Page 5 of Give Me a Chance
She’s a fierce and loyal woman who loves fearlessly and protects the ones she loves. Witty and intelligent; people are crazy about her stories. She’s the best aunt Eric, Rina’s son, could ever ask for. Although, they’re not related by blood. She’s unapologetic and honest about who she is—well aware of her worth.
Ok, all of it is good, but none of it is good forme. Or my little crush that I continue to suppress with animosity.
And here we are—best man and maid of honor at the engagement party of two amazing people who found themselves again, after eleven years apart. Their story is what makes my romantic heart beat, even with all the failed dates and situationships over the years.
It didn’t come as a surprise we’re best man and maid of honor. Natalie was an easy choice for Rina. They have been best friends for over six years. When Rina got pregnant, Natalie gave her a room in her apartment. Ever since, the two have been inseparable, and when Eric was born they became found family.
My relationship with Connor wasn’t so straightforward. We were best friends in high school, when he and Rina first got together. We stayed in touch after he went to college and the two of them broke up. When he went pro, it was harder to keep up, but we still messaged occasionally. After his injury, he wentno contact with me and, as I later found out, with everyone else in his life. But I didn’t let him be. I pestered and messaged him until he backed down, and as he slowly rebuilt his life, I’ve been by his side.
In a month, he’s getting married. For ten years, marriage and kids weren’t on his radar, and he found (or found again) the love of his life. I, on the other hand, have seventeen unsuccessful first dates this year and a job I’ve begun to hate. It’s not a bad gig, but I feel like I’m wasting my life away. Spending ten hours a day at the office is probably someone’s dream, but not mine. I feel best while coaching hockey to youngsters.
The small engagement party is in their backyard. They transformed it into a party place with a big white canopy tent, decorated with string lights and wildflowers. The decoration is minimal and, I think the right word is, boho style.
Natalie, as per usual, is the life of the party making everyone fawn over her. It always hurts to look at her, but dressed like this, in a bright pink wrap dress that hugs her curves, it’s almost unbearable.
“A tonic, please,” she tells the bartender with a sexy smile, and he’s ready to drop at her feet. I roll my eyes, but she ignores me, getting back on the dance floor. Rina and Connor are dancing together, a vision of love and happiness. I want that. I want to feel it with someone.
My tie suddenly feels tight around my neck, so I decide to catch some air. Or alone time.
I make my way to the front of the house and sit on their front porch, a cold IPA in my hand. I’m truly happy for them, but moments like this show me how far away I am from my goals.
The beer slides down my throat easily, cooling me down. It’s chilly outside this late in the evening, but the restlessness inside warms me. Not long after, I hear the front door opening.
“Oh, it’s you.” Her tone is disappointed, like always when it comes to me. But I’m tired of fighting. I’m tired of holding this grudge.
“Yup,” I pop thep. “Don’t sound so delighted.”
“You know what I mean.” She waves me off.
“Aren’t you tired of this?” I point between the two of us. “It was one night almost a year ago. Can’t we get over it and start acting normal?”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Ourrelationship,” her face scrunches in disgust, “has nothing to do with thatone, forgettable night. But don’t expect me to act as one of your fangirls just because we’re hanging out in the same circles. I simply don’t like you.” Her words sting, but if there is one thing our night together wasn’t, it’s forgettable.
“It’s not like I’m your biggest fan either,” I mutter.
“Good. We’re acting accordingly, then.”
I sigh loudly, running my hand through my hair.
“Look.” I turn around to face her. “We’re both in the wedding party.” The whole wedding will be close quarters since it will take place on a yacht. “We’ll have to coexist and cooperate. How about we form a truce? It doesn’t have to be for us, but for Rina and Connor.” She narrows her eyes. “At least until the wedding’s over, and we’re back home.”
A long pause stretches, and I practically feel her calculating her options inside that complicated head of hers.
“Fine. But only for Rina and Connor.” She answers on a sigh. I should feel elated, but I’m aware she’s only doing this for her best friend.
Sitting down next to me, she grabs my beer and takes a long sip of it.
“You’re welcome,” I poke and she punches my shoulder. “Hey, I thought we just made a truce.”
“I’ll need an adjustment period.” She glares at me before her eyes crinkle with laughter, the sound so unexpected, soothing part of the unease within me.
Taking another sip, she gives me the bottle back and heads inside. I finish the bottle and follow her in. The house is silent, with most of the guests in the backyard.
A couple of months ago, they added on a huge chunk of living space, making room for a big open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen and added an office space. I’m sure regular people would still be up to their ears in sawdust, but Connor has enough money to speed things along.
Rina stands with Connor’s hand around her shoulders, next to the bar on the left side of the tent. They are talking to Anne and Noah as Natalie approaches them, and I follow in the same direction.
“Great, now that we’re all here. Let’s talk bachelorette and bachelor parties!” Natalie is the group initiator, as usual.
