Page 2 of Falling Together

At least the snow cushioned the liquor bottles because those are still intact. With cold fingers, I pick them up and hoof it back inside, nearly knocking into Joey when I open the side door to the dining room.

“What happened to you?” Her eyes are wide, looking me over from head to toe. “And why are you wet now?”

“Because I got hit with a snowball and fell into a snow bank.”

The side of her mouth quirks up as she bites her lip. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry.”

“Stop it,” I grumble. “You’re trying not to laugh.”

She brushes a short strand of blonde hair that escaped my bun behind my ear. “You’re not having the best night, are you?”

I look down at my now wet dress, complete with spaghetti stain. “I will be in about an hour when I can get out of here.”

Considering that we had to move everything inside for Rylee’s wedding, the whole night went off without a hitch. I’m happy that my best friend got married and is having the time of her life, but I’m ready to call it quits. I only need one more accident to hit the trifecta.

“Why couldn’t we have banned all these kids from running around inside?”

Joey laughs. “Sorry, G, but they’re teenagers. They wouldn’t listen even if we did.”

“Is this what you have to look forward to with Max?” I ask.

“Oh, fuck no. My child will be much better behaved than that. No spilled spaghetti.”

I pass over the bourbon bottles to her. “Will you take this over to the bartender? I’m going to go to the bathroom and see if I can dry out a bit before they make their big exit.”

“Want me to go with you?”

I look behind her where Sam is waiting for her. I shake my head.

“No, go dance with your guy. I’ll be okay.”

“You sure?” she asks.

I peck her cheek. “I always am.”

I dart off toward the bathroom in the lobby before she can stop me. At least with it getting later, not as many people are out and about. Meaning I can dry my dress in peace because it’s empty in here.

The sweet smell of tobacco and leather from the reed diffuser perfumes the air as I shove my dress under the dryer.

God, it really has been one of the worst nights for me. I’m glad my best friend got married and we were able to celebrate her, but I’m ready for this day to be over.

All of my best friends are in relationships and disgustingly in love. Meanwhile, I’m fine without it.

All I need are my horses, and I’m good.

Once my dress is as good as it’s going to get, I head back into the party. Rylee is standing on the edge of the dance floor taking it all in.

“I didn’t miss anything, did I?” I sling an arm around her shoulders.

“Nope. I’m so sorry your dress got ruined.”

“It doesn’t matter.” I look down at the material. “Not when you’re so happy.”

She wraps an arm around my waist. “I’m glad you stood up there with me.”

I smile at her. “Even from the front row.”

“Hey.” She nudges me. “I still wanted you to know how much you mean to me.”