CHAPTER 2
1363 Words
..........The night before.
I was at what was probably the event of the year but sitting alone at the bar drinking a glass of water. It doesn’t get more depressing than that.
“Congratulations.” The word echoed all around as the happy couple made their way into the hall, having changed into more comfortable clothes in order to have the after party they’d wanted.
Lola looked gorgeous in her white midi dress and her blonde hair curled up. I didn’t need to be a fashion designer to know the simple look she was going for would’ve been more than enough to pay off my family’s debt.
The crowd all around then dazzled in their tuxedos and sequins, trying to stay in line with the 90’s theme of the party while also trying to show off who had the most money.
It was hard to believe that until a year ago, this was my life too. That I was one of these people and this was something I cared about too. Until my father’s company crumbled and they wiped their hands clean of us.
The people I’d grown up with and thought were my friends were apparently only interested in whatever money my family had. So when it went, so did they. Everyone but Lola.
It was hard not to see the facade in all this now, the desperate attempts to outdo each other and how even the best friendships seemed as fragile as glass.
The bride had finally noticed me, waving me over instantly. I shook my head, motioning to the crowd all around which made her roll her eyes and walk towards me. “Emma! What on earth are you doing here?”
“Uh, drinking water?” I stated, pointing at my glass even as I got up to give her a tight hug. “You look amazing!”
She beamed, the bridal glow more evident now in this light. “Thank you. You have no idea how long it took to get ready again. I almost told Damian we should just get his plane and disappear.”
I laughed at the exasperation on her face. “And miss out on the party of your dreams?” To say that Lola and her husband -it felt so weird thinking of him as that - were the life of the party was a gross understatement. They lived for the thrill and buzz of it so I knew there was no way they could’ve missed this.
“Well, it does look incredible.” The massive hall was decked out in glitz, reminiscent of a classic 90’s movie. “Did you see how many people showed up in the Audrey Hepburn dress?” She leaned in closer to whisper.
“I’ve counted six so far.” I whispered back and we burst into laughter.
It had me thinking of the lunch we had where she’d invited me and told me about the plans she had. She’d predicted that even then when people heard the word 90’s that was the first costume they’d think of wearing.
“This is going to be a lot of fun, Em. Come out and dance please. Let’s get drunk and celebrate that I’ll now be tied to one d**k for the rest of my life!”
“Lola!” I swiveled around to see if anyone had heard but thankfully it seemed their attention was on - “Wait, is that guy swallowing swords?”
“Yes!” She beamed again. “That was Damian’s idea. It can’t be a proper party without some entertainment.”
“I thought we were going to have Isles of Man come to perform.” The ultra-popular band was making their first appearance at a wedding. Truly, this was the event of the century.
“Em, this is going to last all night. We need all-round entertainment!” Someone called out her name but she just waved back. “We’re going for the 90's plus Coachella. Come and join us please!”
Now, Damian was waving her over and I could see her attention shift focus to him. “I’ll be there in a bit. Go ahead.”
She gave me a wary glance, a bit torn between dragging me there herself and letting me come on my own. “Fine! Five minutes!”
“Okay.” I laughed as she ran off to meet her husband, who caught her with a laugh and carried her. The joy on their faces made me feel so happy even as a part of me broke wondering if I would ever experience that.
I turned to lift my glass but found it empty. “Could you pour me another glass of water please?” I yelled out to the bartender.
“Sure you don’t want something … stronger?” He asked, giving a quick up and down look.
“Bottled water please.” I said with a tight smile, not wanting to take my chances. I knew how easy it was for some people to use this party as an excuse to do things recklessly. The last thing I needed was to get black out drunk.
“Hey, Emma.” A familiar voice said, making me glance up.
“Nate.” I beamed at him as he took the seat next to me. The ginger haired Abercrombie model looked even more handsome in his tux and his usual charming smile. “It’s really nice to see you again.”
“Right, it’s been forever. I didn’t even know you were going to be here.”
I smiled awkwardly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Yeah … it was kind of a last minute thing.”
“Let me guess. Lola?”
“Lola.” I nodded, smiling at the memory of her putting her foot down and swearing she’d never forgive me if I didn’t show up to the airport two days ago.
“That explains it.” He gave me that million dollar smile again. The three of us had been somewhat close a few years ago but then he’d moved to Europe for his career and then with everything that happened last year, we kind of just lost touch.
Though I guess that was mostly my fault. I hadn’t wanted them to feel burdened or like they owed me so I kept my distance.
“Here’s your water.” The bartender said gruffly.
“You’re drinking water at a bar?”
“I don’t drink anymore.” I said, with a small shrug. After watching just how alcohol took control of my father’s life, it was safe to say I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.
“Well, allow me then.” Nate said, grabbing it before I could and popping it open.
“Ever the gentleman.” I teased, taking a quick gulp.
“I try.” He says just as someone’s trying to grab his drink but ends up spilling it on my dress. “Hey!” He called the guy out, standing up immediately.
I watched the stain form, extending all across the front of the dress, and thought of how much it had cost. It was the final remnant of my past life and now it was ruined just like everything else.
Nate had the guy by his collar, anger clouding his blue eyes but he was too drunk to even know what was going on. “Forget it. It’s fine.” I said, tapping his shoulder.
He turned and I almost took a step back. His usual charming features were mired by fury which was something I’d never seen before. The look on my face must’ve gotten through to him because it disappeared and he let the guy go, letting him fall to the floor.
“Let’s go. I can find you something to change into.”
“No, don’t worry. I’ll go and wash up quickly.”
“Are you sure?” He asked, his worried gaze scanning my face.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” I gave him a small pat on the shoulder and made my way to the restroom.
- Writer
