Written from Bronwen’s point of view.
The door swung open and Lauren hugged me tightly. "Bronni," she said, "Come in, I'm so glad you came."
"Like I was gonna miss your wedding shower," I said handing her the bag. "I can't believe you're getting married tomorrow, that's insane."
"Come on everyone is in here," she said leading me towards the dining room. "I know I shouldn't be, but I'm so glad the thing in LA didn't work out so you're back here at home."
I sighed following her. "I just hope I can find a job, one that I like."
"Ok, everyone this is Bron, and this is....well everyone." she laughed and I took a seat at the corner of the table.
I sat and listened to the girls tell stories, and listened to them laugh. It was fun. I was actually having some fun. I watched Lauren turn red over all her gifts, and lost myself in the happiness of the moment. The house was slowly clearing out and there were only a few girls left. Lauren and I were going to spend the evening together, as Lance would be out all night for his bachelor party.
"Laur," I said pushing out my chair and standing up, "I have to excuse myself, can you point me in the direction of the bathroom."
"Sure, it's through the kitchen and down the hall on the left." she said.
I walked out of the powder room after washing my hands and heard his voice. I slowed my pace as I tried to control my breathing. I could hear what he was saying as I made my way through the kitchen.
"Hey Laur, sorry to drop by, I just had to pick up my sunglasses that I left here last week." Joey said.
I moved to the doorway connecting the two rooms and leaned on the door frame, looking at him, messing up Lauren's hair, and teasing her for getting married. He had on a pair of old jeans and a big gray hooded sweatshirt. I would have given anything to just be folded into his arms. He looked up to gaze around the room and I caught his eye as I walked in, standing behind my seat.
"Anyway," he said shifting his eyes, "I'll just get them and go, are they still in the kitchen?"
"Yeah," she answered. He walked out of the room and Lauren got up to follow him but I stopped her.
"Let me," I said. I walked through the rooms and looked at him bustling through the papers on the counter. "Listen..." I began searching for words that weren't coming, "Can we at...."
He interrupted me, "Don't say we," he stated coldly.
I felt like I was going to fall over. "Can you and I at least say hello in passing, I mean I know I fucked up everything, but can I at least get a hello?"
"Hi," he said. "Look I don't want to talk to you, as soon as I find my sunglasses I'm leaving."
"They're right here," I whispered, unable to find a voice, as I picked them up off the kitchen table. I outstretched my hand so he could take them. He grabbed for them and his fingers slightly brushed my hand. Shivers went up and down my spine as I watched him walk out the front door.
I was shaking as I went back to the bathroom to collect myself and by the time I returned, Lauren and I were the only one's left in the house. I gathered the rest of the dishes from the table and handed them to Laur who was at the sink.
"You didn't tell Lance that I was coming, did you?" I asked, leaning against the counter.
"Why would I, you're my friend?" she asked without looking up.
"Cuz Laur, he loathes me, and for good reason like the rest of the guys." I answered.
"Yeah, well I know people make mistakes," she said turning off the water, "If they can't see that its their fault."
"Thanks," I said softly as we retreated to the living room.
"Bron, can I ask you a question?" she asked as we sat down on opposite sofas.
"Go ahead."
"Well Joe was really sparse about details, what exactly happened?" she inquired.
"Basically I hid something from him that I really needed to tell him and then I fucked up, got drunk, and left with someone else." I gave her the short version as I tried not to replay the night in my mind.
"You know you can talk to me, if you want," she reassured.
"Thanks, but I really need Joe to be the one to hear this," I fought back a tear, "No matter how long it'll take for him to listen."
"I understand," she nodded her head, "So onto happier things, let's watch Dazed and Confused."
"God that's a jump," I laughed.
Two hours later I fought off sleep and got up from the couch. "Ok I gotta go babe, 'check ya later'."
Lauren laughed, "Well I'll see you tomorrow right?"
I sighed, "I don't think so, I don't think it would be a good idea."
"You have to come, I really want you there, and besides when I heard you were coming back to Orlando I had them set up an extra place at the reception." she begged.
I laughed, "Well I guess I might come for a little bit then."
"Good, bye, I don't know how I'm going to sleep!"
"Just dream sweet thoughts of Lance." I offered cheesily.
She laughed, "Bye and I better see you tomorrow," she yelled at me as I walked to my car.
I held the bag in my left hand and knocked on the door with the other. I hoped I wasn't too overdressed for the party. I had on a gray knee length skirt, a pink dress shirt and tall leather boots. I was late for it already because I had two job interviews that afternoon.