Chapter Seven Three Knocks To A Love Dressed In Red
Then silence.
Claire looked up from the bathroom mirror, one hand on the clasp of her earring. She knew that rhythm.
Eli.
His voice came through the door, low and uneven.
"Claire? It's me. Can I come in for a minute?"
Something in his tone caught in her chest. A tiny fracture, like he was holding something together with sheer will.
She didn't hesitate.
"Yes! Come in. I'll be out in a minute."
She heard the door click open, soft footsteps on plush carpet. When she emerged, he was standing near the dresser, leaning against the wall like he needed it to hold him up.
Now he was almost fully ready for the ceremony—dark suit, tie slightly crooked, hair still damp from another rushed shower. For a man about to get married, he looked wrecked.
Claire offered a faint smile, walking toward the mirror as she adjusted her other earring.
"I hope Leo didn't see you like this. His gay sense of style might never recover."
Eli let out a short, warm laugh.
"He actually picked the tie. Still called me a 'hetero disaster.'"
She turned to him then, fully. Her gown—a deep red silk—hugged her like it was made for her, the light catching every subtle shimmer. Her hair was pinned just so, casual but intentional. She was radiant, and he knew it.
He tried not to stare.
Failed completely.
"You look..." he started, then paused, his throat working around the words.
"Stunning. I think you just ruined every bridesmaid's night."
He laughed lightly, but the air between them was too thick for it to land.
Claire gave a playful spin, the dress flaring around her like water.
"Well, thank you. The perk of not being a bridesmaid? Total freedom to slay."
She hadn't been excluded. She'd asked not to be included. Told Mandy Zoe deserved it more—an obvious lie. Zoe had nearly choked her for suggesting it, but understood. Zoe always understood. Sharp. Loyal. A quiet, intuitive shield.
Eli gave a low whistle.
"Yeah... you killed it. There's going to be a riot on the dance floor, and it'll be entirely your fault."
He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. His hands disappeared into his pockets, fidgeting.
Then his expression shifted.
"I'm really glad you're here," he said, voice softer now. "I didn't know if you would be."
Claire felt the guilt twist in her stomach. He didn't know she'd be gone by the reception. That her cab was booked for right after the vows.
She smiled anyway.
"Of course I'm here. I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world. I'm your undercover best man, remember?"
She winked, but it didn't feel like a joke anymore.
Eli chuckled.
"Yeah... my secret weapon. God forbid Leo ever finds out."
He took a small step forward. Not much. But enough to shift the air.
"You happy?" he asked quietly.
She paused, then nodded.
"Yeah. I think I am."
It wasn't a lie.
Not entirely.
She had carved out a life she could live with. A job. A good idea for a book. Friends who showed up. Freedom. A kind of peace.
But she also had Eli.
And she was about to lose him. For someone else.
"You deserve that," he said, and there was something in his voice that made her throat tighten.
She didn't speak. Didn't move. Before she could reach for whatever sat trembling between them, a knock jolted them apart.
Sharp. Hurried.
Eli turned toward the door but didn't move.
A second later, Zoey's head popped around the doorframe. Eyes locked on Eli, her expression full mom-mode.
"You're five minutes late and Mandy is glaring at the planner like she kicked her dog. Let's go, lover boy."
Eli turned back to Claire, voice low.
"See you out there?"
He didn't wait for her answer. And left.
Zoe lingered at the door still holding it open, eyes sweeping over her.
"You okay?"
Barely a whisper.
Claire nodded. Smiled.
Zoe didn't push.
But yet she was expecting for a plot twist to come.