Leading up to Kate’s August wedding, Blaire had done her best to keep her mouth shut and pretend to be happy for her. She’d gone to all her gown fittings and thrown her a bachelorette party. She had even refrained from commenting on the fact that they’d had to forgo their usual month at the beach due to wedding planning, even though it was the last summer before they all joined the real world, and Blaire had been looking forward to it for months. Instead, they were stuck in humid Baltimore, working on place settings and party favors. But the kicker had been at the rehearsal dinner, when Selby, newly engaged, had raised her glass to Simon and Kate.

“Next summer, it will be Carter and me. Think of all the fun the four of us are going to have.”

Simon smiled. “Carter, thanks so much for putting in a good word for me at Bachman and Druthers. I’m looking forward to starting my internship when we get back from our honeymoon.”

“Happy to do it,” Carter said, smiling back. “One day we’ll have our own architectural firm. Partners.”

Selby had looked at Blaire then. “We married folks have to stick together.”

Simon had laughed. “I have a feeling we’ll be spending lots of time together.”

Kate had been the only one who noticed Blaire’s discomfort, giving her sympathetic looks throughout the evening, especially while Selby lorded it over Blaire about being together with Carter. Blaire had been seething inside. Selby was going to occupy the space in Kate’s life that rightfully belonged to Blaire. And Simon, that idiot, acting like he belonged when he’d only just come on the scene months before. She’d stewed all through the dinner, and by the time they were back at Lily and Harrison’s that night, she’d been ready to explode.

By morning, she’d known she had to do something to stop it. Harrison and Lily were upstairs getting dressed, and Kate and Blaire were in the kitchen, making breakfast.

“You’re making a mistake,” Blaire said.

Kate whirled around from the refrigerator. “What?”

“Marrying Simon. He’s not right for you.”

Kate sighed and came over to the table. “Blaire, please don’t do this. We’re about to get married this afternoon. I know you were skeptical of him at first, but you promised you’d support me.”

“I’m sorry. But I’m your best friend, and I can’t sit back and say nothing while you ruin your life.”

Kate’s face had turned red. “I’m not ruining my life. Simon’s a wonderful guy.”

“Aha! See. You didn’t say you love him. You’re not over Jake. Simon’s just a rebound.”

Kate’s expression turned dark. “Don’t you think I’ve cried enough tears over Jake? He’s gone. I have to move on.”