All Good Things by Tracie Puckett

Author:Tracie Puckett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: tracie puckett, webster grove, all good things
Publisher: Tracie Puckett

Saturday, September 30 | 5 p.m.

“Hey,” Nick said, taking a seat next to me on his front porch. “I didn't agree to host an at-home wedding reception just so you could sneak away whenever you wanted. What are you doing out here all alone?”

“Fighting a headache,” I said, shifting my focus to the ground. I didn’t want to look my father in the eyes; I didn’t want to run the risk of him seeing the dark circles, the dried tears, or the remnants of mascara trails on my cheeks.

He put his arm around my shoulder and smiled. “My son is married, and now my little girl is on her way to the altar herself. It’s incredible how fast you two are growing up.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Nick stared at me for a moment, his brow creasing.

“What's bothering you, Steph?”

“Nothing.”

“Job-hunt anxiety?”

“No.”

“Stressed about the fall production?”

“Nope, it's coming along well. Don't worry about me. I'm fine.”

“Would you mind if I took a guess?”

“I’m sure you’re going to anyway,” I said, knowing he wasn't going to budge until he'd figured it out.

“Your fiancé has been in town for three days, and he’s spent less time with you than Nate,” he said. “Case and point: the reception started an hour ago, and Christopher hasn't even noticed you're gone. Your incredibly handsome, gay best friend has been monopolizing every moment of Chris’ time. And now you're out here wondering… is it possible that my fiancé is playing for both teams?”

“He only plays for one team.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I'm positive.”

And that’s not even what was bothering me. Chris had nothing to do with my concerns. It was Alex. It was always Alex.

“I dunno, hon,” he said. “He's giving off some pretty heavy vibes.”

“Dad, I am certain Christopher only plays for one team. Period. The end.”

“Oh God,” he closed his eyes. “You know he's gay?”

“Yes, but I'm not sure he does, so keep your voice down.”

Nick's laugh echoed through the street.

“Honey, why are you engaged to him?”

“He proposed to me! He loves me.”

“Or he's in denial.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, shaking my head. “That too.”

“Do you love him?”

“No.” I shrugged. “I mean… of course I do. I have love for him. I love him like I love Nate, or Bridget. It pales in comparison to the love I have for—”

“Alex?” he asked. “Steph, you can't marry Christopher. Surely you know that.”

Cal turned the corner, spotting us in our hideaway spot on the porch. He’d never looked so handsome, dressed in a black tux and bowtie. He climbed up on the porch and eyed us.

“I wondered where you two ran off to.”

“Avoiding all the noise,” I said, looking out to the road.

“Well,” Nick stood up. “I'm gonna get back to the party. Don't sit out here too long. You’ll need to face the music sooner or later.” And just as he started to walk away, he turned back. “By the way, Steph, you said have, not had.”

“I’m sorry?”

“You said ‘it pales in comparison to the love I have.’ That’s present tense. If that’s not an answer to your dilemma, then I don’t know what is.

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