“She’s not wrong…”

“Fuck you,” she hisses and we both laugh.

Sondra is right. This was supposed to be our time together before she becomes a married woman. I’m so used to being Sondra’s number one, I can’t even imagine life as her number two. But, I only want her to be happy, whatever happens. And that’s when it hits me like a ton of bricks.

“Oh, my god. Why don’t you?”

“What?”

“You’re like, what, two hours from here?” I put Sondra on speaker so I can get ready. “Tell your guests you and Preston want to go to dinner to spend some alone time together, then drive here. We’ll go out, have a good time, then you and Preston can drive back in the morning.”

“Oh my god, Winter, you’re brilliant. I’ll talk to Preston about it.”

“Aleck and I are meeting with the photographer to do a lighting check, then we’re free. Keith and Dot are here too. Did they tell you they were coming?”

I run a brush through my wet hair, then slip into the closet to pick out an outfit. Cut-off jean shorts and a loose-fitting plain white V-neck T-shirt. And despite Aleck’s disapproval of wearing shoes with no socks, I slip my bare feet into my Chuck Taylors.

“Yeah, they wanted to surprise you. Hey, is Aleck there?”

“No. I woke up and he had already gone on his run. Why?”

“I wanted to thank him. Preston and I have to do something really nice for him.”

“I’m lost. What did he do?”

“For starters, he’s been catering breakfasts and dinners for Preston’s entire family since we’ve been here. And yesterday the resort emailed me the contract from your suite, the caterer, the photographer, the entire wedding… He’s paying for it all.”

“What? Did he tell Preston he was going to do that?”

“No, not a word. Isn’t that so sweet?”

“Yeah, it’s sweet.” I roll my eyes. “But I mean, the guy has so much money he could use it to wipe his ass if he ran out of toilet paper.”

“I suppose, but he’s not exactly the giving type, you know?”

I beg to differ.

“Yeah, well, I guess when the devil says please it stands out.” I hear the door to the suite open and close, announcing Aleck’s return. “So, are you coming tonight? Please say yes. Dot and Keith will be so excited! I’ll make reservations at the restaurant downstairs...”

“Yes. Yes, we are. I’ll talk to Preston. He’ll be so thrilled. Love you, Winter.”

“Love you, babe.”

Walking down the hallway to the kitchen, I prepare myself to see Aleck. Last night was a mistake. It felt fantastic, but it was a mistake. Aleck is growing on me, I admit, but he’s an unavailable shitshow and I can’t do casual. If I keep this up, it’s bound to end disastrously so, really, me ending this is what’s best for both parties. And since Aleck has a no repeats rule, he’ll be happy to call it quits, I’m sure.