Page 8 of Dead to Me

Tall glass candleholders stood on every table. Red roses floated in shallow bowls next to gold place settings. A string quartet played by the far wall, and servers walked around with champagne.

A large sign near the entrance read:

WELCOME TO OUR BEGINNING

I almost turned back but went inside instead. China spotted me right away. Her face lit up, then her eyes dropped to my dress.

“Milan.”

“What?”

“You wore black.”

“I look good in black.”

“That’s not the point.”

I kissed her cheek.

“You’re welcome.”

She laughed, but her shoulders were still tense.

China had changed into a fitted cream dress with feathers at the wrists. She looked every bit the bride. Even when she stood still, she drew everyone’s attention.

"You look beautiful," she said.

"So do you."

She leaned closer.

“You’re really okay?”

“China.”

“I know, I know.”

“You keep asking.”

“I’m just nervous.”

“You’re getting married. You’re supposed to be nervous.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

I looked at her, and she quickly looked away. Before I could say anything, someone called her name from across the room.

China smiled at me.

“I have to go deal with the florist.”

“At dinner?”

“Apparently the arch is wrong.”

“Please mingle.”

I looked around the room.