Page 80 of The Wedding Run
Charlie and I exchange looks and shrug.
“Maybe Charlie’s interested in him.” I direct the accusation at her.
Charlie bursts out laughing. “He’s nice and all, but… nope. He’s got an eye for Lib.”
“That’s how much you know,” I say. “He told me he isn’t interested.”
“When?” Elle asks.
“A bunch of different ways. Luke and Derek are friends, and Derek owns half of Luke’s business. He could ruin him.
Elle grabs my shoulders. “You were brave beyond belief when you walked out of your wedding. Don’t let that bravery disappear now when you need it the most.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.” Elle hugs me close. “I’ll see you in Atlanta. In the meantime, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Charlie adds, “Do what I’d do and go for it!”
“You talk a good game, Charlie, but I never see you with a boyfriend,” I challenge her.
“I like going solo.”
“Maybe I do, too,” I say.
But both of my sisters shake their heads in disbelief.
CHAPTER 40
Libby
Adriving rock-and-roll beat bursts from gigantic speakers and pulses through Piedmont Park, a historic park in Atlanta. I can’t make out the distorted words from the seventies-style rock band playing in the pavilion, but the crowd claps along and dances as if it's Woodstock.
The smell of grease permeates the air. Luke and I walk past jump houses and vendors offering everything from cheesesteaks and fried pickles to curly fries and deep-fried butter. Yes, that is a thing, but it’s not my thing. Still, someone must love it.
While we get our bearings, Luke and I gobble down a couple of hot dogs.
My phone buzzes, and I glance down. Derek calling. Again. I shove my phone deeper into the bottom of my purse and ignore the persistent vibration. “Derek would never take a day off,” I say. “He didn’t even want to take off any time for our honeymoon.”
“His mistake,” Luke says.
“Would you choose Ohio for your honeymoon?”
He chews thoughtfully for a moment. “I’m sure even Ohio could be romantic with the right person.”
Hmm. Okay… I decide to push the conversation further.
“You were engaged before, and you’ve been out with Benelope?—”
“Bethany.”
“But will you ever consider something serious again?” Maybe it’s the caffeine that makes me jittery and keeps me babbling. “I’m wondering about that myself. If I’ll ever be ready. If I’ll ever allow myself to take a risk.”
“You can’t rush romance,” he says. “It happens or it doesn’t.”
What does that mean?I step back and reassess.
Luke turns slowly in a circle, scanning the crowds, stage, and vendors. He gestures toward a nearby row of vendors, and we stroll in that direction.
