Mine (Book 2 of the His Series)

Forty-Two

Ellie

After the completion of the ceremony, everyone walked out of the sanctuary. Leo came back next to me and I clasped my arm around his and we started following the procession of the wedding party outside as we stood around the new couple throwing rice as they gleefully ran to the awaiting car that would take them to the reception location. I was grinning from ear to ear as I watched her gleefully wave at us. I waved back excitedly towards her as the car pulled off. A few minutes later, I got a text from her:

"Talk to him. Let him be there for you."

"I will." I answered back

":) Only when you're ready. I know you've been through a lot. If you're not feeling up to it, skipping the reception is okay. Just remember to make sure you're taken care of."

"I'll be fine. Once again, congratulations Bonita!"

I peeked over at Leo who was in the moment, watching his best friend ride off into the sunset with my best friend. It was a very happy day indeed and I couldn't believe that Brandi was married, and to Josh of all people. Don't get me wrong, I thought he was actually a great guy for her. I just hoped everything with them ended up perfect.

"Hey, are you up to going to the reception?" Leo suddenly asked me.

"Yeah." I answered

He held out his hand towards me with a small smile and I took it. He gripped It softly and pulled me towards him, snaking his other arm around my waist.

"Is this okay?" He asked quietly

I nodded quietly. I always felt safe with him, I think I always would honestly.

"Look, why don't we just go somewhere, just the two of us? We could always stop in later on."

"You sure about that? Josh is your best friend, you should be there at least for the beginning."

"He understands. Besides he has everyone else there with him. We'll go there in a few."

"Maybe we should just go back to the hotel, you look like you need some sleep. You didn't sleep a wink last night." I said

"I'm fine. I'm more worried about you."

"Don't be. Let's just go back to Shellville, I'm not really up to being around a lot of people right now. Maybe later." I said quietly

We started walking towards the car.

"I'm proud of you though." He smiled

"Why? All I did was go to a wedding."

"I know. But you put on your game face and did what you had to do."

"Brandi's my best friend. I could be in a coma and I'd still want to be there."

"I know Els. Come, let's get back."

We both got into the car and started our journey towards Shellville. About thirty minutes left into the trip, I asked Leo to stop at a gas station to pee and to also get some alcohol. I really needed a drink.

After peeing and paying, I walked out of the store and immediately popped the cap on the wine, starting to drink it before getting back into the car.

"What's that?" He asked

"Wine." I remarked, taking another big gulp

"Give me that." He instructed

"No, I just paid twenty dollars for this, I'm drinking it."