Page 187 of Bridesmaid By Chance
SLOANE
“How was dance class?” my driver, Harold, asks.
“Great, thank you,” I say as I stare out the window.
“Would you like me to take you anywhere?”
“Just the hotel,” I say while I cross one leg over the other.
“Mr. Hopper told me to take you wherever you wanted.” He looks at me in the rearview mirror. “I can show you around.”
I shake my head. “No, I have work to do. We can go back to the hotel. Thank you.”
“As you wish,” he says and puts the car in drive.
Dance class was actually boring and not fun at all. I wound up having to dance with Mary Beth, who couldn’t be any drier. It was like dancing with a decade-old saltine. There was no humor, no laughter, and she was stiff as a board. Was she playing the part? Of course, but still, it was so much more fun with Hudson, especially when he forgot to bow before the dance started.
Today was just blah.
My phone beeps in my hand and hope surges through me as I pull it out of my purse in the hopes of hearing from Hudson, but when I see that it’s from Sheridan, all that hope tumbles to the ground.
Not sure why I thought he might text me after the way he left, but I guess despite trying to act like him leaving didn’t bother me, it bothers me immensely.
Tremendously.
He made me feel like nothing.
Like I didn’t matter.
Like I was just a piece in his game.
And maybe I am.
Maybe I am a tool, and I was too stupid to realize it.
But why didn’t it feel like I was utilitarian? Why did it feel like something so much deeper was developing between us? Why did it feel like he was ripping my heart out and taking it with him?
Then again, I should have known I never would have been more to him than just business.
Nothing like a good wake-up call to remind me where I stand.
I open the text from Sheridan and read it.
Sheridan: Hey, wanted to confirm the dress fitting tomorrow. Does that still work for you?
Feeling dead inside, I text her back.
Sloane: Yup, that works. I’ll see you there.
Sheridan: Thank you! I appreciate you so much.
Well, at least someone appreciates me.
I set my phone down and stare out the window, my eyes not really focusing on anything as my mind flashes through this morning and the detached look in Hudson’s eyes.
There is no doubt in my mind that if I didn’t wake up, he would have left without saying bye. And what a shitty thing to do.
Awful actually.
