As I woke up today, I realized I had never asked Conor what time I needed to show up. It's 6 a.m., and I didn't dare text him this early. It would feel inappropriate, especially with his fiancée probably by his side. What if she saw my message? On top of that, I didn't even know where everything was supposed to take place: Shelly's apartment? Conor's? So many questions raced through my mind.
I decided to message James instead, assuming he would know.
"What time will everything start, and where will it take place?" I asked.
Seconds later, he replied.
"Everything starts at 8 a.m. at Conor's place."
That was fast.
I took my time making a cup of tea, then stepped into a warm shower, letting the hot water soothe my nerves. Afterward, I searched for something comfortable and warm—it was cold outside. I settled on a cardigan, a pair of black pants, and ballerina flats.
But the nervousness stayed with me. For the next hour, as I went through the motions of getting ready, I couldn't shake it. My mind kept replaying Amelie's words, the advice she had given me. She had told me that if this whole situation became too much, I had every right to back out. I didn't have to be Conor's best man if it hurt too much.
But I wanted to do it. Maybe it was pride, or maybe it was something deeper, but I needed to show him—and myself—that this didn't break me. That I could handle it. A sense of ego hit me hard. I wanted him to see that his decision didn't affect me.
But at the same time, I knew I had to be careful. I couldn't be too hot or too cold toward him. Just...lukewarm. Neutral.
As I put on my cardigan and checked my reflection in the mirror one last time, I took a deep breath. I could do this.
YOU ARE READING
The best man
ChickLitLily and Conor have been inseparable since their university days, bound by a deep friendship that has weathered the test of time. While Conor appreciates Lily's presence in his life and the comfort of their relationship, he remains oblivious to the...
