5
The hotel was decked out in elegant décor, and I could hear people’s voices mingling as they shared congratulations. The main event was for me. I was still in the back changing into my suit when my phone started buzzing non–stop. After I finished, I glanced at my phone–dozens of messages had flooded in.
11:53 AM
“Mr. Marsh, the gown is ready for pickup.” “Mr. Marsh, the rings are set.” “Mr. Marsh, the hotel booking is confirmed.” “Mr. Marsh, the roses
have been delivered.”
I stared at my phone in confusion. This couldn’t be some internet prank, could it?
Then, Rena called. She sounded flustered and even a bit angry. “Where are you? You’re not at the office, you’re not at home. I texted you, but you blocked me. You don’t pick up calls. Tyler, what are you doing?”
I sighed, my tone not exactly friendly. “Miss Hart, we’re not together anymore. Whatever I’m doing isn’t your business.”
She ignored that and got right to her point. “You’re still mad because I threw Grant that engagement party, right? Well, I set one up for you, too. I’ve picked a date, invited the relatives; whatever extras you want, just tell the coordinator, and they’ll set it up.”
I laughed, caught off guard. “You’re kidding, right?”
Rena’s voice shot up. “Tyler, quit making a scene! If you keep this up, I’ll cancel it. But you only get one more chance. Don’t blow it.”
I took a long breath. This was just so Rena, always convinced she was right, whatever the situation.
“If you need help, go get it. Don’t drag me into this. W
We’re done.”
Rena was so mad she stumbled over her words, barely
Is
managing to say, “Tyler, you’re going to regret this.”
I hung up with a quick laugh. Just as I was ready, I spotted Eliza at the door in a red dress, watching me. “Rena called again?”
“Yeah.”
Seeing the matching rings in her hand, I put one on myself, then slid hers onto her finger. We laced our hands together and snapped a picture. After slipping the rings back, I said, “Alright, let’s go.”
Eliza chuckled, and I held her hand as we walked into the hall together. I even spotted her parents sitting in the audience. I glanced at Eliza’s profile, her expression set. She was serious about this.
After the ceremony, we went around, clinking glasses with the guests, each offering heartfelt congratulations. I even got a generous gift from Eliza’s parents.
