Graham

“You can’t go in there. It’s bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding,” Lindsey chastises me as she slips out the door of Zoe’s room.

Fuck, a dress?

I need to put a stop to all of this, but I don’t even know where to begin. I can’t believe how on board with this wedding my mother is.

“Ok. Ok,” I grab her arm to pull her away from the door, “Lindsey, I have to tell you something.”

I’m pretty sure it’s shock that freezes her face as I blurt out all my lies, everything Zoe and I have been keeping secret. She looks like she’s watching a train wreck happen right before her eyes. And that’s how I feel about my life right now—it’s one giant train wreck.

“Well, shit,” she says, after I finish telling her everything.

“That’s your best sisterly advice? How do I tell Mom?”

She shakes her head. “I can’t believe you’re so blind.”

I run a hand through my thick hair. “What?”

“She loves you.”

“Who?” Is she talking about Mom?

“Zoe.” She places her hands on her hips, her eyes shooting bullets at me. “And you need to stop being an idiot.”

“No, she’s not. Trust me.” No, Zoe is doing this for a soap deal. And I don’t blame her.

“I know love, and she’s got it. And so, do you.”

“I do not,” I scoff.

Her brow rises, and her hands stay firmly rooted to her hips.

“I’m not in love.” I raise a brow back. “I’m not.” Right? I mean, Zoe is great—really fucking great—and I’d love to date her and all, but...

I don’t long term date. Ever. My life is simple, easy, it’s the making of my own design. And I like things the way I like them. I wouldn’t call me stubborn, but I’m definitely not one to go and fall in love.

Yet, Zoe just fucking does something to me, like makes my heart beat this whole new rhythm. If there was anyone who could get me to hang up my bachelor suit and tie, it would be her. She’d be the one I’d settle down with, but again…

I’m not in love.

Lindsey nudges me. “Are you still sure you’re not in love?”

I scowl at her. “It doesn’t matter.” Because Zoe doesn’t love me.

“You need to just come out and be honest with mom.” She grabs my arm. “But, you need to be honest with yourself first.”

I kiss her cheek. “Thanks.” For whatever that advice meant. Be honest with myself? Sure.

The door opens, and Zoe stands before me looking like a vision in her ivory sweater and jeans.

“Zoe, I’m sorry.” I step inside and Trudy brushes past, leaving the room. Good. “Everyone—“

“Graham,” Zoe cuts me off, “we have to end this.”

“I know,” I whisper.

She looks around at the curious faces assembled. “We’re not really engaged,” she blurts out, and my mouth is drier than. And then she confesses to everything, including being the mall elf. “I’m really sorry about that,” she says to Lindsey.

My mother stands statue still in the center of the room. “I don’t understand. So, you’re not getting married?”

“Mom, I’m sorry,” I say, feeling a pit of sadness forming in the middle of my chest. “I can explain.” I step closer to my mother, trying my best to get control of the situation.

“So, no dress?” the skinny man in a fedora, holding a white gown in his hands, asks.

“Pierre, not now,” my mother snaps. “Explain, Graham.”

Before I can say anything, Zoe rushes past me with her mother in tow.

“Wait, Zoe,” I say, following her out the door. I touch her arm. “I want to see you again.”

She shakes her head. “No, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Why?”

“It’s just too complicated.”

“What’s complicated?” I drop my hand from her arm as she steps further away. My mind can’t process what exactly is going on. I know I just want to see this girl again. A lot.

“Just let me go, please?”

I hate this idea. I hate every word flying out of her mouth. “Is that really what you want?”

“Yes.”

“But…” I slide my hands in my pockets to keep them from holding on to her. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.” She tilts her head up, shoulders back and smiles. “I am.” She quietly removes her ring and slips it in my pocket. And then her and her mother take off.

I want to chase after her, my feet beg me too, but I do the right thing and let her go.