Page 134 of Never Not Friends

Camila holds my hair back.

Carly’s arm wraps around my shoulder.

“Em, this is stupid,” Blair says. “I’m going to walk right over to Vinny and⁠—”

“No.” I grab her wrist, looking up at her from my hunched-over position. “Just help me get through the next twenty minutes.”

Blair’s eyes prick with tears—probably the first and last time I’ll ever see that happen. “Are you sure?”

I nod.

“Is she sick?” Sandy comes rushing over.

“Food poisoning,” Carly quickly answers.

Sandy gives me a pointed look. “You better not throw up during Juliet’s ceremony.”

Tell me about it, lady.

I wipe my lips and straighten.

My friends close ranks around me.

“Ready?” Camila squeezes my arm.

“Ready.”

VINNY

There’s a point of no return.

And I’m pretty certain I’ve already passed it.

You don’t stand up here, next to the officiant who’s supposed to marry you, fresh flowers hung around, guests in their seats, the wedding party lined up, unless you’re sure.

So I’m sure.

That’s what I keep telling myself.

I’m sure.

Soft music begins to play, and I face the crowd with renewed confidence.

Then I see Blair.

She and Bob begin their descent down the aisle, but she’s zeroed in on me as she walks, and she looks pissed. I mean, Blair kind of always looks that way—I’m mildly scared of her—but something about her expression today seems different. Like she’s mad at only me. I’m grateful when she makes it to the end and splits off to her side.

Then come Carly and Nate.

No smiles.

And I’m starting to feel like I’m getting punked.

Is this really a funeral procession, not a wedding?

Carly and Nate take their places, and now I can see Camila and Hess, and I’m telling you, it’s the same kind of thing with the sullen expressions. As Hess steps in front of me to go to his spot, I lean over and whisper, “Is everything all right?”

He places his hand on my shoulder. “It’s Emma. She’s having a hard time.”