Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 18

Six Weeks Later. . .
(Rehearsal Dinner)
Kendall

Six weeks flew by. I was busier than ever before, between a thriving business at the art gallery, and preparations for Andrea's wedding.

I wish Momma was here to see my art gallery. And to see how successful I've become. This was my dream I couldn't wait to share with her, every chance I'd get. She couldn't believe I set my goal on the career I wanted at such a young age. I was determined to make it a reality. I know she would be proud.

I have a pleasant distraction to keep my mind off of Greyson. Brody takes me on dates. We're just friends, but it's been enjoyable to have him in my life. Andrea is busy with her wedding plans and Greyson is busy helping Savannah, since she's left with so much to figure out. Her husband took care of there finances. I had to admit—it was his personality, as a gentleman to want to be helpful.

"We'll take it one day at a time Kendall, and see where it leads." Brody is such a charmer, he wouldn't take no. . . to going out to dinner. He too was a gentleman and knew I needed a listening ear.

It doesn't hurt, that he's handsome. Those aquamarine eyes of his are simply mesmerizing.

Tonight is the wedding rehearsal, and the rehearsal dinner. Colton needed one more groomsman, so he asked Brody. Andrea asked Savannah to be a bridesmaid. Now, I really felt betrayed by my so called best friend.

It solidified what my friendship really meant to Andrea. It's a sad reality to face. Our relationship will never, be the same. She knows how I feel about Savannah and Greyson.

"Kendall, I'm sorry. Miss Cara insisted that we needed one more groomsman, and bridesmaid. You know how she is." Andrea tried to smooth my ruffled feathers, but it wasn't going to work this time.

She chose Savannah and Miss Cara over me. That is what our friendship meant, after all these years. She's never walked in my shoes, and has no concept of what real life is like for most people.

I wish I was a bridesmaid and could walk with Brody. I'm not looking forward to being paired with Greyson, ugh! I'm not looking forward to pasting a smile on my face and trying to appear happy, when both Greyson and Andrea have hurt me deeply.

We all met for the rehearsal. Miss Cara was a nightmare to listen to ordering everyone around.

"No, no. . . people, this is a wedding not a funeral. I want to see smiles on everyone's faces." She's obnoxious, she still has not changed.

She emphasized her directions while tapping on a chair with her pointer stick. "This is a rehearsal, but you are doing everything tonight that you will be doing tomorrow. Look alive people." She snapped her fingers.

I can't deal with her dramatics. She is acting like this is the Royal Wedding. When is this rehearsal over? I looked at the clock on the wall and my shoulders sagged in disappointment. We had more time than I could handle.

I refused to look at Greyson, or meet his grey gaze. I plopped down in a chair and was scolded by Miss Cara.

"Miss Prescott, you must look at Greyson. Smile as you join arms, and follow the married couple down the aisle. Do you understand?" She actually hissed at me.

I stood from my chair. "Yes, I understand. I don't think that is necessary." I was just being honest, I wasn't trying to be difficult on purpose.

She put her planner book aside. "I am the one and only wedding planner here." She looked me in the eye. "I expect you to follow my suggestions i-m-p-l-i-c-i-t-l-y, Miss Prescott." She uttered each syllable very slowly and deliberately.

"I do not expect us to have any more problems. Have I made my point?" Miss Cara, squinted her eyes and tapped her fingers on her forearm.

"Yes, you have made your point, like a freshly sharpened pencil." I smirked sweetly, and fluttered my eyelashes at her.

"In that case, I would like you and Greyson, to repeat your part again." That was her power play.

Greyson looked at me and winked. He had no problem looking at me throughout the entire rehearsal.

I noticed that he watched my every move, and kept trying to get my attention. I would not look at his handsome face.

I had to keep my resolve and protect my heart from aching to be with him.

After Miss Cara was finally satisfied with the rehearsal, we were dismissed.

We all went to Colton's fine dining restaurant for dinner. I made sure I sat as far away from Greyson as possible. I hadn't spoken to him since that night in the kitchen, at Andrea's bridal shower six weeks ago—when he kissed me.

He hadn't called me, and surprisingly we hadn't run into each other at the Carrington ranch, the few times I've been there.

Seeing him and being near him tonight at the rehearsal, affected me more than I knew it would. That bridal shower kiss in the kitchen, wouldn't leave my mind. He sat with Savannah and I sat with Brody. Momma Ava came over and gave me a big hug and kiss.

She whispered in my ear. "Everything will be alright, Sugarplum. I know my son, and I still haven't given up on him." I guess she loves to see life through rose colored glasses.

Why did she continue to say things like that? She is wasting her time.

Greyson is obviously happy with Savannah and I'm moving on, hanging out with Brody.

I could never let anyone know, I still love Greyson. But my heart will always know my feelings.

Dinner was beyond delicious. We had a fantastic buffet dinner. Colton closed the restaurant down, just for our bridal party. His restaurant staff was very nice and was happy to help serve dinner in celebration. This was my first time at his restaurant. I was very impressed. Everyone enjoyed the evening celebrating with Colton and Andrea.

A part of me longed for this kind of happiness. I've never experienced the kind of love, Colton has for Andrea.

At one time I thought, I might get to have that with Greyson. I was very wrong. All I could think of was that song Paper Hearts, by Tori Kelly.

I have to change my thoughts, before I start crying in front of everyone. I took a deep breath and smiled the rest of the evening.

Dinner was over and we all said our good nights. Everyone decided to go straight home and to bed. They were excited to get ready for the wedding tomorrow.

I can't believe tomorrow Andrea, will become Mrs. Colton Carrington III. I really was trying to be happy for her. But, I will forever be Miss Kendall Prescott, and I have to learn that I will be okay. . . .

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