30. Blair
30
Blair
I t’s a peculiar feeling to watch your best friend have such a monumental moment as she walks down the aisle toward the groom, while also knowing that the groom is a narcissistic asshole who in no way deserves her. Okay, so maybe he’s not that bad, and maybe Ronnie is right—I don’t know him as well as I should, but there’s something about him that just doesn’t sit right with me. Knowing Ronnie as well as I do, I know that without a doubt she deserves a man who treats her like the princess she is, and from what I’ve seen from Pete—it’s not him.
In addition, she looks absolutely stunning in the white midi dress she’s wearing. The dress gracefully falls off her shoulders, and the fun little ruffle down the front adds an extra touch of playfulness before the main event tomorrow. I can’t believe that we’re only one day away from my best friend becoming Mrs. Pete West. God help us all.
Unfortunately, yet not surprisingly, that smile of hers only lasts for so long as Pete does what Pete does best: his incessant complaining, practically foaming at the mouth as he continually yells at everyone for not taking this seriously enough or for making some little mistake before he makes us start all over again.
“Don’t worry, babe. It’s just a rehearsal.” Ronnie tries to calm him down as she places her hands on his shoulders. “We’re just working through the kinks now so tomorrow everything will be perfect.”
“Don’t tell me not to worry,” he growls, forcibly stepping back as he lifts his hands out in front of him, making her hands fall. “And I’m not some child that needs to be calmed down, so stop with that bullshit. If I want to be pissed off about this, I’m allowed to be.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do,” she says, her voice sounding defeated as she seems to shrink into herself.
“Why don’t we all just take a break?” I suggest, stepping out from my spot behind my best friend, no longer able to keep my annoyance and frustration to myself. It’s not her fault that people keep missing their cues and laughing about it. I mean, what did he expect when his entire line of groomsmen act like the annoying frat boys they once were? “We’ll start fresh, and everyone will get it right first try, I’m sure of it.”
“I second a break,” Ford agrees as I look over my shoulder and give him a grateful smile, even if I’m sure this is more for Ronnie’s sake than mine.
“Fine, whatever,” Pete grumbles, pushing past Ronnie, seeming to ignore her completely as he walks toward the main doors and lets them slam behind him. While the big event tomorrow is going to take place outside in Ronnie’s parents’ backyard, tonight we are using Evergreen Grove’s vast assembly hall for all of the wedding rehearsal needs.
“Just, uh, take a few minutes everyone,” Ronnie suggests, as most people anxiously scan the area, uncertain how to process the explosion caused by that ridiculous man-child.
Gradually, the silence is permeated by a few hushed conversations, bringing the room back to life. “You okay?” I ask, placing a hand on her shoulder as her eyes turn to meet mine.
“No, but it’s fine. We’re just stressed.” She shrugs, her voice strained as she does her best to brush off Pete’s uncalled-for behavior.
“Maybe,” I try to offer, but there is no way I can let him off the hook that easily. “But I’m sensing a bit of a pattern when it comes to Pete, so it’s okay if you’re not fine.”
“I said I’m fine,” she snaps and my eyes go wide.
“Ronnie, I…” I start, but she shakes her head before I can say more.
“I’m sorry,” she sighs, looking genuinely apologetic. “I think his attitude is rubbing off on me. I think I might need a minute too.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever you need.” I nod in acknowledgement. Plus, I’m her maid of honor; I should be making this day easier on her, not more stressful. I might hate her fiancé even more now, if that’s even possible, but she loves him and wants to marry him, so my only job is to be the supportive friend she deserves.
I watch with a defeated sigh as she walks out of the room before turning to face the rest of the wedding party. “Alright everyone,” I call out, doing my best to grab everyone’s attention. It’s possible my best friend is making a giant mistake by marrying the wrong guy, but that’s not up to me. What I do have control over, however, is stepping up and taking charge both tonight and tomorrow to make sure that, despite everything else, she has the best fucking wedding day ever.
“You did a good job tonight,” Ford whispers next to me as he places a hand on my knee and gives it a light squeeze from our spot at the table where we’ve gathered for the rehearsal dinner.
“Thanks,” I say with a smile, enjoying the comforting touch of his thumb brushing gentle circles. In return, I place a grateful hand on his cheek, relishing the rough texture of his light stubble that only adds to his undeniably handsome good looks. “I still feel like a horrible maid of honor, but at least I saved the rest of us from receiving another verbal beat-down.”
“You’re not a horrible maid of honor,” he assures me, placing his free hand on top of mine as he leans into the touch. “Ronnie is lucky to have you. Sure, you may have been trying to talk some sense into her, just like you did with me at my wedding,” he goes on, before leaning in to whisper the rest in my ear so only we can hear. “Just please don’t do the same thing you did then and beg her not to marry him and to choose you instead, because now that I have you, I’m not about to lose you to anyone else, not even to Ronnie.”
I let out a very soft giggle. “Don’t worry. That was only for you,” I assure him, just as Pete’s best man finishes his speech and the sound of applause fills the air. I clap along too, even if I had zoned out for most of it. Sorry, but there’s no convincing me that Pete’s actually some fun and charming guy, despite what his best friend just tried to sell us.
“So next up, we have Blair Bennett, who is the beautiful bride-to-be’s maid of honor and best friend.”
As more claps ring out, I stand, smoothing out my baby blue one-shoulder jumpsuit before reaching for my glass of champagne and making my way toward the microphone.
“Thank you, everyone,” I start, giving a small nod as all eyes focus on me, while my gaze settles on my best friend. “But most of all, my true gratitude goes to Veronica for not only choosing to include me in her big day, but most importantly, for choosing me as her best friend.” I smile. While everyone in the room is tuning in, this message is truly for her.
“As many of you may know, I wasn’t always the most liked kid in town and was written off pretty quickly by a lot of people, but not by Veronica. To her, none of that silly stuff mattered. I still remember how on our first day of kindergarten, when we saw each other on the playground, she marched right up to me, told me who she was, and declared that we were now best friends. I’m not sure if she just sensed what was to become fact, or if she manifested it right there and then, but either way, it became the truth, and there was no denying to anyone that we were best friends and still are to this day. While she may have gone off and found her actual soulmate,” I start, adding that for her benefit, since maybe it is time to support what she wants and not what I want for her instead.
“I want her to know that in so many ways, she will always be mine. Obviously not in a romantic sense,” I continue, glancing toward Ford with a playful smirk. “I love ya, girl, just not like that,” I laugh with the crowd as I look back at Ronnie, who has placed a hand over her heart.
“Seriously though, what I’ve come to realize is that soulmates aren’t always found in romantic partners. Sometimes, as in our case, they come in the form of a most cherished best friend who stands by your side through every single one of life’s ups and downs. Without a doubt, you are more than just a friend to me; you’re my platonic soulmate. Our friendship transcends time and space, and I’m positive that we’ve spent many lifetimes together and will continue to do so in the future. For me, you’ve always been someone I could not only spend the good times with, but the hard ones, too. Ronnie, you’ve always been there for me through thick and thin, offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold whenever I needed it, and believe me, I needed it,” I emphasize, once again earning a small chuckle from those in attendance.
“This is now the time when I should probably tell an embarrassing story that happened between me and the bride, but given the town we live in, I’m pretty sure the majority of you already know each and every devious act we participated in, so I’ll end with this; Veronica and Pete, may your marriage be filled with the same love, laughter, and joy that you’ve brought into my life. And Ronnie, remember, no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a friend and a platonic soulmate in me. And Pete, I hope you know what a lucky man you are. Hopefully you love and cherish growing old with her just as much as I loved being able to grow up with her.”
To finish, I raise my glass in the air. “Cheers to the bride and groom,” I conclude before lifting my glass to my lips and taking a sip along with everyone else in the room. I’ve never been much of a crier, but I’m feeling intensely grateful, and it feels like an utter miracle that I somehow made it through all that without shedding a single tear.
The same can’t be said for Ronnie as she and Pete walk toward me. “That was so beautiful, Blair,” she gushes as she wraps her arms around me. I do the same, holding her tighter than necessary, but I can’t help it.
“I really do love you, Ronnie. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am that you’ve allowed me to be not only your best friend but also your maid of honor,” I say, and this time, a traitorous tear does fall.
“I love you too,” she assures me, pulling back from the hug as her hands lower to hold on to mine. “And just so you know, I couldn’t have said it better. You are without a doubt, my platonic soulmate.”
“I don’t know. I’m not too sure how I feel about you having another soulmate,” Pete cuts in, of course needing to ruin our special moment. “But for tonight and the occasion, I suppose I’ll allow it.”
“Thanks for the permission,” I say through gritted teeth as I do everything in my power to hold back from saying what I really want to say.
“What the…” Ronnie’s words trail off as I turn to see what’s captured her attention. “Is that Max?” she asks, her brows furrowing in confusion. “What is he doing here? I thought you two broke up?”
“We did.”
So what the hell is Max Storm doing here?
Taking a deep breath, I excuse myself from Ronnie and Pete, determined to keep my composure and not let Max’s unexpected arrival overshadow anything about today.
Leaning against the wall, arms folded, he wears a smug grin that I’m more than ready to wipe off that handsome face of his. It’s clear he didn’t put too much thought into what he’s wearing, given the heavily wrinkled black slacks and white button-up shirt that’s currently rolled up, perfectly showcasing his heavily tattooed forearms.
While it’s somewhat understandable given that he had to fly to be here and that his clothes were likely packed away in his suitcase, it wouldn’t have hurt for him to at least attempt to press his clothes before showing up to such an important event.
I’m sure he thinks he’s doing me some huge favor and that I’m going to be jumping for joy about him changing his mind to actually join me as my date—but clearly he thought wrong. Maybe if things hadn’t changed between Ford and me these past few weeks, a part of me would’ve been touched by the gesture, but I think it’s finally time I no longer accept the bare minimum from men.
With the speeches still in progress, I grab hold of his arm and forcefully drag him out of the small banquet room and outside of the building completely. In a town like this, there’s always someone eager to eavesdrop on a private conversation. Given Max’s high-profile status, the last thing I need is to add another mark to my already lengthy record here in Evergreen. This is definitely the kind of thing that people love to gossip about here, and I’m not looking to add any fuel to that particular fire.
“Ready to get me all to yourself I see, but hey, I don’t—” he starts.
“Cut the shit, Max,” I interrupt. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here?”
The surprise in his widened eyes makes it evident that he’s taken aback by my sudden outburst, and I can’t say I blame him. Once upon a time, I would’ve been ecstatic over something like this, desperately vying for his attention like a hungry dog looking for nothing more than meager scraps. But no more—those days are officially over.
“What does it look like I’m doing here? I came to make up and show you how sorry I am.”
“You’re sorry?” A forced laugh escapes my lips, lacking any trace of humor as I struggle to keep my eyes from rolling backward, “So tell me, Max. What is it that you’re actually sorry for?”
He lifts his shoulder in a small shrug. “I don’t know. Fighting. Not coming. Making you come alone. That was shitty of me, but I’m here now, so I don’t see what the problem is,” he says, his tone dripping with annoyance, seemingly upset at me for my apparent failure to appreciate his supposed virtuousness amidst everything.
This time, I can’t help it as my eyes involuntarily roll in exasperation. “The problem is, it shouldn’t have taken you so long to decide to join me. Hell,” I say, throwing my hands up in frustration, “you should’ve been here from day one. I follow you and your band all around the fucking world, yet you couldn’t even have the decency to come with me for two weeks to be here for my best friend’s wedding?”
He scoffs, holding up his hands. “Chill the fuck out. I don't understand what the problem is.”
“This, this is the problem,” I start again as I motion between the two of us. “You aren’t listening to me or taking me seriously. I just told you why I’m upset and instead of truly apologizing or trying to understand, you’re telling me to chill out. That’s not okay; don’t you see that?”
“I already said I’m sorry, and I’m here now. Can’t we just make up?” he asks, taking a step toward me, but I take a step back as well, needing to keep the distance between us. “Blair, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?”
“I’m acting like this because I’m officially done. I’ve gotten so used to feeling unlovable or like I deserve to be the second most important thing in someone’s life that I let you and others get away with treating me like that, but it’s over. In fact, we’re over, Max.” I’m not sure where it came from exactly, but it feels so damn good to have those words leave my mouth once and for all.
Sure, Max and I have broken up plenty of times, but for the first time, I finally know that I actually mean it.
“Are you fucking serious? I just flew all the way here,” he rasps, his voice growing louder. However, I’m no longer in the mood to care. He’s been granted way too many chances and far more than he ever deserved.
With a casual shrug, I fold my arms and raise one shoulder. “And that’s my problem, how? If anything, you should’ve called. Even a text would have been enough, but you can’t even do that.”
“Why are you acting like such a bitch? I mean, what am I even supposed to do in this stupid-ass town?” he asks, glancing around.
While I can dislike it for multiple reasons, there’s no escaping the prickling annoyance that floods over me upon hearing his words. I understand that it may not look like anything special from the outside, likely resembling the set of some old Hallmark film. But, for the first time, I find myself feeling oddly defensive of this place and the people who call it home.
In fact, there is a part of me that suspects that I may have been a little too hard on it and the many people who live here, myself included. Sure, like most places it has its negatives, but given that most people have welcomed me home with open arms, and it also houses so many of my favorite people, I have to wonder if I wrote this place off a little too easily.
“Once again, not my problem. In fact, I can promise you, Max, you will never be my problem ever again.”
He scoffs. “Like I’d want you, anyway. The only reason I came here in the first place was because I was bored and had nothing else to do. If you think I can’t find a replacement, you’re crazy.”
“I hope you do, but for both her sake and yours, I pray that your pathetic and sorry ass treats her better than you ever treated me.”
I mean it too. While I’ve found some clarity in coming home with what I want and deserve, I strangely also want that for Max, too. Maybe he also just needs to find the one person who is right for him in order for him to change—but somehow I highly doubt it. I’m fairly convinced he’s not capable of being a decent boyfriend, but for once, he’s truly no longer my problem.
“Fuck you,” he curses, letting out a sound between a scoff and laugh. “Have fun in your podunk, stupid-ass town,” he says before turning around to walk away, his hands in his pockets.
“Oh, don’t worry. I will,” I call after him, and for the first time, I finally believe that’s true.