Page 181 of Bridesmaid for Hire
I sigh. “Please, Hardy.”
“I’m sorry, I’m just…I’m confused. I don’t understand what’s going on. If it’s because he drank too much last night, that wasn’t his fault.”
“I don’t need you defending him. I appreciate your concern, but it’s—”
“He checked out this afternoon. Left the island.”
That gives me pause as we reach the photographer, who is already gathering Haisley and Jude up for one of their first pictures as a couple.
“You didn’t know, did you?” he asks as he guides me off to the side. “I asked about for a room for you, and they told me that he checked out, but the night was covered if you wanted to return to the bungalow tonight. When I inquired if he left the island, they said he took the boat to the airport.”
Wow…okay, so he did what I asked.
I should be happy about that.
Thrilled.
Pleased that I don’t have to run into his handsome face as I try to navigate the resort. Or heaven forbid, be on the same flight home.
Nope, he’s gone.
Just…gone.
He didn’t even fight for me. What a fucking coward.He took what he wanted and fled. What a man.
“From the defeat in your shoulders, I’m guessing that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
I lift my chin and attempt to look composed and unbothered as I say, “Actually, it’s what I was hoping for.”
“Maggie, come on,” Hardy says. “Be real—”
“If we could get the bridal party over here for some pictures, I’d appreciate it,” the photographer shouts.
“Just drop it, Hardy,” I say and then put on a happy face, because if anything, I’m professional and I’ll be damned if I let anything or anyone get in the way of that.
“Where’s Brody?” Haisley asks, coming up to me after she’s made her way around the reception room, greeting everyone.
And what a task that was. The reception room that opens up to the lagoon is large enough for what seems could be a five-hundred-person wedding. Almost at one with the surrounding nature, the ceiling is thatched, native trees surround the outer rim while strung up bulb lights provide the ambience for the evening. It’s a beautiful, simple space, not too fancy—just perfect for Jude and Haisley.
“Oh, he wasn’t feeling good, so he went back to bungalow to rest up,” I say, letting the lie slip so easily off my lips. I prepared the lie because I knew she was going to ask. She’s been so thoughtful and kind this entire week, always including us, so of course she’d want to know where Brody is.
“Oh no. Is he okay?”
“He’ll be fine,” I say. “I think he just had too much to sip last night and too much sun earlier today.”
“Well, if he needs us to have the resort staff send anything over to him, we can.”
“That’s really sweet.” I pat her hand. “But you just focus on having the best night ever.” I smile at her, and she smiles back, taking my hand in hers.
“Seriously, Maggie, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You truly filled the missing hole in this wedding, and I’ll forever be grateful. Margie is really grateful too.”
“It was my pleasure, Haisley. This was such a beautiful wedding to witness—I almost feel like I owe you for letting me be a part of it.”
“How about this, when I get back from my honeymoon, we meet up for lunch? Because now that I’ve spent a week with you, I don’t want this friendship to end.”
“Me neither.”
I bring her into a hug, grateful for this woman. And yeah, maybe my intentions started as selfish, but once I got to know Haisley and the beautiful human that she is, I truly wanted to be a part of her special day.
