Page 125 of Never Not Friends

Shane and the few other guests in the audience stand as Juliet appears with her dad. She practically bounces down the aisle to Vinny, beaming and glowing with happiness, which eases my heartache a little.

Juliet’s happy. That’s what’s important.

Vinny watches her with a solemn smile until she’s standing in front of him, holding his hands.

“We’re not going to go through the whole ceremony tonight. Most of it, like the vows and rings, we’ll save for tomorrow.” The officiant walks through the order of everything, but I’m stuck on vows, promises, rings.

And despite telling myself that Juliet’s happiness trumps everything else, I feel like I’m going to throw up.

“And then we’ll have the opportunity for objections.”

Juliet looks at her dad. “You have my permission to tackle anyone who stands up.”

Everyone laughs.

But I look at Vinny.

And wouldn’t you know it. He’s already looking at me.

“And then it’s everyone’s favorite part.” The officiant grins. “Vinny, you may kiss your bride.”

He tears his eyes away from me to his bride.

She smiles, not waiting for him to make his move. Instead, she hooks her hand around his neck and pulls him into a dramatic kiss.

Cheers and catcalls erupt as everyone watches in delight.

Everyone except for me.

EMMA

I’m grateful for the buffer the rehearsal dinner provides.

I sit with Shane and my friends, strategically positioning myself so my back is to the bride and groom at the head table. But that doesn’t mean I don’t notice the exact moment Vinny’s dad walks into the room and how Vinny’s expression changes. His body stiffens, and all his movements become tense.

My heart breaks for him. I know how hard it is whenever he’s around his dad. I want nothing more than to comfort him, but it’s not my job to worry about Vinny’s emotional stability.

It’s Juliet’s.

So I force myself to forget about him and focus on my friends.

All in all, I’d say I enjoyed the meal until the part where we all had to turn our chairs to the front—for the slideshow and the parent toasts.

The montage of pictures is like a portal to all my heartbreak over the years. Prom. Graduation. Family dinners. Cuddling on the couch. Trips together. The proposal. Moments all frozen in time, with all the pain suddenly fresh again.

I smile and clap when it finishes, grateful it’s over.

But then come the toasts.

Juliet’s parents go first.

Sweet sentiments about how Juliet and Vinny grew up together as a couple. How they found their way back to one another after college. How he’s always been so sweet and so devoted to her.

My eyes dart to him.

His gaze drops to his hands like he can’t face their words head-on.

And all I can think about is how easily everything could’ve been different.