Page 60 of Caught in Us
“There’s some stuff at your place I’d like back.” She straightens her spine and reaches for the door. “I’ll be by next week.”
Shit. I probably have things here too. “Do you want them now? If you give me a list, I’ll go pack everything up.” I think about the plans we’ve made to move in together. I hate that I’m disappointing her. “I’m sorry, Julia. I really am.”
“No. Stop.” She shakes her head. “Stop trying to make this better. I just want to move on. We both need to.”
“Thank you.” For loving me all these years when I clearly didn’t deserve it. For the steady companionship and abounding acceptance.
“Bye, Chase.” She smiles sadly, stepping back to close the door on me and our relationship. The click of the lock echoes through the night with resounding closure. It’s over. I’m a single man.
My chest expands with possibilities, but it’s bittersweet. This might be the right path, but I wish I didn’t have to hurt such a good person in order to follow my heart. Besides, there are no guarantees. I want Alicia back. I don’t want to waste another day apart. Tomorrow I’ll lay my heart out but there’s a real chance she’ll reject me. If she does, I’ll have to learn to live with it, whether I like it or not.
28
Alicia
The house isabuzz with energy when I wake the next morning. Simon takes Matthew to one of the nearby parks with my brother, Eddie, and promises to bring him back sometime after the reception begins. We both agree a toddler running around the grounds will only add to the pre-wedding chaos, and Matthew will be bored out of his mind for the ceremony. Besides, I like the idea of my son building a closer connection with his uncle.
Caterers have already invaded the kitchen and a giant tent’s being installed on the lawn. Someone is setting up chairs for the ceremony, and a DJ who looks like Bob Ross is hooking up the sound system.
I shower and get ready, taking extra effort to style my hair and apply my makeup. The wedding isn’t until two o’clock, but there’s something I want to do before the guests arrive. I should stop in and see my dad, but the morning gets away from me. I’m in a good headspace, and I just don’t have the mental strength to visit him before the wedding. I’ll make time tomorrow or even tonight after the wedding.
After I slide on my dress, a simple A-line gown in deep plum, I give myself a long look in the mirror before checking the time. Shit. I better hurry.
The ceremony doesn’t start for another hour but there’s a certain someone I’m trying to avoid. Okay, I realize that’s impossible, given his brother is the groom. But at least I can delay the inevitable.
After last night, I dread seeing Chase with Julia. I didn’t expect it to hurt so much to see him with someone else. I didn’t think I’d be so jealous. Maybe I’ll catch a break and she’ll get food poisoning. Is that immature of me to hope for? Yes. At least I own it.
Opening a dresser drawer, I shuffle through the items I never shipped to London. I find what I’m looking for and head downstairs and across the lawn to the small guest cottage where Jill is getting ready. My mother is nowhere to be found, and I exhale a frustrated breath hoping and praying she’s at least going easy on the alcohol. Maybe she’s too preoccupied with everything happening at the estate to drink. Unlikely, but still I have hope.
“Hey.” I knock on the door, push it open, and step inside. “How’s everything going in here?” My breath catches and my hand goes to my chest. Jill stands in the center of the room, radiant in her wedding gown. “Oh, Jilly.” It’s not at all what I would have expected. The bodice is fitted with a deep V neckline and intricate lace overlay. The skirt flares out with layers of tulle. It’s modern and glamorous, and the prettiest dress I’ve seen. “You’re absolutely stunning.”
Jill exhales, her nude-painted lips smirking with her smile. “I hate that I love this dress so much.”
Callie grins. “Doesn’t she look like a—”
“Don’t say it.” Jill holds up her hand. “Between agreeing to take Cam’s last name and wearing this white dress, I already feel like a feminist sellout.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” I shake my head. “All that tulle makes it the perfect gown for smashing the patriarchy.”
Jill shoots me a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
“Speaking of antiquated traditions.” I step forward, squeezing the small jewelry box in my hands. “I wasn’t sure if you had something borrowed, or blue, and I know you don’t believe in all these old superstitions, but in case you want to make the exception . . .” I inhale a rush of breath and hold out the box. “These have been in my family for generations.”
Jill opens the box. “Oh, Alicia.”
It’s then I notice she’s already wearing a set of earrings with a matching necklace. “But I’m sure you’ve already had your jewelry planned for months. Please don’t feel like you have to wear them. It was silly of me to think—”
“Stop.” Jill rests her hand on my forearm. “These are beautiful and I would be honored to wear them today.” She blinks rapidly. “Fuck. You’re gonna make me cry.”
“Now, now, none of that,” I tease, holding back my own tears.
“Here.” Callie steps behind Jill to unfasten the chain of the neckless she’s wearing. She exchanges that for my family’s sapphire piece while Jill removes her earrings.
I hand her the new pair and step back to admire her again.
“Beautiful,” Callie whispers.
Jill reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. “Thank you. And thank you for all this.” She motions toward the bay window where the lawn has been transformed to the perfect wedding venue. As if it were always planned and not rushed in less than a week.
