As the wedding went on, avoiding Charlie became harder; At dinner, he nearly sat beside me until Tori swung in, dragging him over to another chair at the table; thankfully a few seats away from mine. I wasn't too sure how dancing would go, but Owen, Lilly, and Sav have had my back basically the entire time, switching around so the two of us wouldn't be near one another.

"Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen, we're gonna slow it down for this next one," The DJ announced; I pushed Owen, who was currently dancing with me, over to Lilly, encouraging him to dance with her.

"You gonna be okay?" Owen asked; he seemed hesitant to leave me alone.

"It's just one song Owen," I reminded him, "now, go dance with Lilly." I nodded over to Lilly, who stood on the edge of the dance floor watching the two of us; she was currently on "Charlie duty" dancing with him to make sure he'd stay away from me. I smiled lightly as I walked away, watching Owen and Lilly walk onto the center of the floor; I searched the room for Savannah; at least I could stand with her during the slow songs. When I finally found her, I noticed her dancing with one of the groomsmen, Carolynn's brothers; I would have cut in, but he's cute, and she looked happy. So instead, I walk over to our assigned table, sighing with relief when I see all the chairs are vacant; I see Kenny off in one corner of the room, talking with a group of adults near his age and Tori on the dance floor dancing with Jeremy's younger cousin; I chuckle as I watch him look up at her in awe, Tori clearly wants out of there, and if we were friends, I would totally save her; but she kind of deserves it.

"There you are," Jeremy said, walking over to me; I furrowed my brows, searching for Carolynn; shouldn't he be dancing with her right now? "Carolynn's dancing with her grandfather," He explained, noticing my confused expression. "and I noticed you were all alone, so.." I chuckled lightly as Jeremy held his hand out to me; I accepted it, allowing him to lead me onto the dance floor.

"So, Mr. Shada," I chuckled as he spun me around; unlike all the people dancing around us romantically, Jeremy and I were goofing off more than anything, "how's married life so far?"

"Oh, just divine," He answered in a fake British accent, "are you enjoying the festivities, Miss. Summers?"

"I am indeed," I respond, trying to mimic the accent he was doing.

"So, how's avoiding, you know who going?" He asked, his voice more serious than it was moments ago; that seemed to be the question of the hour, and I couldn't help but wonder what they were asking Charlie.

"It's going," I chuckle awkwardly, "If I'm being honest, it feels like old times; except instead of us both mutually hating each other, he keeps trying to talk to me."

"But you don't?" Jeremy asked; I furrowed my brows in confusion; I don't what? "Hate him, you don't hate Charlie, do you?" I took a minute to reflect on the question he asked me. I didn't feel the way about Charlie that I did when we first met. Back then, I found it unbearable to be around him; and while right now, I do find it hard; it's not for the same reasons, it used to annoy me to see him, but now it just hurts and makes me think of how much I've lost.

"I don't think I can," I finally answer honestly; I think it would be easier if I did; it's much worse being heartbroken by someone you hate over someone you love. "I'm trying my best not to think about it, though," I added, "you and Caro just got freaking married; tonight is not the night for me to stress about my love life." Jeremy seemed hesitant at first, but within seconds we were finishing off the slow song, singing along obnoxiously and waltzing around playfully.

"Wow, that was some interesting dancing," Lilly complimented, moving to stand next to me; I expected Owen to be beside her, but he was nowhere to be seen, "Do you mind if I steal Bree for a bit?"

"She's all yours," Jeremy chuckled, "I should find Carolynn anyways; thanks for being my dance partner, Bree." He saluted me playfully, walking over to where Carolynn stood.

"You and Jeremy's friendship is my favorite," Lilly spoke as she dragged me off the dance floor; Savannah soon joined the two of us, linking her arm through mine.

"Almost as cute as us three," Savannah agreed; I furrowed my brows as we walked out of the busy reception hall, "but obviously nothing can top us."

"Obviously," I agreed, chuckling lightly, "now, where exactly are you dragging me?" I asked as Lilly leads us down a long hallway.

"Owen and I found this balcony earlier; the view is gorgeous." Lilly explained, "we thought it'd be fun to watch the sunset." I nodded, following behind Lilly as she led the way; at the end of the long hallway stood a set of French doors, I assume leading out to the aforementioned balcony.

"Owen should be here soon; I'm gonna wait out here for him," Lilly said, nodding for me to step outside, "you two go ahead."

"Are you sure?" I asked, glancing around the hall, "I don't mind waiting."

"Nah, It's fine," Lilly shook her head, "he'll be here any minute." I didn't quite understand why Owen couldn't just meet us outside, but I didn't question it. Instead, I pushed open the doors; I assume Savannah is following behind me, up until I hear the door shut as soon as I walked onto the balcony. I pause in my place when I realize I'm not alone; leaning against the railing, looking out at the view, is a familiar mess of brown curls. I click in almost immediately at what they're doing, but before I even reach for the door handle, he turns around, his eyes connecting with mine.

🤍
Was gonna include their balcony convo in this chapter... but who doesn't love a good cliffhanger🙈❤️
Love you all✨