Bittersweet

~~ Apologies & Invites ~~

"Ah, right. I seal my lips. Won't mention it again." She turned back, gazing in the mirror. "You look perfect. Ready to head out? I don't want to be stressin' today." She looked over my outfit again before pausing on my shoes. "Are you sure you want to wear those?" she pointed at my shoes.

"Yeah, why?"

"You're going to be on your feet for quite a while, don't you have any flats with you?"

"Nope."

"URGH, fine. Don't start complaining halfway through the day!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Sassily saluting. I winked to earn an eye roll.

"C'mon," she chirped. "I want to get there early."

~ ~

Arriving at the engagement venue, we jumped right in. I heard a disgusted grunt from behind.

"Have you seen these? You would have done so much better." announced Janelle, picking at the head of what looked like dying lily.

I had—and felt guilty, as it had been my first thought, along with I wouldn't have chosen white lilies for that display, perhaps a Plum Calla Lily instead.

"I'll make sure I give the future bride your name when we're leaving." She winked.

Following an hour of organised chaos—Everything was ready. Peeping into the principal room. There were quite a few people mingling already. The happy couple greeted their guests, and I felt a twinge in my chest. The bride to be was practically radiating happiness.

I remembered that feeling.

Enjoy it whilst it lasts, sweetheart.

What? I shook my head. I didn't want to be a bitter, jealous person. Janelle was right. I deserved to be happy. I just needed to choose wisely next time.

I heard Janelle call my name. "Jenna, can you do the rounds with the champagne?"

Walking back, I picked up the full tray. "Sure, no problems."

Exiting the kitchens with a tray in hand, I carefully sidestepped guests, replacing empty glasses with full ones. "Excuse me, Sir?" An expanse of a tall, broad man's back blocked my way. There was no getting around him. He turned, and the familiar face surprised me, my cheeks flushed in an instant. "Gabe!"

Shit! The memory of our last meeting flashed before my eyes, in full stereo no less.

I had been a complete bitch, or perhaps raving lunatic best described my outburst. My throat dried like sandpaper.

"Jenna!" Gabe lifted his brow, looking unsure for a moment—as if he was expecting me to chew him out.

Awkward.

Swallowing to ease the dryness. His intense gaze held mine, holding my captive. "Can I get you a fresh one?" I raised my tray higher. He smiled and warmth flooded his eyes. Perhaps he wasn't angry with me at all?

"Gabriele, sweetness." A woman turned to face me. Her eyes ran the length of me as her hand ran up Gabe's arm, wrapping around his bicep. She was a tall, slim, beautiful blonde. A model or actress, no doubt. You couldn't swing a cat in LA without hitting one or the other!

Her gaze fell on me. "I'll get one of those." She switched her empty glass for a full one. I smiled. Gabe stood looking at me.

"Well, enjoy your day." Slipping past him, I hastily made my getaway.

Circling the room for a third time, my tray was empty.  I was just about to return to refill when I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Jenna." I recognized the voice.