Page 57 of It Comes In Waves

Page List


Font:  

"Do you have a crazy aunt that is coming to the wedding?"

"No. I don't have any family."

Suddenly I find myself feeling sorry for him.

He stands, "So I guess we better get to taking pictures, or I will have one upset bride."

We make our way out onto the deck, snapping several pictures. This is the most serious, unemotional bunch of men I have ever seen. They wouldn't know a smile if it smacked them in the face. I finish up with the guys and decide to take pictures of the venue. The ceremony is beautifully decorated. I'm almost positive they bought the entire floral shop.

Hanna makes her way into the door and spots me.

"How is he?"

"Better than I expected." She shuffles with her keys, cramming them into her purse.

"Are you ready to help me get them posed for group pictures?"

"You know I am. Iloveweddings." She grins, grabbing my backpack, and tossing it on her back. Sure I can carry it, but she wants to help and if I'm honest, taking pictures with one hand isn't the easiest. I'm still learning how to hold the camera still, so I'll take her help.

We make our way back into the bridal suite, and Katherine turns to face us from the mirror. She is beautiful. If I had to guess, she's probably in her mid 40's, with long, blonde-dyed hair. She looks a little bit like a trust fund baby, and what I am gathering about the past real estate moguls I have photographed for is that most of them were born into money. I haven't met a single one that was self-made or humble.

Seriously lacking in the humility department.

Other than the fact that she looks like she just stepped off the set of "Real Housewives," she seems nice, so I'm trying really hard not to judge.

After a long hour of taking every picture that Katherine felt the need to imitate off Pinterest, a nap away from Bridezilla sounds amazing.

I guzzle down two full water glasses and make my way into the big event room for the ceremony. I take it all in and really didn't expect to feel anything. The emotions hit me like a ton of bricks. The exposed beams have white drapes hanging off of them with twinkle lights, quite possibly the most beautifully decorated wedding I have ever seen.

I find myself wanting all of those things that I didn't want six months ago. The happily ever after, the family, the love. Just all of it. The sinking feeling of grief floats around in my stomach. The only person on my mind is Judson. I try to push my thoughts aside.If he was serious about me, wouldn't he be running toward me, not away?I take a deep breath as the pianist gently begins playing, and I pull up my camera like a shield.

Vows are exchanged, the most insensitive and rehearsed sounding vows I have ever heard. I find myself wondering if they even love each other at all. The groom pulls Katherine in for a simple peck on the lips.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, It is now my pleasure to present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Banks."

The crowd erupts in cheers as my camera crashes to the cobblestone floor.

CHAPTER 39

JUDSON

January 26

Three weeks feels like an eternity when you really miss someone. Carter and I have been spending every night digging into things, trying to find something, anything. We have come up empty-handed every time. I haven't reached out to anyone because I know if I talk to Blake, it will only make me want to see her even more. It's hard enough to stay away as it is, let alone be reminded of her voice. Most nights, I roll over in my empty bed, hoping to get tangled in her hair and realize this was some sort of twisted dream. Her memory isn't something I ever want to escape, so attempting to forget is out of the question.

Luckily I've had Hanna secretly checking in with me, she's not my biggest fan, but she will give me a "she's ok" text when I need it, so I'm thankful for that. I actually like Hanna, which was not what I was expecting from the beginning. She's good for Jay and seems to keep saving him from himself, which is more than I can do right now. Ryan has been lying low, and I haven't heard anything from him, which seems way too suspicious for comfort. Not to mention I'm still dealing with the fact he isn't biologically my father.

In a perfect world, he would just disappear and leave us all alone, but I know that isn't his style. I know perfectly well; this is the calm before the shit-storm. I just wish I could see beyond the walls of this damn apartment and into the mind of Ryan Banks, at least try to predict his next move.

My dinner plate clanks into the sink as I cut the water on to rinse it off. The city lights are streaming in the windows, and it boggles my mind that there are probably hundreds of people walking the street below, and I have never felt so alone. I pull the blinds closed and find a spot on the couch. I switch on the T.V., hoping to think about something else. Of course, hockey is on, thefucking Preds. I let out a deep growl and toss the remote into the mantle and watch the back come off, and the batteries expel onto the floor.

Visions of Blakely standing on my boat in my damn T-shirt flood my mind. My daydream is short-lived when there's a loud knock at the door. I slide a gray shirt over my head and look through the peephole.

I open the door for Carter and Jameson. Instantly suspicious.

"What are you doing here?" I turn my attention to Jay as he pushes past me in the doorway.

"We need to talk." He demands, slamming his fist into the fridge.


Tags: Kirstie Goode Romance