Three years after his mother's death, Noah Reed is lost once again. Unsure of where to go after running from his problems for so long, he ends up back home, wanting a place to finally settle down. He's ready to tie up loose ends and to try and corre...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Be honest," I say to Thorne, "are you nervous?"
Thorne's expression doesn't stray from a neutral stare as we enter the bridal shop, here to pick up the suits and tuxes needed for his upcoming wedding. Honored to have been invited to be in the wedding party, I'm glad to be able to accompany Thorne while he gets his suit fitted. I'll be coming back to pick up my own suit later with the other groomsmen, mutual friends of mind and Thorne's: Jay, Wells, and Asher.
"What would I be nervous about?" Thorne questions, oblivious to the girls who shoot him glances at he passes, which has me chuckling to myself.
"About getting married, dumbass," I retort with an eye roll, biting back a rueful grin.
"Of course I'm not nervous." Thorne snorts dismissively. However, as he says the words his impassive expression wilts into a frown, his eyebrows furrowing together.
"So you're nervous. Thought so."
Thorne shoots me a glare. In response, I laugh. Walking through the store, I wait patiently as Thorne approaches an employee and explains that he's here for a fitting. The two of us stand by the checkout counter as the girl he'd been speaking to runs off to find his suit.
"I can't believe I have to wear a tux," Thorne mumbles, shaking his head in disgust.
"You're getting married," I remind him. "What else would you wear?"
"You're not funny," Thorne deadpans. "I guess it'll be worth it, though. You have no idea how long I've been waiting to be married to Mia."
"Why did you wait so long to propose?" I question. "You've been dating Mia since high school. What were you waiting for?"
Thorne shrugs. "Mia wanted to finish school before settling down. She's always been more serious about her future than I've ever been about mine. I graduated with a degree thanks to her, though, so I'm not complaining. She never said as much, but I could tell that Mia wants a lot more out of life than to be just a wife or mother. I'm not sure that she ever imagined herself having a big wedding, either. When I proposed, I wasn't sure that she'd even say yes, but I just wanted to show her how serious I am about us and that I always will be. I don't know which of us was more surprised when she said yes."
"When were you sure that you wanted to marry her?" I prompt.
Thorne doesn't hesitate to answer. "The first night I invited her over to meet my friends. We weren't even dating yet. It was one of the first times I'd ever gotten Mia alone outside of school. I don't think I've even told her this, but being with her that night I just . . . knew. Seeing the way she got along with my friends, how it made me feel to know I was the guy lucky enough to get her alone, to be able to make her laugh and smile . . . For the first time in a long time, I was happy. Because of her. And when you find a person who makes you feel like that, you never want to let them go."
As Thorne finishes speaking, the employee returns with Thorne's suit in hand. I follow after the two toward the dressing rooms, lost in thought.
I'm alone with my thoughts as Thorne disappears behind a fitting room door, and it doesn't take long for me to start thinking of Blake. I realize with a start that I feel for her everything Thorne just described feeling about Mia. And, in Thorne's words, when you find someone who makes you truly happy, you never want to let them go.
The door before me opens out of nowhere, bringing me back to reality. Thorne emerges from the dressing room, studying his appearance in a mirror. His black tux seems to be tailored to perfection, the sleeves of his suit jacket hiding his multiple tattoos. I watch as Thorne tugs at the collar of his dress shirt as if it's bothering him, frowning as he glances down at his dark pants.
Thorne frowns at his reflection. He adjusts the cuffs of his sleeves before running a hand through his hair, studying himself closely. I try hard not to laugh, though I doubt Thorne would notice even if I did. He seems entirely too consumed with himself at the moment.
"I don't like it," Thorne says after a moment. He stands with his arms out at an awkward angle, visibly uncomfortable.
"Why not?" I ask. I have to resist a smirk as I add, "You look snazzy."
The glare Thorne sends my way shuts me up instantly.
"At least it fits," he mutters under his breath as he turns back to his reflection. "That's all I care about." Without another word, Thorne reenters the fitting room, changing and exiting once again in record time.
It isn't until Thorne is paying for the tux and setting it on hold that I realize I'm going to need his help. That is, if he's willing to give it.
As we leave the store, I turn to him, serious as I say, "I want to get back together with Blake. I don't want to lose her for good."
Surprising me, Thorne merely smirks. His expression seems to imply that he expected me to say something of the sort. Slipping a pair of sunglasses on, Thorne admits, "I was wondering when you were going to realize that."
____
a/n: i can't remember the last time i went to sleep before like four in the morning
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
