The Best Man

Chapter 15: Taron

I breathed her in as I let my tongue trail down her neck. She was breathing hard and let me hold her to me, so I knew I had her. I wouldn't kiss her, unless she wanted me to.

"I can't" she whispered and pushed at my chest. I let go of her, waiting for her to meet my eyes but she didn't.

"Don't marry him" I said. It had been time for me to say that.

Her eyes met mine and she frowned "Why?"

"Because whatever is happening between us" I gestured between us "That is more"

"More?" she huffed "I love James. And apparently you're whoring around now"

What she said hurt but she didn't know "I didn't sleep with anyone last night. I just got a bit carried away." I took her hand and she let me "You know the real me"

She looked at me, her eyes full of emotion, before looking away "I can't"

I sighed "You say it all the time, but do you really believe it?"

"I do" she took a step back and let go of my hand. "Taron, you're my friend. I'm there for you through everything as we have been in the past."

She was right, we have been there for each other through everything.

"I broke up with Emily" I said out of nowhere.

"What?" Meghan asked "Why? Did she cheat on you?"

"No" I shook my head "She was jealous of you" I looked straight at her, she seemed surprised. "I ended things because she made me choose – between you and her. And I chose you"

"Oh, I'm so sorry Taron" she sat down next to me "I had no idea" she looked at me and I cringed. She looked at me like she always had. Like I was a friend only.

I shrugged "It is what it is. I just wanted you to know" I put my hand on her knee "I will always choose you"

She wrapped her tiny arm around my shoulder "Thank you. I don't want to lose you"

"You will never lose me" I whispered. But I wasn't so sure I could only ever be a friend to her though, but I would have to learn to move on.

We leaned against each other for what felt like ages. Then my phone buzzed and ripped us out of our moment.

"Hello?" I kept my eyes on Meghan.

"Taron, it's your gran" my mom said. Her voice was breaking and an awful feeling ran through my veins.

"What is it?" I breathed out and Meghan looked up at me worriedly. She knew me too well.

"She died" my mom sobbed and tears formed in my eyes "Can you come home?"

I nodded as I pressed my lips together, then realised she couldn't see me "I will"

We ended the call and I started sobbing.

Meghan pulled me into her hug and ran her hand over my back soothingly "What is it, Taron?" she asked, still worried.

"My gran died" I whispered as tears ran down my face.

"Oh I'm so sorry" she said and hugged me again, tighter this time. I held her to me as I cried.

We broke apart eventually and she handed me a tissue. I leaned forward and placed my face in my hands.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, her voice unsteady.

I wiped the tears from my face and shook my head "I will have to call my PA to clear my schedule. I'm not sure if you would want to accompany me" I looked up at her "Or if you even have the time" I didn't have it in me to mention the wedding.

She nodded "I'll make time for this"

My lips turned into a half-crooked smile. "Thank you"

I picked up my phone again and called my PA Lindsay.

"Lindsay, hey, it's me" I said when she answered.

"Hi Taron, are you alright?" she must have heard my voice was breaking.

"No, I'm not alright. My gran died. I need to go back home. Can you clear my schedule for the next week?"

"Of course, Taron. I will handle it" she said immediately. "I'm sorry for your loss"

"Thank you" I said before hanging up.

I looked up to find Meghan stuff all the makeup back in her bag again.

"I will leave later today" I said "I understand if you don't want to come" I didn't want to stress her any more right before her wedding.

"I'm coming" she said dead-serious. "I knew your gran too, you know?"

I smiled. I knew and the two of them got along perfectly when we had visited in the past. It broke my heart to think back to these moments.

"I know. Let's go then" I said before blowing my nose. I would never be ashamed of being emotional.

Meghan took my hand and we walked to the Tube station together.

"I'm there for you, Taron" she said reassuringly "Whatever happens"

And I knew she would be.