Chapter 19
Lainey
The day is off to a blissful start as I sit back in the plush spa chair, feeling the gentle warmth of a facial mask on my skin. Beside me, Chloe and Janelle are mid-conversation, their voices relaxed and happy as we soak in the calm of the spa.
“This is heaven,” Chloe murmurs, her voice muffled slightly by her mask. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this until now.”
I smile, basking in her contentment. “Every bride deserves a little pampering. And we’re just getting started.”
Janelle glances over, lifting her hand with a grin. “And the nails are on point! Lainey, you really went above and beyond with the planning. Chloe’s entire entourage is in for a treat today.”
I shrug, trying to brush off the praise, but a spark of pride ignites within me. “I just want everything to be perfect for her.”
Chloe reaches over to give my hand a squeeze. “Mission accomplished.”
After our masks are carefully removed and our fresh mani-pedis are complete, we slip into our spa robes and head toward the lounge area to meet the rest of the guests.
The soft hum of laughter greets us as we enter, and I can’t help but feel a small swell of relief as I see everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves.
The bridal shower lounge is a picture of serene luxury, with soft ambient music floating through the room and a light aroma of lavender and eucalyptus filling the air.
Plush seats, elegant decor, and each guest wrapped in matching white robes as they sip on mimosas and sample bites from the snack table—it’s everything I envisioned for Chloe’s day.
Janelle gives me an approving nod. “You’re seriously setting the bar high for bridal showers, Lainey.”
I laugh, brushing it off, but the pride lingers. “Well, with all the help from Casey and the team, we managed to pull it together.”
Casey, Chloe’s assistant, practically beams at the acknowledgment. She’s seated nearby, looking pleased as can be. Diane, Chloe’s mom, sits beside her, casting a warm, motherly look in my direction.
“You know, Lainey,” Diane says with a kind smile, “it’s clear you put your heart into this. You’re a wonderful friend to Chloe.”
The words hit me with an unexpected wave of emotion, and I nod, swallowing the sudden knot in my throat.
I remind myself that this day is about Chloe, about celebrating her new chapter.
But as I take in her glowing face and the laughter of all the women around us, a flicker of isolation sneaks in—a quiet reminder that, for now, my life still revolves around other people’s happy endings.
Janelle notices my brief pause and places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Ready to move on to the gifts?”
“Yes,” I say, mustering a bright smile. “Let’s get to it!”
We all settle back, watching as Chloe starts with the first gift. She opens a cozy throw blanket from her cousin Samantha, a woven beauty in shades of blue and cream. Chloe clutches it to her chest with delight.
“Oh, this will look perfect on our new couch!” she says, her smile wide.
Diane chimes in with a laugh, “We’re all expecting pictures of Jasper and Stanley enjoying that big yard of yours.”
Chloe laughs, her face glowing. “Wyatt’s already calling it ‘Stanley’s domain.’ You’d think the house was for the dog, not the family.”
I join in on the laughter, teasing her. “You’ve got two boys and a dog to handle now. Good luck keeping them all in line.”
Chloe rolls her eyes playfully. “Believe me, I’m already outnumbered.”
One by one, Chloe unwraps each gift, each one more thoughtful than the last.
Casey’s gift, a hand-painted kitchen sign that reads, Home is where the heart and snacks are, gets a round of laughter.
Chloe’s cousins and aunts each brought something cozy for the new house, and Janelle’s gift, a set of custom wine glasses engraved with Girls’ Night Essentials, has us all in fits of giggles.
Finally, Diane hands over her gift—a delicate silver locket, a family heirloom. Chloe gasps softly, her hand flying to her mouth.
“Oh, Mom,” she whispers, eyes glistening. “This… this means so much.”
Diane wraps her daughter in a gentle hug, and for a moment, I’m overcome with a sense of longing.
Seeing their closeness reminds me of my own mom and the support she gave me before she passed.
Diane has always been warm and welcoming to me, but moments like this highlight that irreplaceable gap in my life.
I push the thought aside, grateful to be surrounded by so much love, even if my mother isn’t here to see it.
Once the gifts are unwrapped, everyone is chatting and laughing, caught up in the energy of the day. That’s when one of Chloe’s cousins, a bright-eyed woman named Emily, turns her attention to me with a playful smirk.
“So, Lainey,” she says, leaning forward conspiratorially, “maybe it’s your turn next?”
The comment sends a wave of heat to my cheeks, and I let out a forced laugh, hoping it sounds casual. “Oh, please. Right now, my focus is on getting Chloe down the aisle. One wedding at a time!”
Emily shrugs, a knowing twinkle in her eye. “Well, when it’s your turn, you know we’ll all be here.”
The laughter around me feels lighthearted, but the words hit a nerve.
My mind goes to Zach—unbidden, as usual.
A month ago, I’d have laughed off a comment like this with no second thought.
But now, with Zach in my life, albeit in this strange, complicated, not-quite-real way, I’m left unsettled.
What does it mean that my mind immediately goes to him when I think of relationships?
I shake off the thought, determined not to let it dampen the mood. Everyone’s still laughing and teasing as Diane announces that it’s time for massages.
“Alright, ladies, let’s keep the relaxation going,” Diane says with a warm smile, gesturing toward the massage area.
There’s a round of cheers as everyone begins to stand, gathering their belongings. I move to join them, but as I get to my feet, a slight wave of nausea washes over me. I pause, hoping the dizziness will pass quickly.
Maybe it’s just because I haven’t eaten anything all morning, I think, regretting that I skipped breakfast in my rush to make sure everything was perfect for Chloe. A snack or two probably would have helped keep me steady.
Janelle, who’s clearly noticed my hesitation, sidles up beside me. “Hey, you feeling alright?”
I force a reassuring smile. “Yeah, probably just didn’t eat enough this morning. I’ll be fine after a little water.”
She raises an eyebrow but lets it go, following the others toward the massage area.
I hang back for a moment, waiting for the queasiness to settle, and make my way over to the kitchen area to pour myself a glass of water.
The coolness helps ease the discomfort, and after a few sips, I feel a little steadier.
As I sip, I watch the women heading toward the massage area, laughing and talking with the same ease that fills every corner of this day.
I take a deep breath, letting the warmth of their joy seep into me.
Chloe’s happiness is infectious, and despite my own unsettled thoughts, I’m genuinely thrilled for her.
I finish my water and straighten up, feeling ready to rejoin the group. I refuse to let anything interfere with today. With a final steadying breath, I head back toward the spa rooms, reminding myself that I’m here to celebrate, to be part of this beautiful new chapter for my best friend.