Page 94 of The Wedding Run
I stroll through the outdoor aisles and breathe in lemon balm and lavender. Filling my cart with peppermint and tomato plants, petunias, and zinnias brings me joy. It's healthier than hiding under my comforter.
As I’m checking out, I ask, “Are we in a waxing or waning moon?”
The teen stares at me as if I’ve spoken Portuguese. “Huh?”
At home, I decide that whenever I have the chance to plant, I’m going to do it, whether it’s a waxing or waning moon. I pull on an old pair of faded jeans and place Momma’s gardening hat on my head. I kneel on my terrace and fill my empty flowerpotsuntil they overflow with bright colors of promise. My fingers enjoy the warmth of the soil, and my face luxuriates in the sun shining down. By the time I’m finished, I’m smudged with dirt and sweat, but I am content.
I no longer feel lost and adrift but grounded and ready to figure out my life. Taking a tip from Luke, I determine to take it one step at a time, relaxing into the uncertainty and the wide-open possibilities. It’s a new sensation for me, but it feels exhilarating.
I also marvel at the impact Luke has had on me in such a short time. I resist the urge to grab my phone and call him. Did he get home all right last night? Has he thought about me the way I’ve thought about him? But he made his stance very clear, so I refuse to let myself wallow in feelings of rejection.
The doorbell sounds from inside my apartment. Could that be… What if it’s Luke?
Dusting myself off, I glance in a mirror. Oh my! I’m a sweaty, dirty mess. But I know it can’t be Luke. It’s probably Elle or Charlie. Or maybe Amazon delivery. Did I order something?
Someone is now banging on the door.
Concern jolts through me. I call out, “Coming!”
I hurry to the door and find Derek.
“Your phone not working?” he demands. His expression twists into a sharp scowl. “What have you been doing?”
“Gardening.”
He pushes inside. I see my neighbor Toby peering out from his doorway, checking if everything is all right. I wave as if to say, ‘I’m okay,’ and shut the door.
“Look, Derek?—”
“Are you ghosting me?” he interrupts, glancing at my phone on the coffee table.
“I turned my phone off during the wedding yesterday.” Secretly, I’ve enjoyed this ‘gone fishing’ mentality. “I’m not your responsibility, you know.”
“Have you chucked all your promises out the window? Besides our wedding, you promised to be in another one.”
Marianne.
It’s then I notice he’s dressed in a tux. How could I have forgotten?
“Right,” I say, taking in my own grungy appearance. “Trevor and Marianne.”
He snaps his fingers to hurry me along. “I’ll drive us.”
I return his scowl. “I’ll meet you there.”
But he sits on the sofa.
Fine. I rush into my bedroom and slam the door shut. I take off my sweaty gardening clothes and hop into the shower to rinse off, but I don’t have time to wash my hair. Dry shampoo it is!
The bridesmaid’s dress is a gray silk sheath. Who looks good in gray? But it’s not about me tonight. All eyes should be—and will be—on the bride.
CHAPTER 49
Luke
Iscrewed up. Royally. I slump over the counter, my head in my hands. Behind me, the bell dings as the door opens. “We’re closed.”
“Then how come you’re here?” Roxie approaches the counter.
