Page 138 of Elevator Pitch

When I emerge from the hallway, he takes me in with parted lips. His eyes say plenty before he does and that makes me smile wide while avoiding his intense eye contact. “Selah, you are perfection. I’m mesmerized right now. Fuck,” he chuckles nervously. “I’ve never seen a dress like that. It’s remarkable.”

I’m certain I’m blushing.

He looks me over before he wraps me in a tight hug, and we stay like that for a moment and I sink into him.

“I missed you,” he says softly.

His head rests upon mine and he rubs the bare skin on my back. He takes a deep breath as we pull apart and he grabs my hand. I smile at the contact because I realize how much I missed it during this time apart.

“You ready?”

I nod and take his hand as he leads me out the door.

His words replay in my head and my earlier insecurities melt away.

I’m mesmerized right now.

You are perfection.

68

meet me in the hallway

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | April 27, 2024

The ceremony should’ve startedtwenty minutes ago, but I assume that Aileen wanted to make a grand entranceorsomething wasn’t to her liking and she has refused to come out until it has been fixed. I can’t imagine what could be wrong as I take in my surroundings once more. This venue is straight out of a fairytale. The infamous ballroom of the Woodward Manhattan Hotel has been transformed with white and gold decor. Elegant floral arrangements of carnations and white roses trim the aisle and archways. On the far end of the room is where we’ll gather for the reception. Ivory wisteria flower arrangements cascade from the ceiling. It’s stunning.

I don’t even want to think about what she may be putting Audrey through today. She’s planned the perfect wedding, and I’ll be sure to pay her in compliments because I know she is counting the minutes to be done with Aileen as a client. I wonder if they’re going to exchange vows, and I’m curious to see what Korean traditions she’s included in this wedding. I’ll never forget how furious her parents were when they found out we had eloped.

Selah and I are seated in a row, with Henry to my left and Elena and Alex to her right. My thoughts are interrupted when my phone buzzes. I reach for it, and it buzzes again. Everyone who would be texting me is right beside me. I pull it out, and I’m surprised to see it’s from the bride. Whoshouldbe standing before us with Daniel at this very moment.

Unsure of what this message will say, I prepare myself by taking a deep breath as I unlock my phone.

Aileen

Can we talk for a moment?

I’m in a dressing room.

Me

If you hadn’t noticed we’re kind of waiting for you to come out here and get married.

It can’t wait?

Aileen

No, it can’t.

Please, Grey.

She sends an emoji with pleading eyes, followed by a ping of her exact location.

I frown at my phone and sigh as I slip it into my pocket. I lean into Selah and excuse myself. I stand and try to slip out of the ceremony without attracting attention, which is very hard due to my height. Soon after I stand up, Alex locks eyes with me, concern etched across his face, and I give him a nod. He nudges Elena, and she watches me attentively before she grabs Selah’s attention.

I exit the room, not without glares from her family, of course, and poor Daniel looks like he’s going to vomit. The door slams behind me and I wince in response, whipping my head back and forth, making sure I’m alone in this hallway before I keep moving. Hoping Audrey is nowhere near becauseshe’ll have my head for that disruption. I pull up theFools in NYgroup chat to tell them Aileen wanted to talk and that I won’t be long. I open the thread with the bride and follow her ping until I reach the supposed room she’s either stuck or hiding in. I take a deep breath and raise my hand, knocking twice on the door.

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