Page 2 of The Sexy Part
“Okay. I’ll take care of it for you.”
I take a shaky breath. “Am I the first jilted bride you’ve had?”
“Sweetie, I’ve seen everything. Not all weddings go as planned, but usually that’s for the best.” She squeezes my shoulder, gives me another sympathetic look, and leaves.
Cooper slides the shot glass over to me, and I toss it back. I shudder, not used to hard alcohol. Cooper leans casually against the bar, studying me. Suddenly self-conscious, I wipe the tears from my face.
“Thanks for the drink,” I say. “I’m Rowan.”
“Nice to meet you, Rowan. I’m Cooper.”
“Yeah, I heard. I mean, nice to meet you.” I lift my glass. “Can I get another?”
He takes the glass. “Have you eaten today?”
“Only a wedge of cantaloupe this morning. I was too nervous.”
“How does a burger and fries sound?”
I nearly drool. I’ve spent the past six months on a diet to make sure I fit into my wedding gown, which has a formfitting sleeveless bodice. I suppose I could’ve had the seams taken out, but I fell in love with it on the spot and didn’t want to change a thing.
“That sounds great,” I say. “I don’t have any money on me, but I swear I’m good for it. I left my purse across the street at Ludbury House.”
“No worries. I’ll go put in the order.”
He ambles to the kitchen in back. What a nice guy. And here I was thinking all men are scum. Welp, he’s the exception that proves the rule.
Devastation hits me like a hammer, and I drop my head in my hands.Dave, what happened?We were in love. Hot tears sting my eyes. I thought I’d met the perfect man. Dave was charming, supportive, handsome. We were partners in life and in our shared advertising business in New York City. He was the face of our company, great with bringing in clients. It won’t work without him.
Thinking back, things started to change about a month ago after Dave nearly drowned on a kayaking trip with friends. He started doing strange stuff. Like seeing a psychic, training for a marathon, and getting his balls waxed. Was he planning to join a strip show on his psychic’s recommendation after running a marathon? Bizarre.
I tried to talk to him about it, but he said he was just living life to the fullest, and then made it seem like I was trying to hold him back and just needed to loosen up. Truth is, I couldn’t let go of my dream of finally having a stable family of my own. We’d talked about having kids in the future. I so badly wanted things to be fine, I convinced myself they were.
I came out here to the suburbs of Clover Park, Connecticut, because I read great things about wedding planner Hailey Campbell and Ludbury House. Hailey’s handled all kinds of weddings, even some high-profile clients. And she’s great at making it a smooth, stress-free experience for the couple. How could I resist?
I prop my head in one hand, leaning against the bar. The tequila took the edge off. Is Dave seeing another woman?
He did seem distant at the rehearsal dinner last night. I thought he was just tired like I was. I take a sip of water and wish for tequila. What is taking that bartender so long? I glance around. I’m the only one at the bar now. Music blares from a back room. Seems like the party moved there. Some retro songs. It makes me think of my wedding reception that never was. It would’ve been full of music and dancing. Hailey and I planned every song, every moment together. I dash at another tear.
A short while later, Cooper appears from the kitchen carrying a tray with my burger and fries. He sets it in front of me. “I made this myself so you wouldn’t have to wait as long.”
“Really? Thanks.” I take a bite of burger.Mmmm, so good. I keep eating, feeling less weepy by the moment.
After I finish the burger, I start on the fries. “You’re a great cook.”
“Thanks. Been working here a while.”
I take a bite of fry. “I’m not usually so weepy. Normally, I’m in control, full steam ahead. You caught me on a really bad day.”
He leans casually against the bar. “Sure. It’s been a day.”
A couple of twenty-something women approach the bar. Their facial features are similar enough to be sisters.
The brunette with blue eyes smiles at Cooper. “Could we get a couple of mojitos?”
His smile lights up his face. “You got it.”
She turns to me. “Sorry about the day you’re having.”
