Shattered

•Six•

Author's Note: You'll notice that the beginning of each chapter from now on will either start with "NOW" for present time or "THEN" for the past.  I hope this doesn't confuse anyone!  Thanks for reading and please vote if you're enjoying the story.  Comments are much appreciated too!  Thanks!

THEN

I slammed the door behind me, too angry to even see clearly.  I did my best not to cry, but my eyes betrayed me and welled with tears anyway.  I felt the fat drops spill down my cheeks and brushed them away.  I considered staying home, but I couldn't be around Jack for another second.  Plus, Trish was expecting me.  I couldn't let her down.  To keep the drama at bay, I needed to face the music; be the better person and just be a civilized adult.  But first I needed to make sure I could calm myself down.  I'd hate to show up to the wedding with a tear stained face and red puffy eyes.  That would raise too many questions.  Specifically from the bride on her special day.  I'm not selfish.  I won't let that happen.

It was chilly at the lake as the sun was setting and I didn't have a sweater or even a fancy shawl to go with my strapless dress, but considering I was still shaking with anger, my boiling blood indeed kept me warm enough.  Pulling my phone out of my clutch, I checked on the time.  I was already half an hour late.  I sniffled and stuffed my phone back in.  I'd have to make a quick stop to the restroom at the venue before showing my face.  Hopefully Trish didn't notice I wasn't present at the wedding.

By the time I pulled into the parking lot, it was packed.  Luckily there was a valet.  I gathered up my courage and made my way to the nearest restroom.  Of course there were plenty of women hogging the mirror, touching up their lipstick and fussing over their perfect hair.  I noticed mine was certainly not still in place, thanks to Jack.  As best as I could, I raked my fingers through the twist in my hair, tucking the stray strands back into place. 

Once I finally had the restroom to myself, I touched up my lipstick and pinched my cheeks, attempting to make them redder than my eyes.  That would have to do.

In the grand ballroom which held Trish and Rob's reception, most people were mingling either at their tables or at the bar.  The DJ was playing an energetic pop song, encouraging guests to get out on the dance floor.  It was obvious I had missed out on the dinner.  Servers were busy collecting plates of half eaten food.  My stomach growled, annoyed, but at least there was still the cake to be had.

The ballroom was brilliantly decorated.  Lots of tulle and drapes tied back with twinkle lights behind them and in the very center of the room above the three tiered wedding cake hung the most luxurious chandelier which looked like it was dripping with diamonds.  The lights were low but plenty of candles burned, casting a romantic glow over everything.

My eyes connected with Jack's across the room.  He rose from his table and waved me over.  I looked away, ignoring him.  Making a beeline to the bar, I came to regret coming after all.  Trish didn't need me.  A stiff drink, maybe a little chit chat with Trish and Rob to congratulate them, and then I'd leave.  But where would I go?  Maybe Grace's?

I slinked through the mass of men chugging down their free booze as if they couldn't get enough.  So classy.  Gaining the attention of one of the bartenders, I asked for a vodka and cranberry. 

"Are you a wedding crasher?" someone next to me asked.

Unsure or not if he was talking to me, I looked at him.  He looked me up and down before meeting my eyes. 

"Excuse me?"  I received my drink and took a small sip.

"Are you crashing the reception?  I'm pretty sure I'd remember you from the wedding.  And I don't."