Without a Hitch(14)

Twenty thousand dollars, Till. Twenty grand. Glancing around at the women before me, I know I will earn every cent.

THE REHEARSAL DINNER has been blessedly uneventful. Olivia showed up a half-hour late, so she was seated in the back of the room. She also seemed to have gotten an earful from her stepfather. She’s barely moved from her seat, but that doesn’t stop her from glaring at every bridesmaid at the head table.

Luckily, my knack for blending in has allowed me to go mostly unnoticed by Jenna’s guests. From my post next to Melinda, I’m able to scan the crowd, thankful I haven’t laid eyes on Jacob. Until I do.

Yuck. He even looks like a weasel. He skirts the back of the room, partially hidden in shadows.

What the hell is his deal? Leaning over Melinda, I tap Jenna’s shoulder. “Hey. Psst. Jenna?” She turns to me with a worried expression. “How do you feel about a toast that may embarrass a certain cheating ex?” When I nod toward the back of the room, her expression goes from worried to furious.

“I think it will piss off my father and thrill my stepdad. Go for it, Abby. Also, you’re officially my hero.”

Leaning back, I search Melinda’s eyes.

She shakes her head with a forced smile in place. “You don’t need my permission. Every single person here was witness to my humiliation. I have nothing left to hide.”

Gah! My heart nearly explodes from the pain I see in her eyes.

I squeeze Melinda’s arm and stand slowly because my knees are knocking together so hard that I’m afraid I’ll keel over. What am I doing? This isn’t me. I’m the shy one. The one built to blend in.

Just think of the money, Tilly. I lift my spoon to the glass in my hand with trembling fingers and tap it three times. Then three more until the guests settle into a hushed silence. Every eye is on me, and I pray I don’t pass out.

Clearing my throat, I focus on my fingers until I’m able to find my words.

“Hi, everyone. Most of you don’t know me. I’m Abby, Jenna’s friend, but I guess you already know that.” An awkward half-giggle escapes, and I panic. Melinda takes pity on me and encourages me to continue with a gentle nudge. “Um, I’m so happy to be here celebrating the love that she and Tyler share. It’s rare to see a love like theirs, and I’m so lucky to have a friend like Jenna.” My gaze darts around the room, making sure Jacob stays in my sights, and I feel my confidence grow when the weasel stands tall like he’s proud to be here. Asshole.

“She brought me into her world and never once made me feel like an outsider. Over time, I’ve gotten to experience the bond she has with her sister, Lindy, and I quickly realized that Jenna loves with her whole heart. She loves her friends like she loves her sister, which is something special.

“There have been a few frogs in her journey to find Tyler. Luckily, they weren’t like some of the snakes out there. Just ask Lindy. She sure dodged a bullet with Jacob. Was that his name?” I glance over at Melinda and see a huge smile as she nods. “Gah. What a nightmare that would have been.

Luckily, Jenna doesn’t have to worry about Tyler cheating on her.” I lean forward so Tyler can see me and give him the hand gesture for I’m watching you with my fingers. Everyone laughs.

Okay, this isn’t so bad. And the best part is, Jacob has slipped out the door while Olivia stews in her chair.

“Tyler has proved time and again what an amazing partner he’ll be for Jenna, and I can only hope we’ll all find that someday. We all deserve a love that honest and real. Thank you, Jenna and Tyler, for being a shining example of what a happily ever after can look like.

“To Jenna and Tyler. May you have years of happiness and love to last a lifetime.”

Everyone raises their glasses. Everyone except Olivia and Jenna’s father, I notice. As the room congratulates the happy couple, I lean into Melinda. “Why is your dad so pissed off?”

“Jacob works for him,” she whispers. “He tried to hide that he cheated on me with his stepdaughter.”

“Oh, shit.” My stomach plummets, and uncomfortable heat fills my chest. “I just made an enemy for life, didn’t I?”

“Well.” She smirks and I get the feeling I won’t like her next words. “Abby did. Tilly is free and clear after tomorrow night.”

I stiffen as a large head drops between us. “What the fuck was that?” Jenna’s father hisses with his face down so no one can see him.

“What was what?” I ask innocently while clasping my hands so he can’t see them tremble.

“Don’t play games with me, young lady. It will not end well for you.”

Ah yes, the threats. This is something I know how to handle.

I stand abruptly, forcing him back and pitch my voice low. “I was standing up for both of your daughters. Something you should have done years ago. Lindy’s ex-fiancé is here to hurt her, and your psycho stepdaughter is trying to ruin Jenna’s wedding. I suggest, sir, that you get your head out of your ass and get your priorities straight.”

Melinda gasps, just as another gentleman I recognize as their stepfather slides in beside me.

“Great speech, Abby. It’s about time someone had Jenna’s back.”

My entire body trembles watching these two men discuss my actions. The whole exchange is like an out-of-body experience. I barely recognize myself. Where the heck has Tilly Camden gone?