Page 6 of Love, Take Two

The silence that follows is so complete I'm pretty sure everyone within a twenty-foot radius stops talking. Vada's face goesthrough several shades of expression, landing on a smile so forced it could power the resort's electricity.

"Hello, Derek. It's lovely to see you too."

"And after that whole disaster with your corporate job," Derek continues, apparently oblivious to the social carnage he's creating, "I figured you'd be too busy rebuilding your career to take a vacation. But hey, good for you for being mature about the whole thing!"

I'm starting to understand why Vada looked like she wanted to disappear when she heard Derek's voice. The guy is like a walking, talking violation of conversational boundaries.

"Derek," Jared says with the patience of someone who's had years of practice managing his friend's oversharing, "maybe we could—"

"Oh my God, and Emory Wise!" Derek spins toward me like he's just noticed I exist. "Dude, I follow you on TikTok. Your travel content is insane. Though I have to admit, I was surprised you came to Erika's wedding. I mean, she really broke your heart when she said you were too immature for a serious relationship, right?"

Every word out of Derek's mouth is like watching a slow-motion car accident that you can't stop. Vada's eyes widen, and I can see her processing this information about my relationship with Erika while dealing with Derek's announcement about her career troubles and breakup with Jared.

"Derek," Erika says with a laugh that doesn't quite mask her discomfort, "maybe we should let people tell their own stories."

"But this is so crazy!" Derek continues, completely missing every social cue being thrown at him. "You guys all dated each other and now you're at the same wedding! It's like a romantic comedy or something. Though hopefully without all the drama, because that would be super awkward for everyone."

He pauses to take a long sip of his drink, and I realize this might be my only chance to redirect this conversation before Derek shares everyone's complete dating history with the entire party.

"It's a small world. But hey, that's what makes life interesting, right? Unexpected connections."

"Exactly," Vada jumps in, clearly grateful for the opportunity to steer away from Derek's oversharing. "And really, we're all just here to celebrate Jared and Erika's happiness. That's what matters."

"Love and friendship and celebrating new beginnings," Erika agrees, though I can see her influencer brain processing the content possibilities.

"Speaking of which," Jared says, eager to move away from our complicated romantic history, "we should mingle with the other guests. Lots of people to introduce you both to."

As our little group starts to disperse, Derek claps me on the shoulder with the force of someone who doesn't understand his own strength.

"This is going to be such a fun week. All of us together, sharing stories, catching up on old times. I've got some great photos from Spokane that I should show everyone. A party where Jared and Vada had that huge fight about—"

"Derek," Vada interrupts with a smile sharp enough to cut glass, "maybe we could save the trip down memory lane for never?"

"Oh, totally," Derek agrees, completely missing the warning in her tone. "Plenty of time this week for embarrassing stories. This is going to be epic!"

He wanders off toward the bar, leaving the four of us in what can only be described as aggressively awkward silence.

"Jared," Erika says finally, "I thought you talked to him."

"Derek means well," Jared offers apologetically. "He just doesn't always think before he speaks."

"It's fine." Vada's smile is still strained.

"Totally fine," I agree, though internally I'm calculating how much damage Derek might do over the course of a week if tonight was any indication.

"This might be perfect," Erika says, her voice brightening with what sounds like a dangerous idea. "You two can keep each other company during all the couple activities this week. Like built-in moral support!"

Vada and I exchange a look that I'm sure communicates our mutual horror at the thought of being paired together for wedding activities while everyone analyzes our every interaction for signs of romantic drama.

"That's thoughtful, but we don't want to impose on your celebration."

"Are you kidding?" Erika waves off her concern with the kind of enthusiasm that suggests this idea is gaining momentum inher head. "It's perfect. College friends reuniting, supporting each other through their exes' wedding... it's like a feel-good movie!"

I open my mouth to offer some kind of diplomatic protest, but I'm interrupted by the sound of steel drums transitioning to something slower and more romantic. Around us, couples start gravitating toward the dance floor area that's been set up on one side of the terrace.

"Ooh, dancing!" Erika grabs Jared's hand with the kind of excitement that suggests this conversation is over whether we want it to be or not. "Come on, babe. Let's show everyone how it's done."

They disappear toward the dance floor, leaving Vada and me standing together in what feels like the aftermath of a social tornado.

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