Matthew

I could not believe what was happening. Fate had f**ked me big time. What the f**k? What were the odds of Becca’s deceased roommate killing my Tessa? I was in so much shock that I couldn’t remember what I had said. All I knew was that I needed air; to get away to think and soak the news in.

With keys in my hand, I was already at my front door. I had no idea how I got home. Pouring myself a drink, I didn’t know how I was going to remain calm while visiting Tessa with her sister. It would feel like I was hiding a secret. Though it wasn’t Becca’s fault, the connection was just so freakin’ weird. I was dating the girl who was best friends with the girl that killed Tessa.

I sat on the sofa, tilted my head back, and spread my legs. Grabbing a sofa pillow, I hugged it tightly, as if it would help get rid of my frustration. I was holding it so tightly that I could see my veins protruding. This wasn’t happening. It felt like my whole world was crumbling. Not only that, it felt like Tessa had died all over again.

It was bad enough already knowing the name of the girl that killed her, but it was worse when Amber somehow became more than just a name that I hated. I didn’t know anything about her, but now she was taking a physical form. I never knew or wanted to know what she looked like, but now I could see her standing next to Becca even though she was dead.

“Fuck!” I hurled the pillow across the living room so hard that it made a loud thump noise as it bounced off the wall.

If Becca and I were to get through this, I had to suck it up and try to get Amber out of the picture. I just needed time to wear off the shock. Too tired to move or think, I decided to call Becca tomorrow. I was pretty sure she needed time to take in the news, too.

Chapter 16

Jenna

“Becky, you look beautiful in that dress,” I said when she came out of her room. She gave me a smile, but it was forced. A week had passed since Matthew walked out and he hadn’t called. Becky tried to hide that there was something troubling her, but I knew Matthew was the reason when I saw the same look on his face at work. Finally Becky confessed and I tried to comfort her the best I could, but no amount would suffice.

Though it was none of my business, I had asked Matthew why he looked so out of it, and he told me that he had a lot on his mind and was busy getting ready for the Australia fashion show. That was true because we were working overtime in our department, but Matthew worked mostly out of the office. I wondered if he was avoiding me or needed time alone.

“I told Max to meet us there, so I can drive,” I said, standing by the door with my coat and purse. “Ready to go?”

Becky grabbed her coat off the sofa. “You don’t have to drive me there. And you don’t have to feel like you need to stay with me. I’m fine.”

She really wasn’t. Not just her eyes, but her whole face looked puffy. The bags under her eyes made her look twice her age and she’d hardly put on any makeup. She looked like she was going to a funeral instead of a wedding rehearsal.

“Max has a lot of work to do anyway, so don’t worry.” I turned the doorknob. “And plus, that way I can stick around longer.”

Becky’s eyes scanned my body. “How’s the morning sickness? Any better? You’re still skinny. You need to start eating more for the baby.”

Why was it that people who had no idea about pregnancy made comments as if they knew what they were talking about? “Actually, I started feeling a bit better today. And don’t worry, I’ll become fatter by the second trimester.”

“Okay, sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I don’t even know what I’m talking about. In fact, I really don’t want to go tonight.” Becky started tearing. “I’m so sorry. It’s just that…”

Seeing Becky like this reminded me of a time when we were in college. Reaching for her, I held her tightly in my arms, and I couldn’t help my own tears. I didn’t want her to see me crying, too, so I did my best to hide them. “It’s okay. I know you’re hurting. Matthew needs time. He didn’t say anything to me, but I could tell he’s also hurting. He just needs to wear out the shock.” I had no idea what I was saying. I only hoped I was making enough sense for Becky to understand. “He loves you. That’s why he’s hurting. Everything will work out in the end.”

Becky nodded and let go. As we both wiped our tears, we walked out together.

After the wedding rehearsal, the whole party went to the restaurant located inside a hotel in Beverly Hills. Nicole was glowing with happiness and Keith looked relaxed as they sat near the head of the table. The rectangular table was long enough to accommodate the whole party, but we had to lean forward to see the people toward the end.

Max texted me, letting me know he was in traffic, then the next text I got was to meet him by the lobby. When I got there, Max was nowhere to be seen. It was a good thing I had brought my phone so I texted him back.

I’m here, but you’re not.

I’m here.

I glanced around again. This lobby wasn’t that big. Where was he?

Are you sure you’re at the right hotel?

My beautiful view tells me that I am. And may I add how I love you in that red dress.

My husband to be bought it for me.

What a lucky man.

I’m very lucky to have him.

Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight and steal you away from him.

View? I peered up to the second level. No sign of Max.

Were you on the second level?

I was a second ago. You’re too slow.