Page 73 of Diverge

“Yeah, they’re paying for my rent here in an apartment in the city.”

“Wow, that’s crazy. I still can’t believe you get to travel the world and do your job on the go.”

I sigh. “I guess dreams do come true if you work at them every day.” There’s a pause on the line, and I can sense she wants to ask me something, so I tell her anyway. “I saw Nate today.”

“I heard from Riley that he’s in San Fran for his brother’s wedding.”

“Yeah, they’re having it at the Golden Gate Club.”

“Gosh, that’s so fancy. I would love to be there as your plus one if I could... How is Nate?” she asks.

A beat passes before I answer. “I didn’t speak to him.”

“What? Why?”

“I saw him at a café, and when I followed him out, I saw him walking together with a blonde... I assumed it was his partner or wife or whatever. So, I couldn’t bring myself to say hi.”

“I understand...” She trails off for a moment. “Will you go to Noah’s wedding?”

I pause for a moment, debating whether I should or not, then I move my cursor on my laptop and click ‘yes’ in the RSVP section.

“Yes, I will be there. I want to be there to support him on his special day.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Billie

The cab reached thewedding venue in less time than I had anticipated. Paying the driver, I step out of the car and watch the cab drive off. Staring ahead at the venue, I take a long breath in, preparing myself for the night ahead. The venue is beautiful. Large trees surround the white building, floor-to-ceiling windows providing a clear view into the reception. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the ceremony as I had a meeting with Francesca, but here I am standing outside the reception venue, and I can’t bring my feet to move. I’m nervous. My palms sweat as I stare down the building. I’m sure he knows that I’ll be here. I mean, it’s his brother’s wedding after all.

Gathering all my courage, I take a step towards the venue and head into the reception. The reception is beautiful. Flowers adorn every table with perfectly placed crockery and glassware. Finding my name card, I take my seat at the table and pour myself a drink. Others mingle about their tables and around the bar.

My eyes scan the room, looking for the one person I know I will see eventually, but he’s not here. A little disappointment bubbles to the surface. People start filtering in through the doors. A few more take their seats at my table, and I smile politely. I don’t know any of these people. A few minutes pass, and then it happens, the moment I had been waiting for.

Nate appears in a black tux, striding through the doors. I hold my breath as I take him in from across the room. He’s possibly the most handsome person I have ever seen. I chew on my bottom lip as I nervously take a sip of my drink, waiting for him to notice me.

Then it happens, his eyes lock onto mine, and he smiles. My heart pounds inside my chest as I smile back. There are so many things being said without having to say them. I’m about to get up and walk over to him when he tips his head forward and nods to me in acknowledgement.

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