Charlie
I pushed open the frosted glass door of All About the Bride and Groom and smiled when I spotted Sarah working over a massive table at the back. She had a pencil in her hand and was studying some sketches while her hips wiggled in time with “We Belong” by Sheppard.
I grinned. The song made me think of Nix.
Hell, everything was making me think of Nix, which was why I’d jumped when Sarah called me asking if I could come in for a chat. She and Justin had some more work lined up for me and I was happy to take it. I needed the distraction.
I glanced at the wall and smiled at one of the framed wedding photos I’d taken last spring. It was a favorite of mine—windswept veil, the groom brushing a lock of hair off the bride’s face, dusky blue sky backdrop. The light had been frickin’ amazing that day. The setting sun turned everything to golden magic, creating a spotlight on the couple.
It was an honor to have so much of my work featured in the front reception area. Man, Justin and Sarah had done well. It had taken them a few years, but they finally saved up enough to lease a bigger place so they didn’t have to run their business from home anymore. The two of them worked like dogs, but they both loved what they did and were so happy hanging out together that they didn’t seem to mind.
It reminded me of my relationship with Nixon, and I was yet again struck by how right we were for each other. Sheppard backed me up by singing, “We belong together…”
I hummed along as I made my way into the back of the store.
I wasn’t sure how long Nixon would take to break up with his girlfriend, but I wasn’t above admitting that I’d be waiting by the phone for him.
Shit. I jerked to a stop.
I hadn’t given him my number.
I grimaced until I realized that he knew where I lived and if he felt the same way I did, he’d be careening around to my door the second he broke up with Shayna.
It felt kind of weird thinking that. Like poor Shayna was being hurt so we could find our happiness.
But we’d been living without for years. It was our turn.
Right?
I pressed my hands to my stomach, trying to squash my doubts. The idea that he still might not go through with it wouldn’t leave me alone.
My biggest hope was that she was just a casual girlfriend. He had said that it could get serious, not that it actually was.
I was so relieved I didn’t have anyone to end things with. I’d been a free spirit…for a very good reason. My spirit—my heart—belonged to Nixon, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else ever claiming it. And no one else would because soon enough, Nixon would be mine again.
Dumping my bag on a free chair, I turned to find Justin making coffees.
“Hey, Charlie. How are ya?” Not even a stutter; the guy was obviously relaxed today.
“Great.” I smiled and realized that I actually was great. For the first time in a long time, I was excited about the future again. Plans buzzed inside of me. Dreams unfurled again as I imagined what I’d say to Nixon when he came knocking on my door.
“So how was your trip back?” Sarah grinned at me and then kissed Justin’s cheek when he passed her a coffee.
He pointed at me. “D-do you want one?”
“No, I’m good.” I brushed a hand through the air and slid my hands into my pockets. “Trip was good. I love traveling across this country. We had a blast. Better than waiting in a snowy airport anyway.”
“Absolutely!” Sarah’s bright eyes danced. “I love how spontaneous you are.” Her new cut bangs rustled as she shook her head, then sipped her coffee.
“So, did you guys like the pictures I sent?”
“Love them.” Sarah beckoned me toward her work space. “Justin’s already played around on Photoshop. Check these out.”
I stood next to her and leaned in to peruse Justin’s handiwork. He’d superimposed the couple into my settings to help inspire Sarah’s dress designs.
“Wow,” I laughed. “That looks cool.” I slid some pages around and unearthed a few of Sarah’s sketches. “Has the future bride seen these yet?”
“No, she’s coming in tomorrow. But I’m hoping she’ll go for this sleek one.”
“I love that.” Man, she was good. Not only did the couple plan weddings, but Sarah designed and made the dresses too. She was a freaking genius. “That dress will look so amazing in photos. And that setting. With that light.” My voice rose with enthusiasm the more I soaked in the concept. “We could put a cross processing filter on some of these too. Check it.” I slid the pictures around and pointed out the colors that would come to life with a little manipulation. It’d give the couple a series of edgy shots that would look like they came straight out of a fashion magazine.
“They’re going to go crazy over these. I can’t wait to show them.” Sarah did her happy dance, making Justin chuckle and gaze at her with an adoration that only he could.
He was such a romantic sap.
I laughed at him and shook my head.
He grinned. “We’ve convinced them to go for that Italian place you checked out for us. It’ll be perfect for what they want.”
“Will the ceremony be there too?”
“No, they want Central Park, so we’re w-working out logistics to make that happen.”
“Thankfully it’s a really small, intimate wedding, so at least we’re not dealing with huge numbers.” Sarah blew out a breath, making her bangs dance up.
“They must love you guys. Turning their crazy dreams into reality.”
“Yeah, well we love doing it, so…” Sarah shrugged.
“I’ve already booked you in for those dates, right?” Justin caught my attention and I headed over to his work space. He was pulling up Calendar on his computer.
I grabbed my phone and checked it. “Yup, I’ve got that locked in for late May already.”
“Great. And we have a new job that just came in. It’ll be for June, although we need to confirm exact dates.”
“Okay.” I tapped my phone screen, making a note to be available in June.
The door opened at the front of the store and I stepped aside so Sarah could brush past me and greet her clients.
“Hello.” Her voice was so bright and cute when she was trying to impress.
“Hi. It’s nice to finally meet you.” The bride had a strong, confident voice.
“I know.” Sarah laughed. “We’ve spoken so much on the phone this week. It’s nice to put a face to your lovely voice.”
“Aw, thank you. We’re so excited to be here.”
I peered around the corner to get a glimpse of the couple.
And the ground beneath my feet suddenly turned into a gaping chasm that wanted to swallow me whole.
The woman with the strong, confident voice was standing next to Nixon.
My Nixon.
Holding his hand, squeezing his arm and staring lovingly into his eyes.
He grinned down at her and she leaned up to kiss him.
He didn’t pull away or do that awkward laugh of his—the one where you couldn’t figure out if he was clearing his throat or snickering.
No, he just stood there and let her lips press against his.
Sarah made an “aww” sound that made bile surge up my throat.
I swallowed the burning sensation, willing my riotous stomach to calm the hell down.
“Well, why don’t you two come through and we can get to work on planning your wedding. Your timing’s perfect actually, because the photographer I want for you has just popped in.” Sarah glanced over her shoulder, searching for me. I quickly stepped out of sight, nearly knocking Justin off his feet.
“Whoa, are you okay?” He steadied us both against the counter, gently rubbing my lower back.
“Yeah.” I nodded, stepping out of his reach.
It was a total lie.
I wasn’t anything near okay.
My heart was in pieces on the floor, and there’d be no king’s horses or men to come and put the pieces back together.
Because Nixon, my Nixon, didn’t just have a casual girlfriend…
He had a fiancée.
One he obviously had no intention of dumping because he was standing in a frickin’ wedding planner’s store ready to get to work!