Chapter 2

"You remember me?" I asked in a soft voice, unsure if I actually heard him say my name.

He scoffed. "There's not a machine in this world that will be able to wipe you out of my head," he smiled, pressing me even harder against him that it felt like our bodies were merging as one. "You're unforgettable, Elsa."

I immediately threw my arms around him, hugging him back. After a while, we pulled apart slowly, reluctant to let each other go, but we had to. I couldn't risk letting anyone see me with a bride's husband in that manner.

I smoothed down my dress. "Okay, so if you actually remembered me, why then did you not say anything back there? You just walked past me like I was a statue," I asked, playfully frowning at him.

"I apologize for making you feel that way, Elsa. It was not my intention," he pleaded. "I really didn't think I'd meet you here at all. It was so unexpected that when I saw you, I didn't know what to do. I needed time to process everything so I could react properly without causing any drama."

"But why did you keep your wedding away from me? I thought we were best friends?"

"We are, Elsa. And I emailed you about it a few hours ago before coming here."

"Oh... wait," I chuckled. "I did receive a mail, but I didn't check it because your bride-to-be walked in and I needed to go see her. Still doesn't change the fact that I am just learning about your wedding."

"I don't think it's something I can talk about right now and in this place with you," he said, looking around the room. "You wouldn't get it."

"Okay then. If you say so. So does that mean you lied about not liking the dress so we could get back here and be alone?" I asked, tilting my head.

He chuckled. "Oh, not at all, Elsa. I really didn't like the dress. But I did offer to pick something so I could have some alone time with you back here," he said with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm glad it worked."

He pulled me in again for another hug, but it didn't last as we heard someone's footstep coming towards us, causing us to immediately pull apart. I hurriedly turned to the dresses on the rack as I pretended to go through them. Derek stood beside me, his arms now in his pockets, smiling as he watched me act like a scared child.

It was just another consultant who had come to pick up a few dresses. I focused on my job for a few minutes and finally picked some dresses for Derek's bride. Then I turned towards him.

"We should leave," I said, resting the dresses on my shoulder. "Her appointment ends in just a few minutes."

"Well, I can extend her appointment if that means I could be around you for more time."

That earned a laugh from me. Derek had always been clever and sweet with words.

I smiled. "Okay, Romeo. Let's get you back to your Juliet."

We returned back to the others, and he sat back on the couch. I called for the bride to join me in the changing room. I spread out the dresses I picked for her, and she pointed out the ones she wanted to try. I quickly put it on her, and after that, we went to show the others the dress. But when we stepped outside, Derek wasn't there anymore.

When the bride asked one of her bridesmaids about his whereabouts, they responded, saying. "He said he doesn't want to see the dress you picked, and he trusts the consultant to put you in something beautiful, so he left to be surprised on the wedding day."

And he was right. I did pick something beautiful for his bride because she loved the third dress and picked it for her dress to walk down the aisle in. We returned back to the changing room where the director of sales came to meet the bride.

"So, Laura," I called to the bride. "You said your wedding is in eight months?"

"Yes? Is there a problem with that?"

"No, there's no problem at all. I'm just wondering, that's all."

"Wondering about what?"

"It's nothing really. Just forget about it. Let's focus on paying for the dress and seeing the alteration specialist about the alterations and how long before your dress is ready."

"Yes, of course," she cleared her throat. "But you've piqued my interest and I want to know what it is you are wondering about."

I sighed. "It's really nothing, Laura. I guess you could say I'm just really interested in people's weddings. I mean, I'm a consultant," I forced a laugh, trying to hide the embarrassment I got from making that ridiculous excuse.

"Oh, I see," she said, adjusting in her seat. "I'm really worried about the wedding myself."

That statement made me freeze. "Worried?" I repeated.

"Yes. Don't get me wrong, I love Derek, my fiancé... I mean, what's not to love? I just feel like marriage is a big decision, and I don't know if he's heart is really into it."

"What do you mean?" My brows furrowed. "The wedding is just eight months away, and you've already purchased your wedding dress. If his heart isn't into it, I don't think you both would've made it this far to the extent of getting a dress."

"Thank you for your kind words, but..." she exhaled softly. "... I don't know. I don't even think I should be having this discussion with you right now—"

"Oh," I cut it. "It's alright. You don't have to talk if you don't want to, but as a bridal consultant, I am here for the bride, and all I want is to make sure my bride is happy. Especially for a special as this one."

She chuckled. "Thank you."

Without another word, she left the changing room to finalize the sale. I reached for my phone and opened the mail I received earlier before Derek told me it was from him. And of course, it was his wedding invitation. But that wasn't all.

He added his contact number along with a message that said...

"Hey, Elsa. It's Derek. I know it's been a really long time since we last saw or even spoke to each other, and this invitation could be a shock to you. I understand. But I'm leaving my number below so you can text or call me. Actually, I want you to call me. I'd love to hear your voice again. There's so much I want to talk to you about. Sincerely yours, Derek Lansky."