Page 10 of The Long Way Home
I spot Margo near the edge of the dance floor. Her arm is linked with one of the bridesmaids while she is laughing at something that clearly hit the sweet spot of the night. I make my way toward her, weaving past a half-empty table and a couple packing up leftover favors. Margo sees me before I reach her, and her smile lights up.
I pull her into a hug before she can say anything. I wrap my arms around her and hold on tight, trying to tuck this version of her into memory. Light. Joyful. Happy.
“You did it,” I whisper, squeezing her tight. “You actually did it. I’m so proud of you, Margo. And I’m so happy for you and Anderson.”
I almost don’t say it, but Margo and I made a promise long ago to always be honest with each other, regardless of the pain it might ensue. “Josh would be too.”
She pulls back just enough to look at me. Her eyes shine, glassy now. She blinks a few times, then lifts a shaky smile.
“Don’t make me cry again,” she says, swiping under her eyes. “I’m already dehydrated enough. I can’t afford to lose whatever precious water I’ve got left.” It pulls a laugh out of us both.
“I need to get out of this dress,” she adds, tugging at the fabric. “I swear I’m wearing twelve layers of shapewear under here.”
“Well,” I say, arching a brow, “it is almost midnight, Cinderella. I’m sure your Prince Charming would gladly assist with that if you asked.”
Anderson joins us then, his hand settling on the small of her back. He has been doing that all night, as if it were second nature. His only job is to make sure she never forgets she is safe.
“Did I hear something about clothes coming off?” he asks, grinning as he kisses her shoulder.
“Oh God,” I groan, covering my face. “I immediately regret speaking. Please wait until I leave. Please.”
He shrugs at me, unapologetic, while she shoots him a playful glare.
“I mean, look at her, Rach, I’ve been a good boy all day with her looking like that. I have a list of ways we’re going to spend the rest of the night, and sleeping is not one of them.”
Margo perks up. “Ooo, you know I love a good list.”
“My ears are bleeding.” I wince. “On that note, Ben and I are heading out. Tonight was something magical.”
I lean in and hug Anderson, squeezing him tight. “Thank you for being so good to her,” I say quietly.
He doesn’t hesitate with his response. “She’s my everything.”
Margo looks between us, smiling again. Then she turns back to me. “Thank you for everything, Rach. For the support, the planning, the tequila shots, for the lifetime of memories…”
She looks exhausted, but in that way people do when they’ve lived a whole night they’ll never forget.
“You two were worth every second,” I say, and I mean it more than I’ve meant almost anything lately. “Every single one.”
“Drive safe, okay?” he says.
“I will. You too. Enjoy the bubble while it lasts. And send me all the pictures from your trip. I want to live vicariously through every single one.”
“Planning to,” he grins.
Behind me, I see Ben hovering just off the path, head down, thumb swiping across his phone again. I push a breath through my chest and step back from them. Placing a smile on my face, I turn back to them hoping they can’t see the frustration building just under my skin.
“Guess I should go wrangle him,” I say. “Go be married. And when you eat that top tier of the cake next year, think of me. Pretend it’s not freezer-burned cardboard.”
Margo smirks. “We’ll be thinking of you with every bite.”
She pulls me in one last time. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” I whisper back. And I do, with everything I have.
I wave once, and start walking toward the parking lot. My feet ache from hours in heels. I slip them off and carry them by the straps, the cool gravel biting as I walk.
Ben is already standing at the driver’s side door. He leans against it with his arms crossed, but at least his phone is gone now. I open my door and glance over at him.
