CHAPTER 2 CHEERS TO HATING HIM

The toy

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I rushed into the hospital, eager to see her awake, to see her eyes, to hear her voice—details lost to memory.

I pushed open the door to her room; she was laying there as peacefully as I could remember, her eyes closed.

“I thought you said she was out of a coma.” I questioned the doctor by her bedside.

“She experienced a setback due to brain swelling.” The doctor explained.

His words squeezed my heart as I collapsed to the floor.

“Who is Ariel?” The doctor asked.

“Ariel is my twin sister, but she’s late.” I replied.

“That’s who she asked for before slipping back into the coma,” the doctor said before exiting the room.

On the floor, I laughed with tears rolling down my cheeks. Did she wake up to mock me? to tell me that no matter how hard I work, I would never meet her expectations?

*****

After a week of chaos, I was relieved to focus on planning a wedding for one of our elite clients at Brey Events. The ceremony was scheduled for 5 p.m., and it was already 2 p.m. The sun’s warmth bathed the radiant red lilies that adorned the arbor, which was elegantly draped with fabric. A white carpet stretched from the arbor, guarded by rows of red roses, creating a captivating aisle. I smiled with satisfaction. Jessie and I had been on site since morning, and everything was finally coming together beautifully.

My gaze fell on the outdoor bar, where I saw Jessie engaged in a conversation with a young man, enjoying a cold drink. Suddenly, my throat felt parched.

“Ari, this is Logan, the bartender for the evening occasion,” Jessie introduced me to him. "Logan, this is Aria, my partner and best friend.”

“Nice name.” He gave me a smile so warm that it could rival the sun.

“Thanks.” I shook his arms.

Expertly mixing a drink, Logan turned it into a glass and handed it over to me. As I drank it, my eyes widened—it wasn't alcohol. Logan chuckled, his deep laugh drowning out Jessie’s.

“Your friend here said you don’t drink alcohol,” he commented.

I wondered what they had discussed to lead to that revelation.

My heart skipped as he leaned in. “Do you like it?” He inquired, his enchanting green eyes holding mine. My mind suddenly acknowledged his alluring features.

“Mhmm.” I managed to respond, as I was too stunned to speak longer.

“I gotta go.” I checked my watch. I still had to check with the caterer.

“You can stop by my bar if you need a good drink and a handsome friend to talk to.” Logan offered, handing me a business card with a charming smile while scratching the back of his hair.

I glanced at Jessie, who was urging me to take it. I took it and slipped it into my purse before returning to other duties at hand.

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Three hours had slipped by. The warmth of the sun was replaced by a cooler breeze as it descended towards the horizon, painting the sky with an orange hue. I stood in a hidden corner, drinking my mocktail, watching guests settle down, anticipating the arrival of the wedding couples.

As the orchestra started playing a melody I had never heard, the first couple—a groomsman and bridesmaid made their entrance. The thought of Damon and me walking down the aisle broke into my mind. I took another sip of my mocktail and smiled at my foolishness—if wishes were horses.

My chest hitched as my eyes fell on Damon walking down the aisle in a black suit, arm in arm with the other woman. Her radiant blue eyes contrasted beautifully with the sunset, and her smile was so perfect. Is that why he loved her? She was the total opposite of me. With all my strength, I sucked back my tears. They did look good together, like Barbie and her Ken.

“You can go if you want; I’ll handle everything.” Jessi held me by my arm.

“I am fine,” I said. A little tear escaped my eye, betraying my facade.

Another couple walked in before my client made an entrance. Every one of them hails from an extremely rich family. Maybe that’s why I’m just a guilty pleasure.

As they exchanged their vows, I made my way to the outdoor bar.

“I don’t think a mocktail would help you,” Logan suggested, like he could see the pain in my eyes.

I smiled. “Hit me with the strongest alcohol you have.” I was ready to drown myself right now, right here.

“I don’t think you should do that.” Logan handed me a glass of liquor.

“Is this the strongest?”

“It's strong enough.”

Hearing those words. I tightened my face and gulped it down. “Pour another.” I pointed to the cup. Logan obeyed.

“Have you loved someone who doesn’t love you?” I gulped another glass.

“Haven’t we all?” He poured again.

I motioned the glass in a circular motion, struggling to get rid of the stubborn image of Damon and her walking down the aisle.

As I was about to gulp it down, a hand gripped it, causing it to spill on my red dress.

“That’s enough.” The voice said,.

My head was already getting clouded, but I could discern that voice anytime and anywhere.

I raised my head to meet his face and Damon’s eyes, staring down at me.

“Leave me alone.” I pulled out of his grip.

“I can’t. You are drunk.” Damon said, acting like he cared about me.

“I am not.” As I got up, I fell back into the seat. “I have to go home,” I said as the effect got stronger. I’m not ready to lose my job because of Damon.

“You can’t drive like this,” Damon said, gripping me again.

“I can drop her at home,” Logan suggested.

“You think I’d allow another man to drop my binky?" He turned to me. “I’ll tell Zach to drop you.”

“You and everyone in your life should stay away from me,” I yelled, slowly losing myself to the alcohol. “It’s either I live now or end up causing a scene.”

Damon retreated, letting go of my hand.

“Ari, are you okay?” Jessie asked as she came over. "You, what did you do to her?” She turned to Damon.

“Jessie, please—.”

“I’ll handle it.” She replied, cutting me off.

I turned to Logan. "Please, can you drop me?”

Logan nodded in agreement.

I hugged Jessie and followed Logan out of the field.

******

I massaged my temples as I walked to the kitchen. I was still feeling groggy and disoriented. I turned on my phone and saw it was 12 a.m. I guessed I’d call Logan at daybreak. I must have thrown up multiple times in his car. I reached for a bottle of water from the fridge and quenched the thirst burning in my throat. My cheeks turned red as I remembered how close I came to embarrassing myself at the wedding—if I hadn’t already.

After today, I’ve decided to give up on Damon; I just have to make myself hate him. I’ll focus more on myself. After all, I have a mother to make proud.