Page 19 of Kiss the Bride

I drive us to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair—the sandstone ledge with the best view money can’t buy of Sydney Harbour. When she takes off her crazy high shoes, I don’t ask before sweeping her into my arms and carry her over the grass, before setting her down gently in our spot. We used to come here every New Year’s Day, and I hope the scenery and memories will remind Liv that today is only a drop in her ocean.

While I wait for her to react—to tell me to drop her off at her mother’s or to go back and burn down the home she shared with Mitch—the fragments of an idea takes hold. A quick search online and it’s logistically possible.

But what does Liv want or need? I know my girl better than I know myself; she needs space to grieve and heal in peace.

If she agrees, this will be a chance to get away, to sort out her thoughts and feelings before facing the hundreds of people whose messages are filling my phone. Apparently, Mitch is bad-mouthing me to all our friends, trying to pin his screwing around on me.Really? Asshole doesn’t have a depth for how low he’s willing to sink. I can’t even count the number of threads from friends who are demanding answers. Most want to send Liv their love and concern. But of all my friends, only one deserves an immediate answer.

Pete: How is she?

Hunter: How are you?

Pete: I want to kill him

Hunter: Stand in line. She’s a mess

Pete: Did you know?

Pete: Scratch that. No way he’d still have his balls if you knew

Pete: Found out Lina dumped me because he said the fucking L word

Pete: But he was still gonna marry Olivia

Pete: Fucking douchebag

Hunter: Hang in there

Pete: Sorry. Easier texting than talking. Caleb and Josh are trying to take me out with the bridesmaids. Get smashed and get over it. Wanna join us?

Hunter: Sticking with Livia. She’s a mess. I’ll suggest it but probs no

Pete: Tell her

Pete: Tell her I’m sorry. Suppose you won’t let me revenge fuck her?

Bastard. Looking for a reaction.

Hunter: Got the guts to ask me in person?

Pete: Do you have the guts to tell her why you’ve been single since you got back to town?

Pete: When was the last time you had a steady girl?

Pete: When was the last time you fucked a girl without wishing she was Olivia?

Pete: Give her my love. And if I see Mitch, I’ll send her pictures of his redesigned face.

Hunter: As long as he realizes you’re the appetizer. I’m the main event.

I ignore all the other messages. Her parents and friends know Liv is with me, and hopefully, enough people trust me to look out for her so they can enjoy the night and get a good night’s sleep.

But will we?

“Liv, trust me?”

The first time had been a statement, but since sitting here as the sun dips behind the mountains, I realize that too many decisions have been taken out of her hands today. This has to be hers.

“What.” A statement, not a question or an answer.

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