Everything I Wish For (Lupine Valley #5)

14. Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

Lauren

My mind has been racing since last night on the beach with Brad. Ever since I saw Damon in the bar, ever since Layla made a simple statement covered up by her running away to get a drink, I can’t stop my mind from wandering to the plain hard truth that things end. And then they’re ruined.

I don’t want to hate Brad like I hate Damon. But then he goes and books us a freaking cabana for us to eat dinner and watch the sunset together. And now I’m just confused. Everything I’ve ever wanted is finally at my fingertips. I just have to reach out and take it.

But Damon is the dose of cold water on my feelings that makes me take pause.

“Girlie, what is wrong with you today? You’re so quiet,” Vivian asks.

“I’m not really dating Brad. It’s all fake so Mom wouldn’t set me up on a week long blind date,” I blurt out.

“You two are anything but fake.” She glares at me.

“That’s the problem. My feelings are so real. But what if something happens and we end up hating each other like Damon and I? I don’t ever want to hate him like that. And he’s keeping a secret from me. A big one. I just don’t know what it could possibly be.”

“Damon is an asshole that no one liked. I wasn’t even around when he was and I know what an asshole he is. He had secrets for sure. Brad isn’t like that. If you don’t hate him by now, I think you’re good to trust in that relationship.” She hugs me from behind and leaves me with my thoughts to finish getting her makeup done.

Can I? It would kill me to not have Brad in my life anymore. It would kill me to fight with him the way Damon and I did. Even more, it would kill me to never see him again.

But can we even survive this fake relationship going back to how things were?

Last night was awkward enough after my breakdown. The stress of lying to everyone and everything feeling too real is starting to get to me.

I shake my head, clearing the thoughts. This is Vivian and Ethan’s day. It’s all about them, not me.

“You look beautiful, Viv. Ethan is going to fall over at the sight of you.”

She sighs, giving me a sad smile knowing that I’m avoiding any type of conversation about Brad. Or our future.

“I can’t wait to see all you girls in your dresses. We’re going to look so dreamy.” She indulges me with a topic change.

We both look over to the large bay window where the dresses are all hanging together from when the photographer took the photos earlier.

“They are beautiful together.”

The stylist interrupts, holding out a mirror to ask me to look at my make up and let her know if there are any changes she needs to make.

I look unrecognizable. I like to keep my makeup natural, but this is full glam from the glittery smokey eye to the deep red lip.

“Oh, Lauren! You’re so beautiful!” Mom gushes over me.

“Mom, stop. This is Viv’s day, not mine.” I roll my eyes at Vivian over Mom’s head.

“It will be soon enough,” she singsongs as she walks away from us back to her champagne.

Before I know it, we are ready to walk down the aisle ahead of Vivian. The music starts signaling it’s my turn to go. As I walk down the aisle I see my parents' faces smiling back along with Brad’s. They’re laughing and joking around with each other. Something that never would have been true with Damon.

Is it really this easy? Am I meant to be with Brad and that’s why it’s been so hard with everyone else?