Fake Dating The Enemy

31

Thomas

I can't believe I was going to kiss her. I mean, I wanted to, but I knew she was still upset with me. Why would I even try to do that? God, I'm so stupid. The sound of the front door opening takes me from my thoughts.

"Where's Elizabeth? Is she alright?" Luke's overprotectiveness turns on fast.

"She's in bed. She's fine." I say, barely even looking at them.

"Oh. So, her knee is alright? I was worried that she couldn't walk good on it." Ashley says, and I nod.

"Yeah. She's fine."

"Are you?" Luke asks, causing me to look at him. "You seem upset. Did something happen?"

"Nope." I say, adjusting the pillows and laying down on the couch. "I'm tired, and tomorrow is the big day. We should all get some sleep." They exchange a look of concern before heading off to bed. As for me, I don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight.

Elizabeth

I don't think I had even a full hour of sleep last night. All I could think about was the fact the Thomas was going to kiss me, and a part of me was wanting to kiss him back. Coffee in hand, I walk into the room at the church that was set up for us girls to get ready for the wedding. I immediately notice Ashley getting her hair and makeup done along with her two other bridesmaids.

"Elizabeth!" She beams, ushering me over to her. She pulls me in for a hug, and I force a smile.

"Good morning you beautiful bride." Her smile widens, and I let her get back to her hair and makeup.

"Elizabeth." I turn to see my mother, and I give her a tight hug. You'd think I hadn't seen her in years, but it hasn't even been that long. I just really needed a hug from her. "So, what is going on between you and Thomas? And tell me the truth." Leave it to her to have an inkling that something isn't right.

"Well, long story short, we aren't together anymore. I really don't want to get into the details right now, mom. Today isn't about me." She nods, bringing me in for another hug.

"Alright, ladies! I want to have a moment alone with my soon to be sister-in-law!" Ashley says, and everyone except for the two of us leaves the room. "Come, sit." She ushers me towards the chair next to her. "What happened last night?"

"What do you mean?"

"Luke and I came home, and Thomas was so zoned out. He seemed as if he was upset about something. We could only assume something happened between you two after he brought you back to the house."

"Oh, it was nothing. I don't want to make today about anyone other than you and Luke." She shakes her head as if she's not letting this go.

"No, I want to know. Please, tell me." I hesitate, trying to think of something to come up with. She'll know if I'm lying, so I take a deep breath.

"He was going to kiss me." Her eyebrows shoot up and I sigh. "We had a talk about everything that happened, and before I knew it, he was centimeters away from kissing me."

"But you didn't kiss?" I shake my head.

"No, because I didn't know if I could handle it. Please, I don't want to make today about me. Let's just focus on your big day, okay?"

"After you answer one question." She says, and I nod. "If he kissed you, would you have kissed him back?" I don't know how to respond because I don't know if I would've. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I would've.

"Yes, I would've." She gives me a sympathetic smile, and she pulls me in for a hug. "Enough about that. Let's get you in that dress!"

*

Once Ashley is in her dress, the rest of us get dressed, and we head out to the hallway to line up. The second I step through the doorway, I notice two of Luke's groomsmen. They were college friends I never really got to know. His third groomsman, however? I know him a little too well.

"You look beautiful." Thomas says, barely looking me in the eye.

"Thank you. You look nice, too." God, the tension is so thick. I try to distract myself, but thankfully the music starts, and we are able to start walking down the aisle. "Give me your arm." I say, noticing the other members of the wedding party are locking arms. Thomas holds out his arm, and I hesitantly slip my arm into his.

We walk down the aisle, separating at the end to our opposite sides. I give a genuine smile to Luke who looks more nervous than I've ever seen him. He smiles back, giving me a thumbs up. The music changes, and the doors open with Ashley coming down the aisle. She truly is the most beautiful bride, and I am so happy for her and Luke. Ashley and Luke join hands, smiling at each other.

"We are gathered here today to join together Luke and Ashley in holy matrimony." The officiant begins his speech, and I can't help, but glance over at Thomas who is staring directly at me. I wish I could tell you a single word of what the officiant says next, but I can't. All I can think about is how, at one point in time, this could've been a possibility for Thomas and me. "Luke and Ashley have written their own vows which they will share with us now."

"Ashley. To think of a time where I wasn't completely in love with you seems impossible. You are the one person I can truly count on to keep me happy and loved forever. I promise to be faithful to you, always." While Luke continues on with his vows, Thomas is still staring a hole through me. I wonder if he feels the same as me and wishes this was us.

"Luke. I don't think there has ever been a moment in my life where I pictured my future with anyone else. Ever since I met you all those years ago, I knew deep down you'd be an important part of my life. To be here today, marrying you, is a dream come true. I promise to love you and be faithful to you, forever." I feel my eyes watering, and I can't tell if it's from the beautiful exchange of words between Luke and Ashley or if it has everything to do with Thomas. Maybe both.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." Luke pulls Ashley in for one of the most romantic kisses I've ever witnessed, and we all cheer for them. They make their way back down the aisle, and Thomas steps closer to me with his arm out. I slip my arm in his, and we walk back down the aisle. When we are back at the entrance of the church, he turns to face me.

"Elizabeth, I-" He begins, but is cut off by Luke coming over to us.

"Can you believe it? I'm married!" He pulls us in for a group hug, and I laugh. "I love you guys." He says, and lets us go before returning to his wife.

"You were saying?" I ask, turning to look Thomas in the eye.

"I- I just wanted to apologize for last night. I shouldn't have acted in that way. I overstepped, and I'm sorry." Before I could say anything, he walks away.

The whole night at the reception, my mind is completely focused on Thomas. Why do I let him have this effect on me? Why can't I move on?

"May I have this dance?" Thomas asks, holding out his hand.

"I don't feel like dancing." I say, and he looks hurt by my rejection. He's giving so many mixed signals, I can't stand it.

"Please, Elizabeth. This will be the last thing I ask of you. One dance." Reluctantly, I take his hand and let him guide me to the dance floor.