Riley saw that something was off with her fiancé’s best man, Tommy. His strange message, “I need to tell you something,” sent in the middle of the night, only added to her worries. When she met Tommy just minutes before the ceremony, the truth was more surprising than she ever could have imagined.
I sat there, surrounded by my closest friends, yet my mind kept drifting.
The living room was decorated beautifully, with colorful balloons tied to every chair, sparkling streamers hanging from the ceiling, and even a table piled high with treats and drinks.
My friends had really gone all out to make this night special.
Yet, instead of wild party music and crazy games, the room was filled with soft chatter and laughter, just as I’d wanted.
Rachel rolled her eyes playfully as she sipped her drink, her glittery dress catching the light.
“I still can’t believe you chose to have your bachelorette party like this. Not even a single wild game or a cheesy dare!”
She shook her head, pretending to be disappointed.
“Are you really ready for your life of freedom to end?”
“Rachel!” I laughed, nudging her playfully. “I’m serious! I’m ready for this. I’m tired of the drama of single life. Martin and I are both ready for something calm and real.”
Laura grinned from across the circle.
“Yeah, I mean, your life has had its share of drama! Like when Tommy—the best friend of your fiancé—used to be so close to you back in high school. That was entertaining!”
“Oh, stop!” I said, laughing.
“Tommy wasn’t hitting on me! We were just close friends. We still are, actually. He’s like my go-to guy for advice on gifts for Martin. After all, who knows Martin better than his best friend?”
Rachel and Laura exchanged looks, grinning.
“Friend-zoned forever,” Rachel teased, and they all burst out laughing, filling the room with giggles.
“Come on!” I said, shaking my head, trying not to join in on their laughter. “We’re adults now. No drama, no romantic secrets. Just… friends.”
“Just kidding, Riley,” Rachel said, still smiling.
“But what about Martin? Are you sure he’s enjoying his bachelor party as calmly as you’re enjoying your bachelorette?”
“Oh, please!” I sighed, rolling my eyes.
“He’s probably just having a few drinks and watching a game with the guys.”
Laura raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Hmm, you’re so sure? They’re men, Riley. Maybe Martin is having a last taste of freedom,” she teased, clearly loving every moment of my embarrassment.
Rachel gave her a little nudge, trying to steer the conversation away. “Laura, stop! This is Riley’s night. Let’s not give her crazy ideas and ruin the mood.”
But I couldn’t help the nagging thoughts that slipped in.
What if Laura was right? What if Martin wasn’t as excited about our big day as I was?
I’d never doubted his love for me, but the way the girls teased left a small shadow of doubt.
Could he have gotten cold feet? Could he be second-guessing the idea of settling down?
Trying to shake it off, I forced a smile and took another sip of my drink, laughing along with the girls.
But deep down, a small voice wondered: what if there was something I didn’t know? And with the wedding just one day away, I felt a nervous flutter, hoping that tomorrow, all of my worries would be proven wrong.
Stepping outside into the cool night air, I dialed Tommy’s number, hoping he’d pick up and ease my mind.
I didn’t want to seem paranoid, especially not to Martin, but I knew Tommy would understand.