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back at the accusation. “I am not depressed. Yes, I’ve lost
weight, but I have been working a lot .” And how can I eat when I feel
so sick to my stomach all the time?
    “Don’t make me call your father. I will, I swear.”
    I scowled and turned sideways in the mirror, which only made it worse.
    “Otherwise you look beautiful,” she commented in a softened tone. “Your
skin is literally flawless.”
    “You’re making me blush,” I said. “Go get dressed.”
    Lucy’s glossy brown locks were twisted up and away from her face, not a
single strand astray. Her dress was simple, with delicate, beaded cap sleeves
and a fitted bodice that emphasized her small waist. I was surprised and
thankful when she didn’t comment on my weight. Instead, she told us all that we
looked perfect and that she was honored to have us in her bridal party. We met
at the window and watched the gathering crowd from the second floor. The
sprawling lawn was vibrantly green, and guests followed a walkway lined with
candles to their seats.
    “Are you ready?” Dani asked, touching Lucy’s
shoulder. “I think it’s time.”
    “Lucy,” I said, as everyone left the room.
    She turned and linked her arm with mine.
    “I’m sorry about what I said the other night.”
    “I know,” she said, her smile genuine.
    “I don’t really think you’ll be disappointed. You guys will be so happy.
I’m not sure why I said what I did.”
    “It’s no big deal. Andrew and I are meant for each other, and we know
that. That’s all that matters.”
    I nodded, but something about the confidence in her voice gave me a
sinking feeling.
    Downstairs we found the wedding planner that Lucy had finally broken down
and hired. She led us to where our corresponding groomsmen were waiting. I’d gotten
Bill into a tuxedo. The fabric hung nicely from his tall, slender frame because
I’d insisted that he see a tailor. He extended his hand to me, and I slipped
into place comfortably beside him.
    “You look gorgeous,” he whispered in my ear as we waited behind Gretchen,
whose arm was linked with Andrew’s brother.
    “Thank you.” I rose up on the balls of my feet and kissed his crooked
nose. “Our turn,” I whispered, stepping forward. I squeezed his hand with the
intention of hanging on to it all night.
    ~
    The ceremony was
Lucy-style perfect, without any glitches or awkward pauses. We all clapped and
grinned giddily when they kissed, Lucy more than anyone. After congratulations
were dealt, we, as a bridal party unit, broke off from the crowd for pictures.
Having kept my eyes glued forward, I hadn’t seen David during the ceremony. I
hoped he had changed his mind about showing up.
    I became colder with the sun’s descent. Bill was making humorless jokes
with Andrew’s brothers that grated on my nerves. Once again, his touch was
unwelcome; I wished for a bottomless glass of wine and an oversized sweatshirt
to hide under.
    We entered an enormous white tent that glowed with soft light. The guests
appeared to have become thoroughly buzzed while they’d waited for us.
    As I caught up with Lucy’s parents, Bill found me and handed me a glass
of water even though I had only wanted wine. He put his arm around me, and I
stiffened so noticeably that he removed it right away.
    “Lucy tells us you’re looking for a house,” said Lucy’s mom.
    “ Liv’s been swamped with her promotion, so it
was on the backburner,” Bill explained, “but we’ve just started up again.”
    “It’s a grueling process, isn’t it?” she asked. “I would love for Lucy
and Andrew to settle into somewhere more practical.”
    “Hey.” Lucy’s dad tugged on his wife’s sleeve.
    “What?” she asked. “I’m in the middle – ”
    “Look at Danielle,” he said. She turned slightly, giving me a clear view
across the tent. Dani’s adoring gaze was fixed on
David as he gestured to the group around them. Even in the outdoor tent, the
room lit up around him, intensifying his