have worked with a lot of brides, but for Kimberly, it was exactly what she needed. There had to be a record number of happy tears cried before the wedding.

“And do you, Kimberly Elizabeth Westmoreland, take Broderick Winston Murphy to be your…”

Kimberly answers in a strong, clear voice and with a loving smile. Her dress is unusual for a wedding gown, but it has meaning to her because of the love story behind it. As old as it appears, I hope it holds together through the wedding and festivities.

“As Kimberly and Bode have spoken their vows to each other, I would like to remind them in Corinthians it says, ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.’”

Those words make me think about Shy and how many of those promises I’ve already failed at with her. Love never fails. I won’t fail Shy a second time. If I’m lucky enough to get another chance with her.

By the time the minister announces they may kiss, I’ve already started planning. Planning my way back into Shy’s life and proving my love to her.

* * *

“Are you sure these are the right seats?” Brandy asks as we shuffle to the middle of the aisle in the nosebleed section of the arena.

“Yes. These were the best seats available,” I reply, wishing this group would hurry.

Even this far away, the tickets were still astronomically expensive. I don’t care as long as I’m here.

“Does anyone want some popcorn?” Melissa asks. A chorus of wants rises around me.

I’m going crazy and they are only concerned about their stomachs? “Guys! Come on, we’re here for the match, not to snack.”

Brandy rolls her eyes. “Geeze, somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“I told him he should have called Shyanne. She could have gotten us better seats,” Suzie says and Melissa agrees.

The cage looks like a speck from up here. “I’ve been trying to call her for weeks, but her father wouldn’t let me talk to her. And her phone is never on or she’s blocked me.” I really hope it’s not that.

Kimberly’s phone rings and she punches her elbow into my ribs as she digs in the biggest handbag I’ve ever seen.

“Hi, Lili!” she squeals and I frown. This isn’t the time for chitchat.

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