Chapter 2: Lily

Bailey’s POV

I rolled out of bed that morning groggy. I slept maybe a whole hour. I get my things ready before getting into the shower. The warm water on my tired body felt heavenly. My body relaxing instantaneously.

Once I was ready. My hair in waves down my back, French braided at the top of my head. I put on the blush pink t-shirt. The white blocked letters read out Maid of Honor. I paired it with a pair of white, ripped jeans.

I looked myself over one last time before walking out of my room with my duffle bag and purse. I was excited to see Lily today. It’d been so long. She was busy with her parents, Luke and his parents last night. I texted her while walking down the stairs. I let her know that I was on my way to the city. When I stepped out of my house the morning air hit me. I heard a barking dog in the distance. My suspicion was correct. Wayne must have gotten a dog. I throw my bags into my backseat when I hear a paddle sound against the ground. Then I was pushed back against my car door. My legs being rammed into.

I look down at the puppy-dog. His black fur and floppy ears making him oh so adorable.

"Grits!” I heard Wayne’s voice boom from around the wooded patch. Without thinking I felt the dog's soft fur. Trying my hardest to reign in my emotions that just his voice gives me. I take in a deep breath, looking down at the dog.

“Grits.” I heard Wayne’s stern voice yell out to the dog. He was much closer this time. The dog left my embrace hopping on his legs back to his owner. I stand up straight coming face to face with the one man I tried so hard to run from.

Even now staring at his perfection. His body, his face, the way his shorts always rode so low on his hips. His sweat glistening on his tan skin. It was now reddened from his run. His breathes were even. His stoic face stared back at me. I swallow hard.

"You named your dog after food?” I ask without thinking. For a moment I swear I see a glint of humor in his deep sky blue eyes. His eyes scanned me. I look down self-consciously. A few of his dog's black hairs litter my white pants. I nervously try to brush off the hair. I was waiting for a response. I look up at Wayne through my lashes.

"This won’t happen again.” Wayne said in an emotionless voice. His face free of any emotion. I felt tears build and I couldn’t tell you why. I blink them away. Wayne stare and tense body visibly softens. I was about to respond. Instead, Wayne nodded at me before turning on his heels and leading his dog to his house.

I quickly get into my car. I let out a shaky breath. I grip my steering wheel. Sadness washed over me. The pain in my chest that not too long ago went numb. Is now back more prevalent than ever. I take a few deep breathes before starting my car and getting the heck out of there.

I don’t understand how Wayne could be so cold and callous toward me. He was once so warm and inviting. He always gave me some sort of feeling of safety. Just now though he intimated me. Making it more obvious that I needed to stay as far away from him as possible.

Which this weekend was not going to make it easy. I played some upbeat music on my hour drive. I have to go to the resort and meet with the wedding director, check in, then meet the ladies at the spa right in the resort. Before all that I have to run into the city to shop for some supplies.

It took me a good hour before getting everything on Lily’s list and I was supposed to meet the wedding director in half an hour. I quickly load my car up with bags of groceries, alcohol, variety of sodas and toiletries.

My mind betrayed me all morning, so far. It continued having intruding thoughts about Wayne. The thoughts picked at my heart. I tried to cheer myself up with the music I love so much. It didn’t help. What did though was seeing a shiny, big, blue truck sitting outside the main lobby of the resort.

I pulled in right next to Luke’s truck. I hop out of my car bombarded by a tight hug. I hug Lily back with a tight hold as well.

"I missed you so much!” I tell her sadly.

"I missed ya too but ya back now! We have so much to do.” She exclaims pulling away, her excitement also making me excited. Luke slid his arm over Lily’s shoulders. He gave me a small smile.

“I thought you guys had things to do. I’m so happy you’re here but I wanted to do this for you!” I tell Lily. I’ve been a shit Maid of Honor. Sammy has done most of everything, planned the bachelorette party, wedding dress shopping, helping Lily with whatever she may need. I was too busy wallowing away. Not this weekend though. I refuse it!

Lily smiled widely at me. “I ain’t able ta sleep! I’m too excited! Everything is packed and ready to go!”

I smile at my enthusiastic cousin. She’s so happy, Luke looked just as happy watching her excitement.

“Well, ladies lets go find this weddin’ lady.” Luke said pulling Lily toward the beautiful blue building. I follow behind. We checked in at the front desk. The girls behind the counter were warm and inviting. The wedding director came out a short time after. She introduced herself. Becky was very professional and poised. She listened intently to every concern, interest, worry, and admirable comment Lily made.

Luke let Lily do all the talking. When we were brought to the reception hall, it took my breath away. The sage, blush pink and pastel blues mixed together perfectly in every detail of the room. It was elegant, chic and dare I say slightly country-ish. I wouldn’t say that to Lily, that was the last thing she wanted. She was so country though so was Luke. It was bound to pour out somewhere. I looked around the beautifully lighted, color bursting room.

“This is so breathtaking beautiful!” I burst out with excitement. Lily squealed and ran over to me. We jumped up and down holding each other's hands. I heard Luke’s deep chuckle. When Lily and I collect ourselves, I look at my buzzing phone.

Emily: I miss you already. Hillbilly man has been revving up his truck engine for the last twenty minutes. Should I go beat his ass?

I smile at me screen and reply quickly.

Me: Be nice. He is your neighbor.

Emily: Mmm… He is… For now. Maybe I should let the air out in his big ass tires. Like why all these guys around here have these huge ass trucks. Ridiculous.

Once again, I’m smiling at my phone. I roll my eyes. A small funny thought came to me. I could see Wayne’s entire face heat up. Becoming pitch red from anger. If Emily did let out his air. He loved his truck, and I could only imagine how he would take it.

Me: I’m surprised you didn’t mention slashing them…

Emily: Don’t tempt me.

I smile again at my brassy bestie when I heard Luke clear his throat. I look up from my phone. Becky was no longer in the room with us. Luke was frowning but Lily smiling.

"Who’s gotcha all smilin’ at ‘ur phone?”

I slide my phone in my back pocket.

“Just my friend.” I tell her. I still hadn’t broken the news to Lily yet. She has no idea Emily was going to be staying with me. Lily was not a fan of hers. She’s made that clear multiple times after her visit. Lily’s smile widens while Luke’s frown deepens.

"We should probably head to the spa.” I tell Lily. The other ladies should be showing up anytime now. Lily looked down at her phone.

"Yeah it bout that time! Spa day!!” She said excitedly. I smile brightly. Lily runs to Luke hugging him tightly. He kissed her softly with a smile.

"I gotta meet up with the guys. Catch ya later.” Luke yelled after us. Lily grabbed my hand running for the entrance. Her excitement is electrifying. I follow her to my car.

"Let’s go put this stuff away in the bridal suite! Thanks for gettin’ it!” Lily said looking into my car. I followed her directions from the resorts paper map. It took us to the other side of the resort. Lily filled my car with her excited voice. She was telling me about the recent drama in town. The same stories she told me a couple days ago. I smile nodding at her in response. I was happy she kept my mind from the one thing, or should I say person, I didn’t want to think of.

The bridal suite was a beautifully huge room. White sofas and decor making the room look elegant. We tossed the food in the fridge leaving the snacks and dry food on the counter in their bags. We unloaded the bottles of water and pop. Lastly, I loaded the alcohol in a box and put that right inside the door.

"Ready!” I called out to Lily walking back to my car. She leaned on the hood. She took a selfie. Then pulled me into her by my arm. We both look into the camera smiling. Our shirts matching except hers spelt out BRIDE.

"Send it to me!” I tell her while she sent it to her story on Snapchat.

“Okay! Let’s head to the spa! Sammy just texted, she’s there! My smile never leaving my face. I was excited to see Sammy too. I was also slightly nervous to see Amy and Sarah. I put my car in drive and took off down the narrow resort road.

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