She shakes her head. “My sister can be reactive at times. That’s why she left. She felt some way, and instead of confronting those feelings, she ran. Unfortunately, she’s been that way our entire life. No, you are going to have to be the one to admit your feelings first. Otherwise, she will hide.”
“Nessa, what if she wants Barrett back? I caught them talking yesterday morning, then she hugged him yesterday afternoon. She seemed okay with me after that, but what if he wormed his way back in?” I verbalize my own worries.
“I don’t think she would ever take him back. He cheated. There is no trust there anymore. However, if for some reason she does, I’ll kick her ass. She deserves better. She deserves you.” She offers me a small smile.
“She probably thinks I cheated too. I should have never turned on my phone this morning.” I shake my head.
“Stop beating yourself up, man. It’s all going to work out. Nessa here has insider information. We are going to get your girl back.” Grant pats me on the shoulder.
“Wait, so you knew this whole time how he felt about my sister?” Nessa pops her hip, resting her hand on it.
“Babe, it’s bro code. Of course I knew he had a thing for her, but it wasn’t my business to tell.” Grant tries to ease his blunder.
“No secrets, Grant. Even with your bros. Do you hear me, Dominic?” She points at me. “If you tell him something, it’s like telling me because we are going to be married. There are no secrets between us.”
I hold my hands up. “I got it. I don’t know why it matters though.”
She gives me a wicked smile. “Because we could have won my sister over long before now. Before she even had to deal with Barrett. Now what grand gesture are you going to do to get her back?”
“Grand gesture?” I look at Grant, but he looks confused too.
“Of course. How do you feel about Speedos?”
26
WEDDING
It’s beenthree days since I’ve seen or heard from Dominic. I thought that’s what I wanted, but the longer that passed, the more it hurts.
If this is what love actually feels like, then I’m grateful I’ve never truly felt it before.
I arrived last night, but thankfully I was able to avoid everyone.
This morning, I don’t have such luck.
Nessa: My room in ten minutes. You’re my maid of honor, so you will be here to get ready with us. No excuses.
I wasn’t planning to give her any excuses. I’m just afraid to run into Dominic. As soon as I got home, I realized I had made a mistake. I shouldn’t have run out of there the way I did, but how can you take something like that back?
I figured he might call, but he didn’t. I’m too chickenshit to call him. What if he realized I am a legit crazy person and wants nothing to do with me?
I’d rather not know. At least right now, I can pretend he’s still pining for me.
Putting on my robe, I head the several doors down to her room. When I knock, she opens it right away.
“Finally. What took you so long? Get your ass in here. We are getting pictures taken.”
“Hello to you too, Nessa. My drive was fine. I arrived late last night and slept well. How are you?” My sarcastic tone only makes her laugh.
“Hey, Katie. How are you?” Abby asks as I settle into the chair next to her.
I give her a small smile. “I’m okay. How about you?”
She shrugs. “Alan is still acting weird. He’s all about talking now. He even suggested we see a couple’s therapist to make sure we are on the same page. What about you and Dominic? You left the ship before us?”
“I couldn’t sleep and really needed to get home. I had some things I needed to get taken care of before I came here,” I tell her honestly.
I was able to get everything all packed up. After dropping some things at my parents’, I headed this way. It’s been an emotional week. The only good thing is I’m finally off my period. Hopefully that means I can keep my hormones in check.
