All that glitters, ain't gold.

Chapter 27

| Gatsby as a pup |

*At a certain part of this chapter I'm going to put in bold underlined font to play a song. It will make that part of the story feel much more magical.*

7 years later

"I can't believe you're married now!" I squeal and hug Ashely before helping her out of her huge gown. "You and Nate better have lots of fun on your honey moon! You better not stay in your room doing you-know-what for a whole week!"

"Lizzy!" Ashely laughs as she grabs her shorter white dress to change into. "I'm just saying!" She shrugs and applies more lipstick in the mirror. "Next will be you and Jake!" Ashely says beaming at me. "Alright, calm down, Ash. I don't think so-"

"I know so!" She says cutting me off. "And what about Henry? Have you forgotten that I've been going on a couple dates with that sexy, British piece of meat?" I joke. "Psh, we all know nothing is there and nothing will be there." She mutters, "no one except Jake Glennen will make you happy. It's been years of you dating different guys and you can't stick to one because you are madly in love with him." Ashely says while jiggling into the dress. "I'm going back into the party while you two have this age old argument!" Liz says, leaving the room. We both laugh before I tell Ashely that her theory is incorrect. "Alright, let's list them. Shall we? Ashton? Dylan? Neal? And now Henry!" She says counting her fingers. "They just weren't the ones." I say rolling my eyes. "Because Jake is the one!"

---
Jake's POV

"Did you see her, man?" Conner whispers to me after we enter the reception. "Ashely? Yes, she look absolutely-"

"You know I'm not talking about Ashely." We both laugh at my fail of an attempt to lie. "Yeah, I saw her and she looked incredible." I say honestly, now referring to Megan. "It's been years and you two haven't really talked a lot have you?" Conner asked, taking a swig of beer. "Only holiday cards and your wedding day." I say joining him, my other hand fiddling with the small velvet box I had in my pocket. "Talk to her tonight." He urges. "I can't, man." I say sheepishly. "Isn't she dating that British singer? Isn't he here?"

"No, she isn't dating him officially. They've been on dates but between you and me... Ashely told Nate that Megan told her that she hasn't really felt anything with the guys that's she's been dating. The only thing she truly loves and clings onto for dear life is that dog you sent her a couple years ago for Christmas." Conner tells me.

"Gatsby. She kept him?" I said surprised. "I thought she would've sold him or gave him away."

"Nope. She's loves him way too much. He's her life line." Conner finishes his beer and asks for another one. Wow, I didn't know that at all. To be honest, that gave me a lot of hope and made me happy. "How are you and Tiffany doing?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "We're wonderful and Anna's gotten so big. How long are you staying in town? I want you to see her."

"Well since Christmas is in 3 days, I was planning to stay in the area for a week. Be with family, you know? So I'm sure I can pop over to your hotel and see her." I said trying to visually think of my schedule. I still haven't gotten use to my hectic life once I started playing for the 49er's a couple of years ago. I invited Megan to the congratulations party, but she didn't show. "I'll check with my agent just to make sure." I add. He nods his head, understandingly. "How are you and that girl, by the way? Michelle Bass, was it?"

"We broke up last month. I couldn't do it anymore, she just wasn't for me." I say shaking my head, disdainfully. "It had nothing to do with Nate and Ashely's wedding coming up in hopes of seeing Megan?" Conner said laughing. "You're hilarious, bro." I say laughing.