“Why not? She could probably use a shoulder to cry on.”
We strode in the direction of the figure, and as we neared, I confirmed it was indeed Janelle. Earlier in the day, her hair had been swept up in a sleek chignon, adorned with baby’s breath. Now half of it hung loose around her slender shoulders. She was seated, and her puffy satin dress made it look as if she was floating on clouds. I winced at the thought of her sitting on the dirty ground in that luxurious dress.
“It’s weird that Archie isn’t with her,” I said.
“Yeah. Perhaps he needed to cool off by himself.”
Just as we reached Janelle, she stood unsteadily. “This is the worst day of my life,” she wailed, launching herself into my arms.
“Oh.” I widened my eyes, holding Royce’s surprised gaze over her head. I patted her back as she began to cry. “There, there. It’ll be… fine.”
“Why did Kobe do that? He humiliated me and himself.” Her hiccupping sobs interrupted her words. “Ar… Archie was ready to murder him. How c… could he do something s… so stupid?”
I sighed. “He was inebriated.”
“To put it nicely,” Royce muttered.
“Why aren’t you with Archie?” I asked, trying to extricate myself from her arms. She held on tight though, sniffing against my shoulder. I didn’t want to be used as a human handkerchief, so I patted my pockets and dug out a clean tissue. I pushed it into her hands, and she dabbed at her nose and eyes. “Don’t you think Archie would want to be the one comforting you right now?”
“I couldn’t find him,” she whimpered.
“Really?” I frowned. “I’d have thought he’d seek you out.”
She shook her head, finally letting go of me. “I can’t find him anywhere. So I came out here to get some privacy. He probably ran away. Who could blame him?” Wiping at her puffy eyes, she let out a shaky breath. “I just want a do-over. This day has been a disaster.”
“It’s been rough for sure,” Royce drawled. “But I don’t believe Archie bailed on you. How about we go back and try to find him? Facing challenges together as a couple is what marriage is all about, right?”
“I suppose.” Janelle ran a shaky hand over her messy hair. “I could use a drink. I barely got to eat or drink anything the whole day.”
Royce smiled. “I’m guessing Archie has your limousine stocked with everything you’d desire.”
She gave a weak smile. “I hope so.”
Royce and I led her slowly back toward the restaurant, talking to her quietly and trying to calm her down. I felt like I’d spent much of the day trying to talk Janelle down. I was looking forward to getting back to Royce’s house. I just wanted to change out of my suit, put my feet up, and relax without having to play therapist.
As we neared the group milling around the front of the restaurant, I noticed Angela, coming out of the side door of the building. She’d changed out of her lacy dress and was wearing a black pantsuit now. I found that a bit odd, considering the bride hadn’t even changed yet. Maybe she too had had enough for one day and was making a run for it.
When she saw her daughter, she hurried over. Her cheeks were rosy, and she seemed flustered. “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Janelle.”
“I needed some space,” Janelle said.
“I don’t blame you. After that terrible man made that nasty speech.” Angela sighed. “I don’t know what you ever saw in him.”
Janelle winced. “Kobe isn’t all bad.”
“How can you say that?” Her mother looked horrified. “After how he treated you.”
“He’s apologized a million times. He’s also in therapy.” Janelle looked a little lost. “He’s trying to change.”
I studied Janelle, suspecting there were still feelings there for Kobe. By all rights, she should have been livid with him, but she seemed sympathetic.
Hissing her disapproval, Angela said, “Please tell me you’re not still hung up on that man?”
“I don’t want to talk about it, Mother.” Janelle gave me and Royce an embarrassed glance. “I… I just want to find Archie and get out of here. Have you seen him?”
“No.” Angela’s face twitched. “I’m… I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.”
Janelle frowned at her mother, as if just now noticing she’d switched her clothing. “You already changed?”
