Just Good Friends

Chapter 63

I grind my teeth and wrinkle my forehead. There's no way in hell that Julie is Antonio's niece. How is that even possible? Why her of all people?

"Do you know each other?" My mom asks while looking between us.

Unfortunately... I think.

"Yeah. We actually have a class together..." Julie responds with a simple nod. She left out the part where she also dated Diggy, lied to him about having his baby, and tried to sleep with Jake but, you know, who's keeping track of all that?

"Oh, okay," my mom replies with a pleasant grin. "How nice! Well, it looks like we might be family now."

"Yeah... looks like it..." Julie replies in a regretful tone. She scratches her head and then awkwardly looks to the side.

After everyone greeted one another, the hotel venue manager showed everyone their spots up front and the wedding rehearsal finally began. Even though the focus was supposed to be on my mom and Antonio, I couldn't stop thinking about Julie's presence at this private event.

An hour later, rehearsal was finished. My mom stated that everyone - except the Pastor who had another engagement - would meet at the restaurant down the street from the hotel for our dinner reservation. It would be a private room, so it should be cozy and casual.

"No need to dress up. Just come as you are and let's celebrate and get to know each other!" My mom exclaims to all the wedding guests with a smile.

As soon as the rehearsal was finished, I wanted to leave the venue super quickly, but of course, Antonio had to stop and talk to his brother while my mama had to talk to Julie's mom. As the other wedding party people slowly trickled out, it was only us who were left behind. Wanting to avoid talk, I whip out my cell phone and pretend to be busy on it.

"You moved here recently, right?"

"Yes. A couple of months ago," Teresa confirms, her daughter Julie also on her cell phone showing only her side profile.

"How do you like New York City? Gotten used to the weather yet?"

"It is a bit too cold for my taste, but it gives me an excuse to whip out my new coats," Teresa chuckles while referring to her expensive-looking attire.

"Ooh, this is a nice coat. Where did you get it from?"

Our moms chat randomly about fashion as me and Julie keep it chill and distant. Just how I like it...

***

~Later, Rehearsal Dinner~

The private dining hall was a bit chilly, so I decided to keep my coat on for a little bit at least until most of the guests arrived. There was still around 20 minutes before the dinner was scheduled to start. Antonio and mama were chatting with their coworkers near the other end of the table and taking pictures. Their two empty seats sat to my right. To my left was Mrs. Justine and Mr. Joe who were glancing over the restaurant's menu. Then, the door to the private dining room open and in walked Javier, Teresa, and Julie. Antonio instantly greeted them with warm hugs like he didn't just see them 30 minutes ago, then showed them to their seats which were conveniently placed across the table from my spot. Great.

I sighed at their appearance - most of my frustration was aimed at Julie. I see enough of her at school, and now she's pooling into my family life too? It's like I can't catch a break. So my mom wouldn't call me out for being rude, I quickly shook hands with Julie's parents then sat down and wrapped my coat tighter around my body. It had started snowing again when we left the hotel, and this private dining area was lined with windows. I guess that's why it's a bit chillier.