Page 92 of Dreams
Chapter Twenty-Two
She was crazy, insane, a certifiable whack job. She shouldn’t be here. He wouldn’t forgive her. What was she thinking?
That was the state of her mind. The fog covered up logical thinking. Her heart rate refused to slow, and she was slightly light-headed as she stood outside the country club. Inside those beautiful wooden doors was a wedding that she had no right to be at. She didn’t know the couple. She was late. Heck, she was only wearing a pair of jeans and a simple sweater with a jacket.
But she was there for Josh, and what he’d said to her after the ball in Columbus stuck in her mind. He liked the person she was now, and this was it. She’d worn her glasses instead of her contacts and hadn’t done anything fancy with her hair. It was her statement to him.
She remembered.
She’d never forget.
Taylor look down at the message on her phone for the millionth time.
I miss you, Tay.
There was a lot she wanted to say to him, but that would be face-to-face. So, her only response was:I miss you too.
White floodlights pointed towards the sky on either side of the doors, illuminating the stone pillars that marked the entrance. It was intimidating.
She had to force her feet to move forward, inch by inch. Pulling open the heavy door, she stepped into the grand entryway. Halls veered off in every direction and signs told her where she wanted to go if her desire was to swim, play tennis or golf, go to the spa, or eat. Then there was another sign directing her to the various ballrooms and meeting spaces. Looking at the invitation, she went towards ballroom B.
As she got closer, there were people milling about in long gowns with elaborate hairstyles and perfect makeup. For the first time, she realized she was stepping into Josh’s world. This was how he’d grown up.
She fingered the edge of her way-too-casual shirt and worried she’d made the wrong decision with the jeans. She looked so out of place, she would have laughed if she wasn’t so nervous.
Her glasses slid down her nose, and she pushed them back up as she stepped up to the door. The attendant scowled at her.
“This is a private event,” he said, scanning her from head to toe.
“I know… uh…” she stuttered, holding out the invitation. “I have this.”
He snatched it from her and examined it closely before looking back up. “This is a formal affair. I’m sorry, I’m afraid I can’t let you in there until you have more appropriate attire.”
“Please,” Taylor said. “I have to find someone. He’s one of the groomsmen.”
He didn’t believe her. She could see it in his eyes. The tiny bit of courage she’d built up started to drain out of her, deflating her mission. She didn’t know what she’d expected. Show up and Josh would just be there waiting for her?
“Is there a problem here?” a strong voice said from behind them.
“Miss Matthews, er I mean Mrs. Marks,” the attendant sputtered. “I’m sorry for the disturbance. This girl is leaving.”
Taylor turned slowly and found herself face-to-face with the bride and suddenly unable to speak. She was stunning and perfect and standing there expectantly. A curiosity sparked in her eyes, unlike the disdain she’d experienced from the attendant.
“I’ll handle this,” the bride said, shooing the attendant away before turning back to Taylor. “Sorry for the rudeness. This place is so freaking stuck-up.” When Taylor still didn’t speak, she cocked her head to the side. “Can I ask why you’d even want to crash a stuffy wedding of someone you don’t know?”
“I’m not crashing,” Taylor finally said. “Grant Mackenzie gave me this.” She handed over the invitation.
Michaela laughed suddenly. “Did he now?” She leaned close and dropped her voice. “To tell you the truth, I only invited him because I knew he wouldn’t be able to make it. I did not need to be hit on at my wedding by anyone besides my new husband.”
“Sounds like Mack.” Taylor laughed.
“He didn’t give that to you because… you’re not his girlfriend, are you?” She looked at her like that would be the most unbelievable thing in the world.
“God no!” Taylor scrunched up her face.
“I like you,” the bride laughed. “I’m Michaela, by the way.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m Taylor.”
