Catch My Breath

After the main courses were enjoyed and dessert served, the DJ let loose and we partied the night away. My mom and dad danced to song after song. Stephanie managed to pair off with one of Andrew's friends. They sat huddled at a table by one of the massive picture windows. Her peals of laughter floated over the music.

Before the reception ended, all of us made our way to the back terrace for one final surprise for the bride and groom. Once everyone gathered outside, the night sky lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks. Glasses of champagne were raised and the bride and groom were toasted, as brilliant colors burst across the sky, illuminating the castle.

I stayed out on the terrace after everyone went back inside. Stars shimmered and glittered their way through thin tendrils of clouds in the night sky. A soft breeze tickled my skin. This was the closest I’d been to experiencing pure serenity in months. I wanted to bottle up this moment of peace and solitude forever.

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

I turned, surprised to see my sister.

“Admiring the view.”

“What view? It’s pitch black out here.” Dayna gathered up her dress and stood next to me.

“I was looking at the stars. I don’t get to see them much in Orlando with all the light pollution.”

“I know what you mean. We don’t see them in London either.” She flicked a strand of my hair behind my shoulder.

“Why aren’t you inside mingling with everyone?”

“They won’t mind if I’m spending quality time with my big sister,” she grinned.

“I know that look. What do you want?”

She sighed. “We haven’t really talked since the break up. Is he still harassing you?”

The one person I could never lie to was Dayna. Sure, Stephanie could read me like a book, but Dayna knew what was on the page before it was written.

“Not anymore. Well, not since I moved. There’s a guard stationed at the entrance gate, so he couldn’t get in even if he tried. Plus, I have an alarm in my apartment.”

“How about the texting and calling?”

“That cooled off last week.”

“Are you sure he still doesn’t have someone tailing you? He’s a sneaky fucker.”

I had to smile at Dayna’s pissed off expression. It clashed so fiercely with her sparkly veil and wedding gown.

“You look like a demented bride with that grimace,” I giggled.

“Lia, come on. I’m serious.”

I leaned my head back, inhaling the crisp, fresh air. “There’s nobody tailing me. There’s no more harassing. I don’t know what it means, but hopefully he got bored and moved on. Although, I wouldn’t wish him on any girl.”

“Guys like that think they own the world just because their bank accounts are bigger than their dicks. He’ll find some willing gold-digger to boss around and tell what to wear and who to talk to. I’m just glad you finally saw him for who he really is.”

We both turned our heads to see where the blast of music was coming from. Andrew had opened one of the French doors, waving to us.

“There you are. You coming back inside?”

“In a minute,” Dayna answered. Her new husband nodded and closed the door.

“Go back to your reception. I’ll hang out here a bit longer.”

Bright blue eyes lingered on my face long enough to make me squirm. I really wish everyone would stop fussing over me.

“I know we’re an ocean and a time zone apart, but if you need anything, anything, you call me, okay?”

“Dayna—“

“Just because you’re my big sister doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. We Meyers girls have to stick together.”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Cinnamon.”

“Ugh, you and Dad with the nicknames,” she groaned. “Don’t ever use it in front of Andy. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“I make no promises.” I smirked.

Dayna pulled me into a suffocating hug before returning to the reception.

* * *

I sat quietly on the cushy bed in my room, flipping through a magazine. The reception ended a couple of hours ago but people were still laughing and walking through the hallway. My sage dress rested on a chair by the window with the pair of sparkling heels next to it on the floor. I have to pack at some point. Now is not the time.

Leaning back against the pillows, I stretched my legs, wiggling my French manicured toes. Letting out a big sigh, I grabbed the magazine again. Nothing was coming into focus on the pages. It was all jumbled words and blurry images. According to my cell phone it was barely one in the morning. I idly wondered what Alastair was doing.

A stupid smile attacked my lips. Really? I thought back to what Stephanie said about my ‘needing’ this. She might be right but I wasn’t ready to jump into something physical with anyone. Although, it could be fun. He is awfully sexy.

The door swung open, smacking against the wall. "Jesus, Stephanie. You just about gave me a freaking heart attack."

"Relax. I didn't do anything. These doors are so old and heavy, I had to push really hard.” Stephanie kicked off her heels and flopped on the bed. "What were you thinking about so intently that I scared you so badly?"

I sighed, annoyed. "Nothing."

“Liar. You’re thinking about your guy.”

“He’s not my guy.”

“Are you nervous about seeing him tomorrow?”

“No.”

“Oh my God,” she snorted. Stephanie knew. Stephanie always knew when I tried to hide my feelings. Sometimes, being her best friend was a curse as much as it was a blessing. “Did I tell you Darren’s company is hiring a graphic designer? He says I should apply.”

“That’s exciting. Isn’t that your dream job?”

“Yeah, but I thought I’d be doing it in Orlando.”

“You have to go where the opportunity takes you. Otherwise, you’ll be cutting hair for the rest of your life.”