Page 78 of Just the Tipsy
“Y’all want a shot?” He asks, grabbing his bottle off the bar.
“No, I think I need something to eat to balance this.” Bianca holds up her can of moonshine margarita.
“Let’s get food, then.” I lace my fingers through hers and nod goodbye to Ash.
The food is just from the tavern next door, so nothing special. But Bianca fills up a little plate with chips and guacamole, plus a single lemon pepper wing.
Now that I’m not focused on keeping Ash away from Bianca, I can take her in. Out of everyone, Ash is the only guy I know who’d have the balls to approach someone as gorgeous as Bianca. She’s wearing more makeup today, something glittery around her eyes that’s not too over the top and a lipstick in a shade of red-orange. I don’t know anything about makeup, but she must have done something else, too, without looking like she’s trying to be someone else.
And her dress. It’s red, form-fitting and a little short. She looks way too good in it.
“I didn’t tell you how beautiful you look,” I say, taking a chip from her plate when she holds it out to me.
She smiles, warm and familiar. “You don’t have to tell me that every time, you know.”
“If it’s true, I’ll say it.” I look around at the party. “Things with Rose and the others are good?”
“Yeah, really good.” She holds her hand in front of her mouth while she chews. “I like that we spent two hours getting dressed and we’re only staying for less than an hour. Not sarcasm, by the way. I always wanted to get dressed up but going to sit in a loud club after everyone already saw my outfit was really exhausting.”
“Isn’t the club the whole point of the night?” I ask.
“Technically, yes, but it’s not the most fun. Clubs are just a weird, fancy way to judge people. You’d be horrified if I told you all the weird stories I have.” She shakes her head. “It was just a thing for social media anyway. Going out in Jepsen suits me better. Especially since it’s not deafening in here.”
I bite back the question I want to ask — does she want to stay, since it seems to suit her more?
I try to think of what life would be like if she did. Would we keep this charade going? I can only see this tension between fearing the mess a relationship can bring and wanting her getting worse the more time goes on. If that’s tearing me apart now, it’ll only get worse later on as we grow more attached.
And if we get attached…that didn’t work out well at all the last time, as much as I was into Catherine.
I’ll talk to her about it after the wedding. We weren’t supposed to “last” much longer than that, so it’s a place to end this. A short term hurt to save us both a lot of heartache. I’ll savor the illusion until then.
TWENTY-FIVE
BIANCA
Why amI so nervous for someone else’s wedding? It’s not like I haven’t interacted with a lot of the guests before. Maybe it’s the fact that this is supposed to be the big main event, the main reason why Waylon and I even started fake dating. Now we’re here and this relationship has gotten way more complicated than either of us planned for.
I resist the urge to jiggle my leg as I sit and wait for the ceremony to start. I’m seated near the front since Waylon is the best man, near some of his family. People are slowly drifting to their seats, but so far I’m alone.
I study the floral arch at the end of the aisle, biting the inside of my cheek so I don’t mess up my lipstick. I need to push anything outside of the bubble of this wedding out of my head. It’s a gorgeous day and the venue is equally beautiful — we’re outside and the reception will be in the fully updated and renovated barn not far from us.
Thankfully Jada and Jeremiah sit down near me and distract me with some small talk. Fifteen minutes later, the officiant comes down the aisle and people settle in their seats.
The only other wedding I’ve been to was Kaitlyn and her husband’s, and hers was on the beach in Thailand with just a fewpeople. Waylon and Jo, Rose’s maid of honor, come down the aisle together and take their places on either side of the officiant. I saw Waylon in his tux earlier, but seeing him again still makes my heart jump in my chest.
He smiles at me once he turns around, making my heart flutter even worse.
Wes comes down the aisle next, and finally, Rose. She showed me pictures of her dress a long time ago, but seeing it in photos didn’t do the dress justice. It’s off the shoulder and hugs her body just enough, the intricate beading catching the light. And the look that Wes gives her, like he can’t believe she’s real, chokes me up a little.
Waylon and I lock eyes every once in a while, but we always break contact after a few seconds. His looks are warm, but I’m not sure if it’s directed at me or if it’s just a general good vibe. His attention drifts back to the happy couple every time.
The ceremony is short and sweet, ending with a kiss that makes some of the older guests tut in disapproval. Rose and Wes leave, followed by Waylon and Jo. Waylon smiles at me again as he passes, and mouthssee you in a bit.
Some attendants usher all of the guests to an outdoor area for cocktail hour. The drinks start flowing immediately, along with small bites of food. Jada and Jeremiah keep me company while I wait for Waylon. I’m itching to touch him, just to feel his warmth and get a better look at him in his tux.
Finally he comes around the corner of the barn with John David, chatting.
“My face hurts from smiling for so long,” he says when he approaches me.
