Chapter 19
Daniela
The bridal shower is perfect. Everything runs smoothly, without a single mishap.
We mostly have Sandy to thank for that, though I do my fair share of helping.
It’s a small gathering—just a handful of Layla’s friends from Sacramento and a few she’s made since living here, including Carly, who, surprisingly, has turned out to be super easy to talk to.
I think it’s because she has a similar no-bullshit demeanor like me, though I suspect hers comes from being a tough single mom who takes no prisoners. She also brought her daughter, Jessica, who’s currently obsessed with all things weddings. It’s adorable .
Layla never had much family as it was, and after her parents passed, she was left with almost none. I catch flashes of sadness on her face throughout the shower, but she holds it together well. She’s the star of the show, and I know she wouldn’t want me pulling her aside to make a scene. Not today.
My mom and stepmom couldn’t make it, but they’ll be driving in for the wedding. My mom’s known Layla since we were kids, and she’s insanely happy for her, even though she’s not a huge fan of men in general.
I wonder where I get it from.
Now, everyone’s gone except for Kylie and Britney. We’re outside, lounging by the firepit after cleaning up the yard, reminiscing and swapping stories.
I met Kylie and Britney in college. Layla went to a different school, but we all hung out constantly.
Kylie and Britney lived in the dorm across from mine, and while we didn’t instantly click, we all eventually became friends over that first year.
Layla visited often and became just as much a part of the group.
My own roommate was a bit of a loner, so we always ended up in their room instead.
They were the first people to give Layla and me our first taste of tequila. No wonder we ended up liking them.
We’ve stayed in touch over the years, but we aren’t as close with the two of them as we once were.
Life has a way of pulling people in different directions.
Sometimes, even when you’re in the same city, it can feel like you’re worlds apart.
Adulthood is rough. That’s why this moment feels special, all of us together again, sitting around the fire, catching up like no time has passed.
They fill us in on what’s been going on in their lives, and Layla gushes about the wedding. Then she retells the story of how she and Liam fell for each other. I’m pretty sure Kylie and Britney have already heard it, but Layla loves telling it anyway. And to be fair, it is a great story.
I sit back quietly, realizing I don’t have much to add about myself. Just another year of teaching, another year with no relationships. But, eventually, the conversation shifts, and all eyes fall on me.
“So, what’s up with the hot best man?” Britney asks, smirking. “It seemed like we interrupted something earlier.”
Britney has aways been too damn observant for her own good. Too smart. She’s probably the next one in our friend group to get married—she’s been with her boyfriend for years.
“Nothing is up,” I say, a little too quickly. “We’re…friends, I guess? Only due to forced proximity.”
Layla watches me from across the fire but stays quiet.
Britney doesn’t look convinced. “Okay, if you say so.”
“Yep.”
They don’t stay too much longer. They have to hit the road since Kylie has to work in the morning. After saying our goodbyes, Layla and I head inside, both of us reeking of campfire smoke .
Inside, we find Sandy stretched out on the couch, Jackson curled up with his head in her lap, fast asleep. She smiles at us as we settle in nearby. An old, cheesy rom-com plays on the screen.
“Liam just headed to bed,” she says to Layla, keeping her voice low.
Layla nods, then sits up. “I’ll go say goodnight. Thank you guys so much for everything. It was perfect.”
“You’re welcome, dear.” Sandy flashes her a warm, motherly smile, and my chest tightens a little.
Nothing will ever replace the loss of Layla’s mom, but I’m glad this family has welcomed her with open arms. And it’s kind of crazy that Layla’s mom’s name was Sandra. I wonder if that weirds her out at all.
Once Layla disappears down the hall, Sandy turns to me. “Thank you for your help today.”
I shake my head. “You did most of the work. I’m not great at these kinds of things, but I want Layla to have her dream wedding.”
Sandy nods knowingly. “Losing her mother must have been hard. I hear they were very close.”
“They were.” I nod. “I’m glad she’s found all of you, though.”
“Me too.” She smiles.
After a moment, she asks, “Are your parents coming to the wedding? Layla must know them pretty well.”
“My mom and her wife, yeah.”
“That’s lovely.” She pauses. “And your dad? ”
“Not really in the picture. He’s always off doing his own thing. Never stays in one place for long.”
“I’m sorry. That must be tough.”
“Not really.” I shrug. “He is who he is.”
She nods in understanding, and we turn our attention back to the movie. After a while, Sandy takes Jackson to bed, and I finish the movie alone. And then I watch another.
Why can’t life be as simple as an early 2000s rom-com?