The Moretti Woman Who Stopped Waiting

For the rest of the reception,I sat at the head table under looks of pity,curiosity,and careful silence.Not one Moretti elder spoke.We did not fight in front of outsiders.But I knew that by morning,Adrian Vale would be crossed off several important lists.

Not because he lacked money,but because he had made a Moretti daughter look like a joke.

Adrian sat at another table with his work friends,occasionally glancing over as if a later kiss would fix everything.Claire sat beside him.She had not even been part of the bridal party until the last minute,but Adrian had brought her into the circle closest to the stage.He said she was new to the city and needed to see the world.

He always had a reason.

During the toast,Sophia hugged me and hissed,"If he says next time again,I will have Nolan throw him into the Hudson."

I patted her back."Do not dirty your dress for me."

After the guests left,Adrian finally came over."Let's go home?"He took my clutch and reached for my shoulder.I stepped aside.His hand froze,then dropped like nothing had happened.

"I drank,"he said."Call the driver."

The black Bentley rolled into the night.In the dark window,I saw my made-up face and the tiredness under my eyes.Adrian answered work messages for a while,then said,"Do not take tonight too seriously."

I did not look at him.

"Claire touched the bouquet first.Everyone saw it.She gets nervous.If I had not given it back,people would say she stole your spotlight."

"So you gave her the spotlight."

His brow tightened."Elena,do not do this.I grew up with Claire.She is not whatever you are imagining.She has no one in New York but me.I can take care of her and still love you."

I had heard every version of that speech.Just work.Just a friend.She is pitiful.You are overthinking.

He reached over and rubbed the back of my neck,the way he always did when he wanted me to calm down."Our wedding will happen.Once my promotion is set and the East Coast warehouse line is locked,I will properly ask your father.I will give you all the white roses you want."

"Sophia postponed her wedding five times for me."

His hand paused."That was her choice."

I turned to him.

He seemed to hear how ugly that sounded and softened his tone."A promise you made as teenagers should not hold our lives hostage.You are not an ordinary girl,Elena.A Moretti wedding takes planning.We cannot be reckless."

"Every time,you are the one who changes the plan."

"Because plans change.Can you stop turning everything into proof that I am not choosing you?"

A month earlier,Sophia had pulled me into a fitting room and put me in the champagne bridesmaid dress she had designed for me.Tiny pearls circled the waist.She looked at me in the mirror,eyes bright."When you marry,I will make you an even better dress.One week at most,remember?"

Adrian had been on the sofa,answering messages.He looked up once and said,"Nice,"then returned to Claire's texts.

The car stopped outside our apartment.Adrian leaned over to kiss me,assuming the conversation was over.I pressed my palm to his chest.

"I am tired."

He studied me,then smiled."Being a bridesmaid is exhausting.Sleep early."

His phone rang.Claire's name lit the screen.Before he could explain,I said,"Answer it."

Claire's voice drifted through,soft but clear."Adrian,I cannot get a car.It is so late here.I am scared."

He was silent for two seconds."I will pick you up."

After hanging up,he said,"She is not safe alone.I will be quick."

"Okay."

He waited,probably expecting me to tell him to be careful or ask if he really had to go.I only opened the door and got out.

The river wind was cold.I pulled my wrap around my shoulders and walked into the building without looking back.