Page 50 of About That One Night
I take one last look around the room, my gazelingering on the rumpled sheets, before I square my shoulders and walk out the door. As I make my way out of the cabana, I try to push all thoughts of Max and our night together to the back of my mind.
Today is about Audrey and her happiness. Everything else can wait.
But even as I walk toward the main hotel, my mind keeps drifting back to Max. The way he looked at me, the way his touch ignited something deep within me. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll feel like that again—ever.
Was it just a one-time thing, a moment of weakness fueled by too much champagne and the romantic atmosphere of the wedding? Obviously, it was a one-time thing. Besides, it wasn’t alcohol-fueled . . . I was pretty aware of what we were doing. It was a mix of loneliness, the romantic view, and the irresistible pull between us.
I shake my head, trying to dispel the thoughts. It doesn’t matter. Max and I come from different worlds. Whatever happened between us last night—spending the night and penetration so many times—it can’t happen again.
As I walk through the lush flora of Fiji and the resort’s beautiful paths, I finally arrive at my destination. Stepping into the lobby, I spot Audrey across the room, looking radiant in her white robe that reads “Bride” in gold letters, as she talks animatedly with her mother.
I start to make my way toward them, but I freeze when I see Max emerge from the hallway. He looks ashandsome as ever, casually dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. Knowing every muscle of his body and those intriguing tattoos makes me blush. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world falls away.
I see a flicker of something in his gaze—whether regret or, longing, I can’t be sure. But then he looks away, and the moment is gone. He strides across the lobby, disappearing into the crowd of guests. A sinking feeling settles in my stomach. I guess it was just a one-night thing, and we’re not supposed to talk about it.
Taking a deep breath, I try to calm the pounding of my heart. I can’t let myself get distracted. Not today. This is Audrey’s big day, and I need to focus on being there for her. Plastering a smile on my face, I hurry over to the bride-to-be, ready to help her with whatever she needs.
As I approach Audrey, I push thoughts of Max to the back of my mind. Today is about celebrating love and new beginnings. Even if my own romantic life is complicated, I’m determined to make this day perfect for my friend.
As I helpAudrey with her hair and makeup, I try to focus on the task at hand. But my mind keeps wandering back to last night, to the feel of Max’s skin against mine, to the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world.
“Zoe, are you okay?” Audrey asks, her voicesnapping me out of my thoughts. “You seem a little distracted.”
I force a smile. “I’m fine, just a little tired. We had a late night. You guys sure know how to throw a good rehearsal dinner.”
Zoe Harper, you’re such a liar. For all you know, the whole thing ended right after you ran off to your cabana and let Max rock your world.
Thankfully, Audrey nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m getting married.”
I squeeze her hand. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride.”
“I knew it, you liar,” Lily says accusatorially. “I see that you tell all the brides the same thing during their wedding day. I thought I was special.”
I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Lil? Leave the dramatics aside.”
“Joking,” she mouths.
“Maybe it’s not us being beautiful brides but you, Zoe,” Audrey says, looking at herself in the mirror and touching the flower crown I just placed on her head. “You’re amazing at this makeup and hair thing. If the legal gig stops working, you can start working as an esthetician.”
“Sure.” I smile and nod. Would I have loved to be a makeup artist? Probably, but my parents would have disowned me if I had done it.
It’s the same reason why Lily couldn’t just be an artist. Well, now she’s a full-time artist. After that life-changing trip, she decided to do what she loves.
If I had the chance, would I stop working for the greediest corporate law firm in Boston? I will soon, but I wouldn’t become a makeup artist. A law firm for low-income people would really make a difference.
“It’s almost time,” someone calls out, snapping me back to reality. I quickly make the last adjustments, including fixing Audrey’s hair.
“Zoe, could you make sure my veil is straight? I think I just messed it up,” Audrey asks, looking at me with wide eyes as if she’s just ruined the perfect day.
“It’s totally fine,” I reassure her, adjusting the veil and smoothing out any wrinkles in her dress. “You look perfect.”
She takes a deep breath. “Thanks, Zoe, for being here and offering to do my makeup and hair after the makeup artist bailed on me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I smile, giving her a reassuring nod. “I’m glad to help.”
As Audrey heads toward the door, I take one last look in the mirror, touching up my own hair and makeup. Today is all about her, and I’m determined to make it perfect, despite the whirlwind of emotions still swirling inside me.
The room buzzes with excitement and nervous energy. As I watch Audrey prepare to take her first steps toward her new life, I can’t help but feel a mix of joy for her and a twinge of something else for myself. But I push those thoughts aside. This is Audrey’s moment. I’ll think about myself later. There’s a plan, I just need to set it all up.
