Page 101 of Mine Again
“Not bad for a lightweight. It will do.”
There’s a brief knock on the door. It opens, and a chapel assistant sticks her head in.
“We’re ready for the bride.”
Brilliant… I’m not.
Dario picks up the bouquet of cascading roses in deep red and blush and hands it to me with a flourish.
“Now go and own that aisle.”
I swallow hard, my fingers tightening around the stems until the thorns almost puncture my skin. My heart hammers loudly, drowning out the first notes of the music.
My head swims, but I nod and let the assistant lead me into thecorridor. I throw one last glance over my shoulder at Dario, my confidant, my lifeline for the last hour. He gives me a wave and a thumbs-up, calling after me, “You go, girl.”
I focus on setting one foot in front of the other. The hallway is too short. I need more time.
The music rises, bold and bright like it is mocking me.
Shit.
It’s time.
My stomach clenches. Mari threw up on the priest. Please, God, do not let me be that bride.
The doors swing open. Blinding light floods in.
My heart seizes for a beat.
Or is it my feet?
I push through the sinking sensation and take a step.
Sebastian is waiting at the altar. Or is it two Sebastians?
Oh no.
I blink hard, trying to clear the double image. They merge. Then they split again.
I keep moving. My legs are stiff, awkward. The static in my head grows louder, like the world is sliding further away.
I sense eyes on me. They’re sharp like needles on my skin.
My knees wobble. I grip the bouquet so tight my knuckles ache.
I want Mamma and my sisters.
I want the sun, the sea.
And I want Luca waiting at the end of this aisle.
I take another step. The chapel tilts. Or I do.
Sebastian smiles… I think.
I try to smile back, but my lips don’t move right.
My chest tightens. My heart crashes in my ears. The music turns to a hum.
