Gallery of Hearts

Chapter 6

The journey there wasn't too bad. I got an uber to the hotel and had just enough time to shower and get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I couldn't wait to see Hannah. Long distance friendships are so hard, especially when one person involved is a nurse. I'm surprised she even got enough time off for her wedding.

I arrive at the venue and see a sign posted outside of a room in beautiful cursive.

Welcome to Hannah and Adam's Rehearsal Dinner

In a smaller font below the title, it told guests to find their name tag at the table and take their seat. I enter the dimly lit room filled with individuals mixing and mingling. I glance around and try to find my name at a seat. I finally find it and sit down. I feel like an outsider. I pick up my phone and check the time, then the weather. I'm not sure who to talk to. I long for a familiar face. I long for Oliver. The air hums with conversation and glasses clinking. More and more people are finding their seats. I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder and turn around.

"Hannah! Oh my god!!" I jump out of my seat and wrap my arms around her.

"Ivy! You look amazing. I've missed you so much!"

"Me? Look at you!" We laugh together like we're back in 6th grade gossiping about classmates and flipping through magazines.

"I can't believe it's been 6 years. How could you leave me for that long?"

"I know I'm so sorry."

"No don't! Life happens. We're here now."

"And you're getting married!" We hug again and the years melt away like I haven't ever left home.

"When's it going to be your turn?" she smiles at me. I immediately think about Oliver and a smile spreads across my face. I haven't even told her about Oliver. Before I can even think of a response Hannah interrupts my thoughts.

"Don't worry. Plenty of Adam's friends are here tonight. And I may have had some say in the seats." My eyes widen.

"Hannah you didn't-"

"Sh! Just let it happen. I have to talk to a few more people before dinner starts. Get comfortable!" She quickly runs off and gets pulled from conversation to conversation. I turn back to the table and sit. I peak at the names placed next to me. A girl on my left and Liam Porter on my right. She is so dead after the wedding.

Eventually everyone is seated, and so is Liam. Dinner starts and so do the conversations. Liam turns to me and introduces himself.

"Hey! I'm Liam. You are..?"

"I'm Ivy, Hannah's best friend."

"Oh nice! I've never seen you around."

"Yeah. I live in New York actually."

"Wow that's crazy. What made you move there?" Liam asks with genuine curiosity in his voice as he leans a little closer.

"I moved for college and then I never left. I do art so the opportunities there are endless."

"Impressive. What kind of art?" Liam's eyes glimmer with intrigue. I smile and feel a rush of excitement as I get to talk about my passion.

"Mostly painting. I'm a live wedding painter actually. What about you?" Liam goes on to tell me about his major and current job. As he's finishing, Hannah clinks a glass and starts a toast.
When she finishes speaking, she looks and me and winks while sticking out a thumbs up. I slightly cover my face with my hand discretely. I love her but not right now - I regret not mentioning Oliver. I wonder what he's doing right now. Eating? Lying in bed? Do I even cross his mind? I don't even know where we stand.

"Ivy?" I'm quickly pulled out of my thoughts by Liam's voice calling my name.

"Sorry," I say with a sheepish smile, "what did you say?"

"That's fine," he responds. "I was just saying live wedding painting sounds unique. How did you get into it?"

"Oh well um, I was asked by a friend to recreate a photograph from their wedding and I realized how nice it was to create things that brought people such joy, especially on one of the best days of their lives."

"That must feel so rewarding."

"Yeah it really is," I say as I glance around the room. I see Hannah deep in conversation, the way her personality just draws people in to what she's saying. I keep looking around and my eyes land on someone with dark hair in a white button up. Oliver. I blink a few times. I can't stop thinking about him. My mind wanders back to him and his comforting presence before Liam's voice pulls me back once more, calling my name.

"I'm so sorry. I just keep getting lost in thought." I apologize. 

"That's okay. Weddings can do that." I chuckle. I keep the conversation casual and learn more about Liam. The night comes to an end and Hannah stops me before I leave. 

"Hey, you!" she says as she grabs my arm. "How was Liam?"

"He was super great, really nice guy." Her smile is wide. "But actually, I already have someone in mind." Her jaw drops.

"Ivy Bennett. How could you not tell me about this?"

"It happened so quickly. I couldn't even process it. I'll tell you all about it I promise."

"What's his name?" Now I'm the one with a wide smile.

"Oliver."

                                                                                           ♡

I get myself ready for bed when I reach the hotel room. I curl up under the sheets and drift off to sleep. My dreams chase the gallery man with the hazel green eyes. His laughter fills my head and his smiles warms my heart. I could feel myself falling in love.