Page 1 of Never Not Friends

EMMA

I know exactly why Vinny and Juliet shouldn’t get married.

The problem is, it all hinges on me.

Or maybe it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the fact that, despite spending the majority of the last twelve years together, Vinny and Juliet aren’t a good fit.

And I know it.

If anyone here knows of any reason why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace . . .

Whose idea in history was it to put that overly dramatic line in the middle of a wedding ceremony? Somebody who must’ve been in love with the bride or groom and needed a socially acceptable way to stop the wedding.

We’re only at the beginning of Juliet and Vinny’s ceremony. We’re not even close to that part yet, but because of the rehearsal last night, I know it’s coming.

And knowing it’s coming is killing me.

Speak now.

I’ve been dreading those two words the last few days.

If I speak, I destroy the person I love most.

If I stay silent, I lose the person I love most.

An impossible choice.

Pressure builds in my chest, driving a heartbreaking ache into my sternum.

He’s going to marry Juliet if I don’t stop him.

But still, I don’t move.

I stand behind my best friend—like any good maid of honor would do—while she marries the man we both love, and I keep on pretending I don’t have feelings for him.

But lately, pretending has become so hard that I’m not even sure I’m pretending anymore.

I just have to push through for a couple more hours. They’ll run through a tunnel of sparklers, Vinny will dip her into a kiss, Juliet will smile and wave, and then they’ll escape in a car that says Just Married.

That’s when I can fall apart.

In some back-room closet.

All by myself.

Not now, during the ceremony.

There’s a time and place for heartache of this magnitude. Everyone knows that.

Not once did I meet Vinny’s eyes when I walked down the aisle.

I couldn’t.

I wasn’t strong enough, or brave enough, or in control of my emotions enough.

Two laser-beam eyes focused on the preacher my entire march down the petal-covered path. The officiant probably thinks I’m psychotic by how intently I drilled him with my stare. Trust me, though, that’s better than locking eyes with Vinny.

But I dare a glance at him now.