Page 73 of An Eye For Illusion

She raises her eyebrows at my tone, and I immediately feel bad for raising my voice at her. Even knowing the last thing I want is to marry Elliott, she’s still here supporting me. This isn’t her fault. It’s mine. I’m the reason I’m in this situation. Not her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

She walks over and wraps her arms around my bare shoulders. I’m in a nude thong with pasties on my breasts, but I don’t care. I need her hug more than anything right now. I squeeze her back tightly, soaking in all the comfort she’s willing to give me because right now I feel so lost and depressed.

“Is this more about Elliott or that your mom isn’t here?” Bridge asks.

I close my eyes as her question slowly sinks in. I haven’t thought much about my mother not being part of this experience because she’s been gone for most of my life. She missed almost all my major milestones. My first crush in grade school, first kiss in junior high, the first boy who broke my heart, my high school graduation, then college. Working at Dad’s business, and my first big promotion.

She missed all of it, so would this be any bigger or more painful? Each of those moments were a little dimmer because she wasn’t there, but I didn’t think I’d feel this way today.

A single tear escapes my left eye and rolls down my cheek, landing on Bridge’s shoulder.

“I think it would be more painful to have her here knowing this marriage is a sham. That I’ll disappoint both of them. It’s bad enough I’ll break Dad’s heart. At least I won’t break hers, too.”

Bridge rubs small circles across my back, and it takes her a moment to respond. “First, you won’t break your father’s heart. Elliott will. Don’t carry blame that isn’t yours to carry. Also, I think it’s less about your mom being here in typical overbearing mom-mode and more that you wish she was here as your ally. Family who would understand you and help you navigate this whole mess.”

I gulp as her words sink in, and I realize Bridge is right. Damn, she knows me so well. I chuckle at how brilliant she is. Then again, she’s a psychologist, so I guess it would make sense that she would know what I’m really upset about before I do.

“How do you do that?” I ask in astonishment as I pull back and scan her face.

She smiles and shrugs one shoulder. “It’s why I get paid the big bucks.”

Her answer has another chuckle escaping my lips, but I still don’t know how I’m supposed to do this. How I’m supposed to go out there and act like I’m happy and everything is totally normal. My mother will never come back, and the wedding date is approaching fast, whether I want it or not.

“How do I do this?” Bridge seems to have all the answers today, so I hope she has this one, too.

“I want you to let it all go. Stop picturing Elliott standing at the end of the aisle, or the big church, or all the people who will be there.” She reaches up to run her hand along my cheek. “I want you to shut it all out and pretend it’s just you, me, and your mom here. Then I want you to pick a dress that makes you feel invincible. Like you could take on the whole damn world and not even break a sweat.”

She drops her hand and steps back. I open my eyes, and at that moment, I’ve never been so grateful for another person. She’s my best friend, my rock, and my sanity. Without her, I don’t think I could get through this. I vow right here that I will always be there for her. No questions asked.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“That’s what best friends are for.”

Chapter 25

Jade

I needed to do something that would make me feel like myself again, especially after the day from hell yesterday. Much to my dismay, I finally ended up picking a dress because there’s no more time to delay it.

The dress is pretty, and I should love it, but I don’t. With Bridge’s help, I’ve realized that might be for the best. I mean, who wants to wear their dream dress to marry a man they hate? Seems fitting that I should hate the dress, too.

“Ms. Foster, I wish I could stay, but I need to run an errand for my wife. Will you be okay?”

I look up to find Thomas watching me through the rearview mirror. “Of course, take your time. I plan to spend the rest of the evening here. Why don’t you pick me up around eight o’clock?”

“That’s perfect. If I have time, I’ll join you later on,” he says with a kind smile.

Thomas loves helping the community as much as I do and tries to do so when he can. It’s one of the many things I admire about him. He isn’t just an employee; he’s a friend.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you soon,” I reply.

I open my door quickly and hop out before Thomas can get out and come around. He hates when I do that, but I don’t like for him to trouble himself like that. However, it’s been hard to get him to let that part of the job go. He insists, even though I’m perfectly capable of opening my own door.

He waves as he drives off, and I head into the shelter. This is my happy place, and I need it now more than ever. It’s quiet when I walk in, and that’s a little unusual. It’s usually loud and busy with the high number of people coming and going all hours. I walk past Carol’s office and find it empty as well.

Hmm, where is everyone?

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