The Wedding Contract(36)
He shrugs. “She didn’t.”
I nod and head back into the bathroom and blow out my hair, put on make-up, and then dig through my suitcase and pluck a pair of panties that are too pretty to wear when no one else is going to see them. I should wear them, because they’ll make me feel confident and sexy. The front is black lace with some hot pink peeking through. The sides are double straps that connect at a bow in back and attach to a G-string. Like I said, not the kind of thing I’d normally wear to work, but I grab them anyway. I take the matching bra that gives me insta-boobs and amazing cleavage, before pulling on a non-descript black blouse and pants.
The photographer shouldn’t be seen—at least that’s my method. I wear leather-soled shoes so I don’t make a sound when I shoot a wedding. Everyone should be looking at the bride and not paying any attention to me. It’s amazing how some photographers don’t respect that tradition. They’re up in front, blocking everyone’s view, and being as outlandish as an elegant elephant in a tiny pantry. That’s not me.
Just as I pull my hair back and pin it up, there’s a knock at the door. I come out of the bathroom just as Nick stands. He pads toward the door and pulls it open. Sophie and the crazy redhead are standing outside. Sophie is half dressed. Her hair is done and her makeup has been applied. She had someone from the city come out to do it. I rush toward her and give her a hug. Nick steps back into the room, giving us space.
Sophie laughs and hugs me back. “I’m so excited, Sky! I can’t wait.”
“I’m so happy for you. I really am.”
She breaks from the hug and steps forward into the room. There’s a different expression on her face, one I’ve never seen on Sophie before today. I don’t know what to make of it. Nick’s gaze flicks to the side to see if I’m getting a read on my best friend, before returning his focus to Sophie.
“I thought you’d want some getting ready shots,” Nick offers. “What’s going on?”
Sophie puts her hands behind her back and rocks on her heels. The Red Devil remains behind her staring at me like she wants to rip my head off and turn it into a salad bowl. “Well, I wanted to make sure that you both had what you needed.”
What is she doing? “Yeah, Soph. We’re fine.” Better than fine. “Did you bring what I asked for?”
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. If you don’t mind, I need a moment alone with Sky. Can you guys hang out in the hallway for a second? I promise it’ll only be a second. Thank you so much for leaving the desk to help me.” She says the last part to Red.
Red smiles like a saint. “Of course. It’s your wedding day. I’ll be right outside.” The woman wanders down the hall. Nick walks past me, as if he doesn’t like this, but does as Sophie asks and leaves us alone.
That’s when I get the truth. Sophie’s expression shifts from happy to displeased in a snap. She places her hands on her hips, which pulls at her silk robe, opening the front so I can see the top of her corset. “Skylar Thompson, I will not let you do this.” She gets into my face and scolds me, throwing me way off. Sophie doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She’s never raised her voice to me, ever, but now she lets me have it.
“I have to.”
“No, you don’t. Just because he’s a cheating piece of slime, doesn’t mean you have to become the same. You worked your ass off, honestly, to get to where you are. If you cheat and do this to him, you’ll regret it. And I’ll lose every ounce of respect I have for you. This isn’t you, Sky. Don’t sabotage him, break his gear, or glue his seat. I know you have something planned for this, and I’m giving it to you because I’m not your mother, but if you go through with this,” she sucks in a huge breath and spits out the words, “I’m not sure I want to be your friend anymore.”
Sophie’s words hit me like knives and suddenly I can’t breathe. There are no words. I just stand there with my mouth hanging open. Sophie grabs my arm, opens my hand, and shoves the tube of super glue into my palm. I glance down at my hand and then back up at her. “Sophie, I—”
She shakes her head and lifts her hand to silence me. “There are actions that change people, Sky. There’s no going backwards after this. Make your decision carefully or you might not like who you become.” Her dark lashes drop to the floor as she turns to the door. Sophie twists the knob and beckons Red and Nick back into the room. “Please take their gear to the chapel. Put Nick’s on one side and Sky’s on the other.”