Chapter 2
They whisper back and forth on the phone.]
Riley finally gives in. “Fine, Mason, it’s YOUR big day. I won’t mess it up for you, I promise.” []
Her eyes are watery, like she’s about to cry any second.[]
After a while, she finally changes back into the damn bridesmaid dress.
I sit down at the vanity and let the makeup artist work on me. I don’t even bother to look at Riley.[]
An hour later, my makeup’s finally done–and she struts in, completely glammed up.
Honestly? The whole thing’s a fucking joke. Mason said she doesn’t even know how to put on mascara.
But look at that makeup–she could be walking the red carpet right now.
She deserves an Oscar for Best Actress.[]
Everything’s finally ready to go.
Mom and my girls are running around getting everything perfect.]
Setting up the “something old, something new” gifts, arranging my bouquet…]
Meanwhile Riley hasn’t moved from the couch, glued to her phone the whole time. The TikTok crap on her phone is driving me up the wall.
Finally, Chloe speaks up: “Hey Riley? We’re getting the bridal stuff ready. Could you help us with the flowers?”
Riley acts like she didn’t hear a thing and just keeps scrolling.
*…Riley?“]
“I’m a bridesmaid, not her damn maid. Got it?”
“It’s a wedding, not a royal coronation–she ain’t the Queen.”
She rolls her eyes at Chloe.
She doesn’t move until we hear the guys show up outside
Then suddenly she’s Miss Energetic, jumping up and rushing to the front.
We start our little game through the door–the guys have to answer questions to get in.]
Riley cuts off Chloe and blurts out: “Masonun, when did we first sleep together?”
The whole room goes dead silent
Chloe finally snaps and shoves Riley back.]
“What the fuck is wrong with you? You here to screw
ew this whole thing up?”
“Don’t open your mouth if all you’ve got is bullshit.“[]
Mason sounds panicked through the door: “Riley, cut it out! We never–we’re just friends
Ethan, one of his buddies, cracks up and sells him out.]
“Bro, remember Lake Tahoe senior year? Only one room left, all five of us crammed into that bed?”
“You were worried Riley might freeze, so you cuddled her all night“]
“Ethan, shut the hell up!” Mason sounds completely panicked.[]
Lily, don’t listen to them!”
My nails are digging into my hands so hard. I’m trying not to completely lose it right now.
Chloe quickly changes the subject and asks some safe questions.
They finally open the door.
Now comes the “something blue” tradition–I need to put on the blue garter Mason got me.
I just want to get this over with, but the garter box is missing.
Mason’s running himself ragged, while his buddies tear the place apart.]
Chloe whispers in my ear: “I saw Riley throw something out the window before… think it was your garter?“]
My stomach drops. That’s it. I’m done playing nice.]
“Riley. Did you throw my garter out the window?”
She freezes up, looking instantly drained.]]
“…What? No!”
“Oh yeah? This place has cameras–want me to pull the footage?“[]
Riley looks like she’s about to pass out. “…I was just trying to make things more fun!“*]
“Are you out of your goddamn mind?” Mason finally snaps.
He runs downstairs. Comes back a few minutes later with my garter–covered in dirt and trash]
“Lily… I’m so sorry…“]
Mom sees the filthy thing and goes ballistic. “Mason, what is your friend’s problem?
“This is your wedding day and she’s trying to destroy it!”
“Grace, please, it’s my fault…”
“Don’t “Grace” me. After what you just pulled. I’m not so sure you deserve my daughter.”]
The room goes ice–cold.
Mason’s idiot friends try to make it better.
“We found it though, right? Why is everyone freaking out?”
“Mason, you’re being mean to Riley. Look, she’s crying!“]
“EVERYONE SHUT UP! This is MY wedding and MY wife comes first!”
Mason looks at me like a kicked puppy.
“Babe, I’ll buy you a brand new one right now.”
I shake my head. “I’m not wearing that disgusting thing.”
“Go get me a new garter. Now.”
“Come on, Lily, you’re being a little dramatic. Just clean it off.”
I grab the nasty garter from Mason and throw it at Ethan.]
“This is MY wedding day. You don’t like it? There’s the door.”
“But-“]]
“Nobody say another word! I’m getting a new garter right now.”
Mason grabs his jacket and runs out like the building’s on fire.
Thirty minutes later, he’s back with a new garter, sweating through his shirt.]
“Baby, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.“]
He gets on his knees and gently puts the garter on my leg. Then picks me up and carries me to the car.]
Riley’s standing there, eyes red and mascara streaked, acting like she’s the one who got wronged.
I’m done giving her attention. All I want is for her to take the hint and vanish.]
But shame clearly isn’t in her vocabulary.[]
She actually climbs into the car with us.
Turns out, she was already planning her next stunt.[]
