Page 118 of Memories By the Shore
As we all order our food, I spend the night conversing with my friends, who have now become my family. I feel complete, but a piece of me is still missing. Trying not to get bothered by the annoyingly cute banter between Bailey and Mason, or how it’s impossible for Lina and Carter to keep their hands off each other, or how my Piper Moon and Jack seem to exist in a world of their own.
I will never have this with Dave. But I also will never be hurt again like I was. Sometimes, to keep out the bad, you must keep out the good too. A painful sacrifice I’m willing to make.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Now
Avery
Dave’s family will be on vacation in Southern France, so they’ve requested a short engagement. When everything is said and done, Dave and I will marry in three weeks. They have family friends who own a golf course in Scottsdale and would like to have the wedding there.
I agreed. It took me a while to send the divorce papers to my lawyer. It was a difficult decision, but I forced myself to do it. I know Dave is the safer choice. I’m not a risk taker, and he’s not a risk.
Thank goodness my lawyer was on vacation with his family, so he didn’t charge me extra time since the documents would have arrived later than we’d agreed on.
I pace outside in front of the bridal studio, waiting for Lina, Bailey, and Piper to arrive. A day that should be filled with excitement and champagne, but instead, there’s a dark cloud looming over my every move. An exciting day for any bride, but it lacks the enthusiasm it should.
Bailey’s heels click on the ground as she steps onto the curb. “What’s with this rain?”
“It’s not monsoon season,” Piper adds as she quickly approaches us.
“I don’t mind the rain,” I comment, holding my arms to them. The three of us embrace.
“No hugs without me!” Lina’s high-pitched voice is distant until she jogs up the sidewalk.
“Here,” I say. Piper and I open our arms to let Lina in.
Lina squeezes us tight. “Okay, Avery. Let’s find you the most beautiful wedding dress in the world.”
Bailey glances over at me. “One that’s fit for a dentist’s wife.”
“What does that even mean?” Piper laughs.
“I don’t know. I couldn’t think of anything else to say.” Bailey shrugs.
We release.
“How are you feeling today?” Lina turns to me.
I twist my lips. “Good.”
Simultaneously, all three of my friends look at me with unsure expressions.
Piper is the first to speak. “We’re doing this?”
I never had good friends as a child, but these women are my family,sisters. They know me very well, better than I’d like.
“Let’s go.” I sigh, ignoring Piper’s question.
They exchange glances, and then Lina steps forward to open the doors. The three of us enter the upscale bridal studio in downtown. Dave’s mom, Christy, is friends with the owner, so she was able to get us in early even though the studio’s appointments were booked three months out.
“Hello, ladies, I’m Jan.” A petite blonde woman in a dusty pink three-piece pantsuit walks up. “I’ll be assisting you today.”
We all smile and greet her.
“Hi, Jan. I’m Avery,” I say, introducing myself.
Jan flashes me a wide smile with perfectly bleached teeth. “Oh, hello, Avery! You’re more beautiful than Christy lead on.”
