The Loveless Letter (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 6

POV: Bree

2 months.

Just 2 months until the wedding and there was still so much to do.

I was absolutely frantic.

Who the hell plans a wedding in 3 months? Henry, that's who.

I didn't get the urgency.

I was all for getting married, but putting it on a tight timeline was stressing me out.

Weddings were supposed to be one of if not the happiest time in one's life.

The celebratory dinner had gone off without a hitch. Everyone I wanted to be there was, even Liv. Their friendship might still be on the mend, but I knew Liv would be there for me.

Something had irked me as the night went on though...

I knew Liv and Taylor had to get along, but did they have to seem so friendly? My plan seemed to backfire as they ended up talking to each other for most of the night. It was an absolute disaster for my poor nails that got chomped on due to the unexpected development.

I didn't think Taylor was gay... But people have told me that I had the worst gaydar ever so that didn't help the situation at all.

Right now, I had to focus on the task at hand.

Engagement photos.

The location they chose was an absolute spectacle. It quickly became one of my favorite spots in this town. Well, other than Liv and mine's spot.

"You were absolutely right, Sylvia. The nature trail is perfect for pictures." I said, marveling at the surroundings.

There was never a lot going on in Red River, New Mexico. Small towns are usually like that. Tight-knit communities that thrived on the land they were on and the people around them – of course you can't forget tourism too. With about only 540 people in the entire town alone, it's a stark contrast to how people live in today's society. The spot their photographer Sylvia found was breathtaking. I would be lying to myself if I couldn't admit that my hometown was beautiful, mountains expanding all around them that just takes your breath away. A mountain town through and through with active skiing. The city has tried to make the most of their assets: the pioneer lodge, the river ranch RV park, river ski resort, and cabin rentals just to name a few.

"See? I always knew you'd come around if you just came out here yourself. A fresh set of eyes helps when you've lived here most of your life." Sylvia said with a hearty laugh.

And Sylvia was right.

It was an amazingly scenic place.

Too bad Henry was a little ways away off the beaten path on a work call.

I wasn't surprised at Henry's standoffish behavior. It seemed to be a common occurrence with him.

Work seemed like his first love.

I rolled her eyes.

The only reason we were back at my hometown was because I insisted on it. I had moved to New York a couple years back for an opportunity regarding work and had met Henry there and the rest was history, as they say.

"This is perfect, Sylvia. Really. Maybe we can do some shots near the river too?" I asked.

"Anything for you, babe!" Sylvia replied.

I smiled brightly and laughed at her friend's outburst. Sylvia was always busy with her thriving wedding planning business but made a special case for me and Henry's wedding.

While I was staring at their next background for the shoot, I slipped into a daydream of things that could have been. Everything was exactly the same. It was so similar I didn't know if it was real or fake.

Except one detail.

The person standing next to was Olivia Rodriguez. Because of course it was. That was my number one fantasy. Me and Liv being together, even getting married. Just like I was doing now.

I felt hands wrap around my waist and I was pulled from her fantasies. Henry had apparently finished up his work call and came back to check out how the photos were looking.

Moving from fantasies to memories of my past, I thought back to when Henry and I first met.

Henry and I met in New York a little after I had just moved there. It had been a gradual climb towards their current relationship. We were both new accountants at Browe CPA, our careers having the same starting point. My hope of being hired at the highly sought after firm was just a shot in the dark when I saw they were hiring. The competition was high, but I had my unfettered determination to see this through come hell or high water. So, imagine my surprise when I got the confirmation email that they wanted to go through with me as an official employee.

"These are good." Henry said as he peered over at the camera from behind me. "Sylvia, right? Thanks for doing this on such short notice."

Wonder whose fault that is...

"No worries." Sylvia said as she shook Henry's hand. "Anything for a friend."

I tried to tune into their conversation, but I started drifting away again. I had wanted these preparations and this wedding to be absolutely perfect. I knew it couldn't be perfect really, but as close to it as possible was preferred. It seemed that everything was more difficult as time passed on and the clock ticked further to their wedding date. The further we got, the more complicated everything became.

Especially with Liv back in the fray.

"By the way..." Sylvia said with a leading tone that snapped me back to reality. "Have you talked to Liv since she's been back?"

I felt my body stiffen at Liv's name being mentioned and my throat felt parched. It was dry, like all the moisture had been sucked away in an instant. And, of course, Sylvia would try to slyly talk about my best friend who had just returned after almost a decade. I told Sylvia everything these days. Just to vent or if I was feeling frustrated. Sylvia was there for me if I needed to talk.

I was unsure of me and Liv's relationship at the moment. Liv seemed to be avoiding me now since the celebration dinner, which I found odd. I wouldn't admit to anyone, but I did have a pang of jealousy course through my chest when she saw Liv and Taylor looking so chummy as they talked to one another. I was the one who introduced them in the first place... all these emotions were coming in waves, powerful, and popping up in situations regardless of if I wanted them to or not. I just hoped, prayed even, I would find some peace within myself regarding these unreciprocated feelings.

Letting go was hard, but holding on to some hope of something that would never be was downright unbearable.