Page 15 of Without a Hitch
Climbing back onto the chair that now has its back propped up against the door of the armoire, I gingerly step onto the backrest. When I know it will hold me, I push off and hook my arms on the dusty top. “Well, you’re right about one thing, Olivia. There is about four inches of dust up here. But, huh? Looky here.” Pressing onto my tiptoes, I lean forward and hook my finger around the heel of Melinda’s shoe.
“Huh,” Jenna scoffs. “Iwonderhow that ended up there?” Her tone drips with sarcasm as everyone in the room turns to Olivia.
“Who knows? If Melinda could take care of her shit, she wouldn’t keep losing things. Would you, Lindy?” Even I know she’s referring to Jacob.
I hop down from the chair and accidentally lose my balance, making sure to catch her drink with my arm on the way down.
“Oopsies,” I singsong as I plow into Olivia, knocking her drink all down the front of her.
“Hey! You idiot. What the hell is wrong with you? Look what you did to my dress!”
“Gosh. I’m so sorry. I was up much higher than I thought. I never in a million years would have thought I’d run into you when I jumped down.” I flash my bestaw-shucksexpression.
“What am I supposed to do now?” she wails. “I didn’t bring another dress, and we have to be downstairs in an hour.”
“Oh, geez. You know what?” Jenna makes a cutthroat motion behind Olivia, and I give her the most serene smile. “I saw a strip mall about five miles away. Surely you can find something there. But”—I check my watch dramatically—“you’d better hurry. I’ve heard Daddy doesn’t like you girls to be late.”
Melinda chokes on her mimosa, and I keep my plastic smile in place.
“Jenna. Give me one of your dresses.”
Jenna’s face turns beet red. “I don’t have an extra. Sorry. As the bride, I need to keep my backups. You know, just in case someone acts up.”
“Ugh. You’re all assholes.” Olivia slams her empty glass down and storms out of the suite.
When the door clicks shut behind her, I’m tackle-hugged from all sides.
“I knew you’d be amazing,” Jenna cries. “Now, let’s get ready for this party! I’m getting married, biatches!”
Quietly, I slip back into my shoes as they all down a shocking amount of champagne. Crap. Now I’m going to be babysitting more than just Oliva.
Twenty thousand dollars, Till. Twenty grand. Glancing around at the women before me, I know I will earn every cent.
* * *
The rehearsal dinnerhas been blessedly uneventful. Olivia showed up a half-hour late, so she was seated in the back of the room. She also seemed to have gotten an earful from her stepfather. She’s barely moved from her seat, but that doesn’t stop her from glaring at every bridesmaid at the head table.
Luckily, my knack for blending in has allowed me to go mostly unnoticed by Jenna’s guests. From my post next to Melinda, I’m able to scan the crowd, thankful I haven’t laid eyes on Jacob. Until I do. Yuck. He even looks like a weasel. He skirts the back of the room, partially hidden in shadows.
What the hell is his deal? Leaning over Melinda, I tap Jenna’s shoulder. “Hey. Psst. Jenna?” She turns to me with a worried expression. “How do you feel about a toast that may embarrass a certain cheating ex?” When I nod toward the back of the room, her expression goes from worried to furious.
“I think it will piss off my father and thrill my stepdad. Go for it, Abby. Also, you’re officially my hero.”
Leaning back, I search Melinda’s eyes.
She shakes her head with a forced smile in place. “You don’t need my permission. Every single person here was witness to my humiliation. I have nothing left to hide.”
Gah! My heart nearly explodes from the pain I see in her eyes.
I squeeze Melinda’s arm and stand slowly because my knees are knocking together so hard that I’m afraid I’ll keel over. What am I doing? This isn’t me. I’m the shy one. The one built to blend in.Just think of the money, Tilly.I lift my spoon to the glass in my hand with trembling fingers and tap it three times. Then three more until the guests settle into a hushed silence. Every eye is on me, and I pray I don’t pass out.
Clearing my throat, I focus on my fingers until I’m able to find my words.
“Hi, everyone. Most of you don’t know me. I’m Abby, Jenna’s friend, but I guess you already know that.” An awkward half-giggle escapes, and I panic. Melinda takes pity on me and encourages me to continue with a gentle nudge. “Um, I’m so happy to be here celebrating the love that she and Tyler share. It’s rare to see a love like theirs, and I’m so lucky to have a friend like Jenna.” My gaze darts around the room, making sure Jacob stays in my sights, and I feel my confidence grow when the weasel stands tall like he’s proud to be here. Asshole.
“She brought me into her world and never once made me feel like an outsider. Over time, I’ve gotten to experience the bond she has with her sister, Lindy, and I quickly realized that Jenna loves with her whole heart. She loves her friends like she loves her sister, which is something special.
“There have been a few frogs in her journey to find Tyler. Luckily, they weren’t like some of the snakes out there. Just ask Lindy. She sure dodged a bullet with Jacob. Was that his name?” I glance over at Melinda and see a huge smile as she nods. “Gah. What a nightmare that would have been. Luckily, Jenna doesn’t have to worry about Tyler cheating onher.” I lean forward so Tyler can see me and give him the hand gesture forI’m watching youwith my fingers. Everyone laughs.
