His trip was supposed to be simple: some hiking, beers, and hanging out with his guys.
I even packed her favorite snacks for the trip.
Three days before her departure, I ran into Dylan, one of her wedding godfathers, while I was shopping at the mall.
"Hi, Tessa!" she greeted me cheerfully. "Congratulations on being so good throughout the entire closing trip!"
“Closing trip?” I repeated.
She chuckled. "Yeah, so a vacation with your ex right before the wedding? What a move!"
My girlfriend would go crazy, but I congratulate you for taking it easy.”
My heart sank, but I managed a smile. I had no idea what she was talking about.
"Oh, right," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Jared is a big advocate of emotional resolution."
Dylan nodded, as if that made perfect sense.
"Although that night flight is a nuisance," I added, looking for something else.
"Good evening?" Dylan frowned. "No, it's 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday. He told me that when he asked me to fill in for him."
I nodded as if I knew.
Of course! I must have made a mistake. I'll put your umbrella in the bag. It's the rainy season in Bali, isn't it?
Now Dylan looked genuinely bewildered. "Bali? I thought you were going to Cancun."
I kept acting until he left. Then I drove home, dazed.
Back in my car, I didn't cry or scream. I made a call.
The next morning, dressed in a white dress and not alone, I entered the airport.
I scanned the crowd and found them: Jared and his ex, Miranda, laughing at the security staff as if nothing was happening.
I took a step forward, my voice sweet and firm: "Jared!"
She turned around and her face went from confusion to fear when she saw me... and the man who was next to me.
"Liam," I said, kissing the cheek of the tall, dark-haired man beside me. "Ready for the trip?"
Jared's jaw dropped. "What's going on? Is this a joke?"
I smiled. "Are you taking a closing vacation before our wedding? Liam and I are thinking of doing the same. You know, to keep things symmetrical."
Continued on the next page
