Standing in a Nice Dress [Haylor]

3.

June 25th, 2016.

Wine flowed, food was eaten, laughs were shared, love was in the air. I placed my sunglasses in my clutch as the bright July sun began to creep beneath the tall, Parisian buildings, creating a light purple sky. I applied another coat of bold, red lipstick and smacked my lips, feeling pretty and content. 

I looked around for anyone to talk to, having avoided all of the relatives. Plenty of my friends were here, surely, but considering the party was last minute and an ocean away from my home, I wasn't quite sure who all would be here. My roommate, Ed, was here, for sure. Always next to me. 

"Need another drink?"

I politely told Ed I was fine with the nearly-empty glass of chilled white wine I was drinking, not wanting too much to drink today. I was already feeling a bit drunk off the love in the air, and didn't want too much alcohol in my system. I always made bad decisions when alcohol was involved. 

"Well, I'm getting another beer." 

"Are you sure, ginger? You've already had two in like an hour and a half." I took a quick sip of my wine, trying to make it last as long as possible. 

"Just 'cause you can't keep up doesn't mean the rest of us have to suffer," Ed winked, immediately strolling toward the bar to retrieve another drink. I realized I was now alone at the party until I felt a hand on my shoulder. The perks and negatives of being so well-known. 

"Taylor, it's so lovely to see you!" the nasally voice of the hand shouted, spinning me around. It was just Demi, and I didn't even really know why she was invited. She and Selena still considered themselves best friends, but they didn't talk much these days. Demi was never my biggest fan, either. 

"Oh, hi, Demi! How have you been?" I asked, putting on my most artificial smile to match hers.

"I've been wonderful, actually! Finishing up my new album and all." 

"That's great. You know, you've got such a great voice." I was being truthful. While Demi and I had our differences, I was always amazed with her voice. 

"Thanks so much, girl! Listen, I actually came over here for a reason. I know we've had a bit of a petty relationship for years, and I just want to apologize for that. We're grown ass women now, we should put aside stupid differences."

I was incredibly taken aback, but she looked completely serious. I wasn't one to refuse a serious apology, especially when Demi hadn't done anything unforgivable. We were just mean like schoolgirls, and it couldn't help to grow up. I immediately hugged her and clinked our wine glasses as we pulled away. "That's really kind of you, Demi. We're totally cool."

"Awesome! Hey, wanna go find Selena? Steal her away from her overbearing relatives?" Demi suggested, looping her arm through mine. 

"Sure, sounds like a plan." I agreed, finishing off my wine and setting the glass on a table for dishes as we looked for Selena. 

We found her talking to David Henrie, her close, ex-Disney co-star. They had remained best friends over the years, and he was so good for her to have around. The way I always leaned on Ed, Selena always leaned on David. 

"Hey, bride-to-be!" Demi announced our presence loudly, causing Selena's eyes to widen. Her face split into a wide grin as she hugged both Demi and I, David going to find different people to talk to. 

"It's so good to see you guys!" Selena squealed, squeezing our hands. "Have you had enough to drink? Need anything?"

"Selena, relax, this is your day," I squeezed her arm.