Page 31 of Savage

“You gotta promise not to get mad.”

“Just tell me.”

“Michael’s wife went into labor last night, so he’s not going to be able to go to the conference tomorrow.”

“Okay. How is that bad news?”

“I have to go in his place.” There was a long pause before he added, “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it to the wedding.”

“What?” I sat up and immediately regretted it when my head started throbbing. With a dramatic groan, I fell right back on my pillow and whined, “I can't believe you're going to bail on me like this.”

“I’m not bailing, Londyn. I’ve gotta work,” Jackson defended himself.

“But you promised me you’d go with me.” I felt bad for giving him a hard time, but I really didn’t want to go to Skylar’s wedding alone. “Can’t you do something?”

“I wish there was, but I’ve got no choice here. I’ve gotta go.” I could hear the sincerity in his voice as he said, “You have to know that I’d never intentionally disappoint you, but this is a career opportunity that I can’t pass up,” Jackson explained.

“I know... I know.” I was disappointed that Jackson couldn’t come, but it wasn’t the end of the world. I’d had a good time with Skylar and the girls. I had no reason to think the wedding wouldn’t be more of the same. “And I understand. I really do.”

“I’ll make it up to you,” Jackson assured me.

“No need. It’s really not a big deal,” I mumbled. “I’ll tag along with my parents and try to slip out early.”

“And if he’s there?”

“Then, he’s there. I’ll figure it out.”

“Or you could try talking to the guy.”

“Maybe. We’ll just have to wait and see how the night plays out.”

“Okay, but you better keep me posted. I don’t want to spend the whole weekend worrying about how you’re doing.”

“You know I will.”

We said our goodbyes, and I immediately rolled over and closed my eyes with a groan, trying my best to ignore the knot in my stomach. Like she could read my mind, my mother walked in with a glass of iced tea and a bottle of Tylenol. “I thought you might need a couple of these.”

“Oh, you are a lifesaver.” I sat up in bed and took the Tylenol from her hand. “I’m too old for this.”

“Oh, hush.” She sat my tea down on the bedside table. “You’re still plenty young for nights out. You just had one too many.”

“I had more than one too many.” I grabbed my tea and took the Tylenol, then told her, “And I’m going to pay for it for the rest of the day.”

“You just need to sleep it off.” She gave me one of her motherly pats, then started out of the room. “I’ll be back in a bit with some soup and crackers.”

“What about Dalton?”

“He’s with your father.” She stopped and turned to face me with a smile. “They’re off having some guy time. Now, stop worrying and get some rest.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

With that, she walked out of my room and closed the door.

I slept off and on for another couple of hours, then eventually got up and took a long, hot shower—which did wonders for what was left of my hangover. I helped Mom with a little laundry, then we all piled up in the living room and watched one of Dalton’s favorite Disney movies.

The next morning, Mom came into my room and asked if I wanted to go into town with her to do a little shopping. I wasn’t really in the mood. I was still a little tired and feeling a little off from the weekend festivities, but Mom insisted. She wanted to help me find a new outfit for the wedding, so I agreed to tag along. We drove into town and parked in front of a small boutique I’d never been to before. Nestled between a bank and a bookstore, it had a quaint sign hanging above the door that readFranny’s Dress Boutique.I was looking at the clothes in the window as I told Mom, “This place looks cute.”

“Oh, you’re going to love it.” She turned off the engine and slipped her keys into her purse. “She has the best sales.”

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