50. Re Show
EVA
The stage lights are the kind of bright that sears through your retinas and burns itself on the back of your skull. The studio audience in Atlanta is a sea of eager faces, buzzing with anticipation.
“Welcome to Bridesmaid to Bride: After the Wedding Reunion Show!” booms Mia. It’s an enthusiasm you can’t help but get swept up in, even though you know it’s not real.
I’m perched on a stool that feels like a cactus, trying to muster up my best impression of calm. I’m a “special guest” which is code for “more drama.” I’m next to Paige on one side, and Foster, Mr. Stole-Paige-at-the-Altar himself, sits by her other side. And right next to him is Zach, who has Kat by his side. He’s looking like a Ken doll post-yard sale—disheveled but still plastic-perfect and happy.
But all I see, seated right next to me, is West. He’s all wavy hair and dark eyes, the kind that melt your insides like a s’more over an open flame.
I can’t look away, but at the same time, the sight of him makes my heart ache. It’s been two days since I professed my love for him, and I haven’t heard a word. It’s been hard, but I get it. I mean, he’s going on Groomsman to Groom.
While the crowd laps up every second, I turn my focus to sneak peeks at the wings where the crew scuttles around. I’ve got samples of my latest culinary concoction stashed back there, little morsels of persuasion.
“Paige,” Mia prompts, her voice smooth, “tell us about the moment you realized Foster was ‘the one.’”
Paige glimmers in the spotlight. “Well,” she begins, twirling a strand of black hair around her finger—“it started at our country club. Playing tennis and racquetball quickly turned into sneaking off to the empty VIP rooms.”
A collective gasp ripples through the audience, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
“Go on,” Mia coaxes.
“We just connected on every level.” Paige grips Foster’s hand. “But we broke up because...” She hesitates, biting her lip.
“Because?” Mia’s salivating for the scoop.
“Because we went head-to-head in the courtroom”—Paige’s eyes gloss over—“and it turned into a war.”
Foster clears his throat. “I didn’t like it when she won.” He stares at her lovingly. “But then I realized her beating me is what made me fall madly in love with her.”
Look, Foster is a snoozy dick-magoo, but I’m rooting for him and Paige. They’re perfect for each other, and they make each other happy. That’s all that matters.
“He’s my everything.” Paige smiles.
Zach apparently wasn’t her “everything,” and now he’s sitting there, relaxed. Too relaxed. Is he high?
Wait, of course he is. But also, it seems he’s happy to have gotten back together with Kat.
Speaking of Kat, I don’t know how my dad took her leaving him. He’s called me several times since the wedding, leaving many messages telling me he’s sorry and is seeking professional help for his issues. I was really glad he was reaching out and wanting to make things right, but I wasn’t ready to talk to him just yet. However, I did text him to let him know I was sorry about Kat and I just needed more time.
“Okay, folks, time to switch gears,” Mia announces, and I’m up next. My pulse quickens—from nerves and bubbling excitement.
“Let me move on to Eva, who’s here to talk about her venture into the culinary world,” Mia says, and I stand, smoothing out my skirt.
“Thanks, Mia.” I flash my practiced smile to the audience. “So, after trying my hand at legal briefs—I’ve spiced things up. Literally.”
A titter runs through the crowd.
“I’m launching my food business again,” I say, “but this time, I’m playing it smarter. I’m hustling for contracts and making relationships with vendors—it’s all about a solid foundation. Now it’s just a matter of finding investors.”
Mia’s eyes twinkle. “And I heard you’ve brought samples.”
“Yes,” I announce, pointing off-stage. “There are some bite-sized previews of what’s to come.”
I’m shocked to see who appears from backstage. There, holding the big box of chocolates, is my dad.
My heart warms in my chest as a mist forms in my eyes. Maybe he is really serious about trying to work through his issues with what happened to Mom and me. I truly hope so, and this is definitely a good sign.
He waves at me before he gives the samples to each row of the crowd to pass along, and the audience members all look like they just won the snack lottery.
I keep watching him through eyes blurred with tears. When he finishes, I say, “Thank you, Dad. For your help.”
He waves. “I haven’t been here for you, Eva, and I want to be. I was wrong. So, please consider me your first investor. I want to support your career—and your many talents.”
My jaw drops, and my heart blooms at his words. I’m so stunned it’s hard to speak, but I manage to say, “That would be wonderful.”
The crowd erupts into cheers.
After the room settles, Mia takes a nibble and says, “This is delicious,” and the audience ooohs. “Keep an eye out for Eva’s Edibles, coming soon to tantalize your taste buds!” Then there’s applause, because who doesn’t love free food?
“Now, we have another treat for you all,” Mia transitions, and the lights dim. I settle back into my seat beside West, feeling like a real chef.
The screen flickers to life, showcasing West’s parents inside their future store, which is all raw potential and dust clouds as walls come tumbling down. They’re armed with paint rollers, looking like home-improvement warriors.
“Look at them go.” Ironically, West’s got the look of a proud parent.
“Never underestimate the power of elbow grease and a dream.” Mia smiles.
As West’s mom slaps a neon shade of red onto the wall, West says, “Mom’s philosophy: Go bold or go home.”
“Looks like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” I give him a sidelong glance filled with admiration.
“I really hope not.” He grins wistfully.
The video pans to a corner of the store where there’s a makeshift counter crafted from cardboard. A handmade sign on it, the word “Choclodisiacs” scrawled in marker. Below, a selection of cartoon chocolate truffles are hand-drawn in various interesting shapes. Aphrodisiac treats? Now that’s a niche market I can sink my teeth into.
“Great idea,” I say, grinning at the boldness.
As the last frame freezes on a chocolate kiss, the lights brighten, and the video fades to black. West stands, a man on a mission, with a sparkle in his eyes that outshines the studio lights. “So, here’s the deal, Eva.”
I have no idea what’s coming, and shock numbs me. I manage a nod.
“Mom and Dad? They’re sold on your culinary magic. Those samples you brought? Couldn’t keep their hands off them.” He pulls out a crisp envelope.
I swallow hard, eying it.
“They want you, Eva. Your magic touch in their store. Choclodisiacs needs its chocolatier.”
I blink, taking in the gravity of his words. This is big—like, career-defining big. But there’s also that little voice whispering, remember what happened last time?
“Wow, West. I’m so honored.” I bite my lip, feeling the weight of the offer. It could really help ensure my business gets off on the right foot. It would be so much fun, and, as it turns out, West’s parents’ new store is right next to mine. Skye put me in the leftover space she leased for their new Atlanta shop.
West taps the envelope. “This is a contract for an exclusive partnership with Eva’s Edibles and the entire edible portion of Toys ‘n Joys.” He shrugs. “I know it’s a big decision, so take your time, think it over. No pressure.”
I don’t need time to think this over—it’s an absolutely amazing offer, and a dream come true. I’d love making Choclodisiacs and work with West’s parents!
“You know what, yes.” A huge smile spreads across my face. “Absolutely, yes!” My heart’s doing somersaults. “I can’t wait! I already have a million ideas.”
“I’m sure you do,” he says, eyes locked on mine.
“Okay, West. Give me the contract.” I snatch the envelope, feeling the edges bite into my fingers.
“There we go.” There’s more than just business in his gaze.
Then the studio goes eerily quiet. I expect Mia to move the show forward, introducing the next topic, but she doesn’t. Instead, the room balloons with unspoken anticipation.
West takes a deep breath, and his eyes take on that serious glint I’ve seen when he’s debugging code. “Eva.” His voice has tender edges and raw honesty. “I’ve got another proposition for you.” He clears his throat, and then he drops to one knee right there on the studio stage. And holy crap, this is not happening.
My heart is a jackhammer, and I can’t look away from those piercing eyes that have seen into my soul more times than I can count.
“Oh my God.”
Yes, this moment is really happening, and I’m more than ready for it. There is no doubt, no fear—only the pure bliss of shock, excitement, and love.
His face is earnest and stupidly beautiful. “I love you, Eva. Always have. You’re my best friend, my dream girl, my midnight confidant. You told me to follow my dreams. The truth is, all of them include you. So, will you marry me?”
There’s a beat of silence where the whole world stops spinning. The audience holds its collective breath, and I’m sure there’s chatter and murmuring, but all I can hear is the thudding of my heart.
“West.” I breathe, and it feels like I’m falling and flying. “Yes. A thousand percent yes!”
The room erupts in thundering applause as he slips the ring on my finger. But all I can see is him as he stands up, sweeps me into his arms, and kisses me like it’s the first and last time—and the start of something blissfully wonderful.
“Why are you so good at that?” I whisper against his lips, drunk on joy and relief and a love so fierce it could power the grid.
“Only with you.” He grins, dimples winking at me.
“Then let’s keep practicing.” I loop my arms around his neck, ready to write our own script—one filled with Star Trek reruns, sweetness, and a lifetime of shared chocolate highs.
When I finally look down at the ring, I realize it’s all-too-familiar. I bring it close to my eyes. I’d recognize that signature rose gold and princess cut diamond anywhere. It’s my mother’s, and I gasp. “Where did you get this?”
“The business is not the only thing your father supports.” There’s a glint in West’s eye.
I glance at my dad, who’s now sitting in the front row, and he gives me a wave. He actually looks proud.
When the crowd dies down, Mia says, “Okay, so holy plot twist—he’s down on one knee, ring glinting in the spotlight. So, who’s going to be our next Groomsman to Groom, then?”
The stage lights move toward the curtain as the crowd goes into a hushed silence. After a long beat of suspense, Hayes comes waltzing out, wearing a tuxedo and a huge smile. August is with him, looking like a mini-version of his father in a matching tux.
The room breaks into thunderous applause, then swells to a standing ovation.
Mia is glowing. “That’s right, everyone. Hero Hayes, the widowed single father who turned into a social media star overnight after he bared it all to save an older man from a jellyfish sting!”
Oh, wow. This is wonderful news for Hayes and August! And what Mia is saying is an understatement—the unblurred footage of Hayes’ peeing got leaked, no pun intended, and the world fell in love with his very large, very long equipment.
“Can we talk about how incredible Hayes and his son, August, are?” Mia flashes that million-dollar smile that’s probably insured.
West and I lock eyes, and I know he feels just as I do—that no one is more deserving of this than Hayes and August, who’ve had more than their fair share of heartache for a lifetime.
We’ve exchanged knowing looks for years, but now for the first time, I get to take in this moment with the man I’m spending the rest of my life with.
The man who captures the essence of who I am. Who I’m meant to be.
With his quiet strength and vintage tees, he’s my very own superhero.