1
Julia
Iwatch my brother-in-law spin Olive on the dance floor, her ivory skirt floating out around her like a fairy princess. There was a time when I thought none of us would get married, but here we are. Candles, flowers, plentiful cocktails, all we’re missing is a drunken rendition of the chicken dance and we can call it a night.
Lilah’s canoodling with Ben in a corner, looking like the fucking Goddess of fertility. Parker and Lukas snuck off halfway through the cocktail hour. I expect they’ll turn up any minute, disheveled and half of the buttons ripped off their clothes. I swear to God, the two of them are single-handedly keeping the safety pin market afloat. And really, good for them. I can enjoy the fact that they’ve all found their people.
It’s a nice thought; that there’s someone out there for everyone. That Prince Charming is out there, waiting for me. The cold reality is that Prince Charming turned out to be a self-obsessed asshole and most of the guys I’ve dated would turn on a dime if someone offered them a quick blowjob. Maybe I’m jaded, but in my experience, all men leave, and they usually do it with as much douche-baggery as possible. I amsomuch happier alone. I can rock the cool, single aunt vibe. After all, Sally is single, and at sixty-five she’s still making that shit look good.
For what it’s worth, dating is just about the last thing on my mind these days. Long hours at the hospital have sucked every drop of energy from my body, and besides the annoyance of my onetime crush schmoozing his way through my sister’s wedding, I have bigger problems at hand. I’ve been clutching my little purse all night, dreading the call that I know has to be coming.
Was I aware that the hospital’s whistle-blower protection policy was a load of crap when I submitted the complaint? Hell no. But it doesn’t change the fact that Doctor Grimaldi is a sack of human garbage. Even if my name gets out as the one who reported him, I can’t find it in me to regret what I did. The whole point of becoming a nurse was to help people. I’m not about to stand aside and let an alcoholic get away with putting anyone in danger, especially children.
The music changes and the crowd claps as Brooks gives Olive one last spin and a dip. I consciously brighten my smile as I clap along. The wedding planner is eyeing me, and as tough as I am, she is absolutely terrifying. I’d sooner shave my head than get on her bad side.
The catering staff serves dinner with the robotic efficiency of a well-oiled machine, then there are toasts, and the cake cutting. I’m doing well, hiding the stress that’s tearing me up inside. This is Olive’s day and the last thing on this Earth I would ever do is let my personal shit get in the way.
Nope.
Tonight is all sunshine and rainbows. I can make it through this without batting an eyelash. Although… a drink definitely wouldn’t hurt. It has been a long, long day and the servers aren’t bringing wine around to the tables anymore.
“Want something from the bar?” I ask Asher.
“Nah,” he grunts, holding up his beer.
“‘Kay. Thanks for the chat,” I say sarcastically, patting him on the back. He’s never been much of a talker, but he seems to have reached all new levels of sullen lately.
Sally spots me on my way to the bar, hooking an arm through mine and whistling as she looks me up and down.
“God damn you make stretch velvet look good, girly.”
“Well, I’ve got you to thank,” I laugh. “You dressed me.”
Sally hoots and leans back to look at my butt. “I might have picked the dress, but you’re filling it out. Sweet Jesus. If you don’t find a man tonight…” she sighs.
“You’re the worst, you know that?” I tease, hugging her hard.
The bartender gives us a nod, and Sally asks him for two shots of tequila.
“Hard no. I’ll take a glass of champagne.”
“You’re no fun,” Sally pouts as the bartender pours me a glass, sliding it towards me. As I take it, my bag vibrates in my hand. Opening the clasp and peeking inside, I see Brenda’s name on the screen.Fuuuck. She’s my inside girl with hospital administration. I’m thankful as hell that I brought her cupcakes from Olive’s bakery for her birthday. It’s about to pay off in spades.
“Oh, I’m fun, but I’m not getting hammered with you at Olive’s wedding. I’ve got to take this call. Go find Anita and Josie. They can keep up with you, at least.”
Sally throws her drink back and scans the party. “Alright, fine. I’ll see you later.”
Abandoning my champagne and swerving through the crowd, I head for the edge of the tent as I answer.
“How bad is it?”
Brenda’s nasally voice comes through, so quiet I can barely hear her. “Well, it’s not great. Could be worse, though.”
“Are you hiding in a supply closet? I can barely hear you.” I try covering my other ear and ducking behind the catering tent to block out some of the party noise.
“Obviously. Where else could I call you from? I’m not supposed to be talking to you,” she whispers back.
“Sorry, thanks for calling. This has been eating at me all day.”