Page 22 of 7 Miles High
The only thing I feel is anger. Not sorrow or wishful thinking of things from the past. I’m pissed.Way to get my mind off Parker.
“I could not care less. Really.” I shrug my indifference.
“What a colossal dick,” Maggie says. “He knows you’re in the wedding. I hate his fucking stupid face.”
“I do too,” says Jenna. “But unfortunately he’s one of Jerry’s best friends.”
“Don’t worry about it, Jenna. I’m sure he’ll bring his girlfriend and they’ll be in their own little bubble.”
“Uh, that’s the other thing,” she says.
Suddenly my stomach twists. “What?”
“They broke up. He’s coming stag.”
“That didn’t take long.” Maggie smirks.
“I don’t care. Not about any of it. He’s not on my radar anymore. Now let’s quit talking about the asshole.”
Shit. Up to that last word I was selling my indifference. Now the wound is exposed. My own stupidity is what hurts the most. How foolish I still feel knowing I never picked up on his cheating.
* * *
Rollins Mansion is a gorgeous setting for Jenna’s wedding. The 1920’s era Tudor is elegant, this old-world room perfect for the ceremony. Rich polished wood walls, subdued lighting, the right backdrop for romance.
I refuse to make eye contact with any wedding guests on the off chance I spot Alex. Instead,I focus on the bride and groom. Jenna looks like a dream and Jerry hasn’t stopped smiling. They’re in love.Hope their story ends better than mine did.
The rotund officiant wraps it up. “And so, by the authority vested in me by the state of Iowa, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride.”
Jerry takes Jenna’s face in his hands and gives her a sweet meaningful kiss. When they turn, I hand her back the bouquet and smile my congratulations.
As they start the procession out toward the courtyard and gardens, it’s such a happy moment. There’s whistles and applause and joyful faces. The hundred and fifty strong crowd makes an impressive sound.
Don’t look! Eyes straight!If I see Alex it’s going to turn my mood.
But then a child starts crying and I automatically look up. Shit. He’s there on the right, in the end seat three rows back. I know that look. The crooked smile I used to find irresistible, I don’t anymore.
Walking behind the newlyweds, I’m purposely looking at the people on the left. And once outside where the reception’s set up, the entire wedding party is surrounded by well-wishers. I get lost in the happy. Until Elizabeth comes behind me and grabs my arm in a vise grip.
“Did you see him?” she whispers excitedly.
Turning, I give her mywhat the fucklook. “Yeah, I saw him. What are you so excited about?”
She looks surprised. “Really? I thought you’d be happy.”
“Happy? That’s about the last thing I’d feel seeing my ex-husband.”
Her face brightens. “Not Alex! Parker is here!”
The sensation in my body is immediate. I’m tingling, either excited or having a stroke.
“He called Jenna to tell her he was going to be working on a Finn Kennedy film next month. She invited him to the wedding.”
“What? Oh my God!”
“He was sitting in the last row. Go find him!”
Then I feel a hand on my elbow. The familiar touch that’s lost its effect on me.
