Page 95 of Another Love, Another Time
I bring myself out of my thoughts, not wanting to leave in a bad mood. I put my finishing touches of makeup on and head towards the front door. On the way out, I grab my jean jacket just in case it gets chilly later. I don’t plan on spending the whole night there, but you never know. Maybe it will be more fun than I expect. How bad can it be?
~~
On my way out the door, my mom texted to see if I could come pick her up. Apparently, she is planning on taking advantage of the open bar. My Aunt Molly hardly ever hosts parties, and it’s even rarer that she pays for things.
As we pull down the street, it seems like everyone else has the same idea to come in early to drink. Aunt Jessica is already here. Logan texted earlier that he will be a little late. I see some people from work, which is strange. I didn’t know that my aunt and uncle knew my coworkers.
Auggie texts me that he is running a little behind. His parents are here. It’s a good thing Aunt Jess and Connie will be here tonight to control my mom, since she has already abandoned me for the open bar.
I spot Mackey and head in his direction. “Hey, stranger,” I greet. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”
“Me neither. I got the invite and noticed it had free food and an open bar, so I said, ‘Why the hell not?’ Besides, a few of the guys got the invite, so I didn’t think much about it.”
“I wouldn’t.” I furrow my brows. “I just thought it was strange that you’re here. I didn’t know you knew my aunt and uncle. Or the others.”
“I don’t know them, but I’m a single guy who doesn’t turn down free food and booze.” He lifts his hand to ask for another drink.
I’m not drinking tonight since Melissa will be here. I need to be in control of my emotions. I haven’t seen her much since I’ve been back, except for the run-in at Auggie’s parents’ house.
I look around to see if Auggie has arrived yet. I pull out my phone to send him a text.
River: Where are you?
I get a safety response saying he’s driving. I decide to call him, but he doesn’t pick up. My phone pings with a text message.
Auggie: Be there in less than five.
Good. I only have a few minutes before he’s here. I decide I’ll get us both drinks. As I’m waiting in line for drinks, I see my aunt get up on the DJ’s makeshift stage. Yes, they got a DJ. She has a microphone like she’s getting ready to make an announcement. What the hell could they be announcing? I look around the party to see if anyone else might know what’s going on.
“Thank you, everybody, for joining us today,” my aunt says. “I know we don’t host a lot of parties, but we wanted to bring everyone together for this special occasion. It’s not every day that your only daughter gets engaged.”
I snort. My first thought is, “Who the hell would marry her?” My second thought is, “Thank God.” Melissa gets up on stage. Maybe she’ll leave Auggie alone now and move out, but with the thought of Auggie, I scan the backyard for him.
I whip my head back when I realize that he’s up on the makeshift stage beside Melissa. I vaguely hear someone ask me for my drink order, but all I can hear is static. Auggie is up on the stage, standing next to Melissa. He looks confused, but then he smiles and turns to look at Melissa. Next, I see her lips on his. I see her hold up her hand to show the massive ring.
I’m frozen in shock. I feel like everything is caving in on me. I hear the cheers and clapping, and I’m snapped out of my state of shock.
“Fuck!” This cannot be happening. He asked Melissa to marry him? Bought her a ring? This must have been what he wanted to talk to me about.
He said he asked her to move out. What the hell? I can’t go through this again.
The bartender tries to get my attention again, but I’m leaving. I can’t stand here and pretend like this isn’t killing me. I thought we were making progress. He said he wanted to be with me, and I believed him.
I know I’ve kept him at a distance, but he’s been staying at my house. Was he playing both of us? And he chose her?
I can’t think straight. I have to get out of here.
I spot Mackey, and he gives me a “what the fuck look.” I just shrug, shake my head, and head to my car. Thank God I have the next couple of days off. I need to get out of here.
Baxter’s still visiting his family for a few more days. I need to get my head straight. None of this makes sense to me.
I know it sounds stupid, but I want Auggie to come after me.
He doesn’t.
By the time I make it to my car, I’m in tears. He chose her again.
I’m hopping on a flight to get away from this. I hate to dump this on Baxter, but I know he will be my voice of reason.
