Chapter 03.7

“Thank you,” I said once the room had settled.

“Some of you may not know me,” I began, ”so let me quickly introduce myself. My name is John Simmons, but my friends call me Jay.”

“I asked the newlyweds for a few minutes because I have a confession to make.” Jenny almost stood up, but Daniel gently stopped her, and she stayed seated. The crowd began to pay attention.

“About a year ago, I made a bet—which, as most of you probably guessed, I lost.” Laughter rippled through the room. Dad started watching Jenny, but her face gave nothing away.

“At the time of that bet, I had someone by my side—my perfect match. She always brought out the best in me. But eventually, my fears got the better of me. I thought I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t have the courage to face my real feelings, and I pushed her away. Then rumors started—completely unfounded ones—that only drove her further from me. For a long time, I believed I could control every part of my life. But now I know—I don’t even want to make a sandwich without her.” Dad clearly recognized the New Year’s reference. The crowd laughed, and finally, Jenny smiled.

“I know she wouldn’t be happy if I walked up to her right now,” I continued, as Daniel nudged Jenny, who tried to hide her embarrassment, ”So I’ll just ask her to believe me when I say this: I’m drowning without you—and you're the only one I love.” I looked into her eyes for a moment before scanning the crowd. She was blushing, Daniel was grinning, and I lowered the microphone as the crowd erupted into applause.

I lowered the microphone. The crowd applauded. I handed the mic back to the emcee and returned to my seat. I looked over—Jenny was gone.

“I really gave you a challenge,” I said to Brian.

“I’ll figure it out,” he laughed, Mayoko chuckling beside him.

The wedding slowly wound down. We were getting ready to leave. I hadn’t seen Jenny again—there was no chance to talk to her.

We approached the newlyweds with my parents.

“Congratulations,” Dad said to Adam and Julie. ”We’re heading home.”

“Thank you,” Mrs. Julie said, then turned to me. ”I’m sorry, Jay—Jane’s foot started hurting. I doubt you’ll see her again tonight.”

“It’s okay. I figured,” I said. Until I talk to her, she’ll keep running.

“That was an interesting speech,” Daniel said, stepping up and offering his hand. ”If you’re willing to make that much of a fool of yourself for my sister, you have my blessing.” He laughed.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Don’t forget to stop by at the start of summer,” Mickey added. I nodded.

Mom stayed behind to help with the final cleanup. We took some food home—perfect for dinner. At home, I changed and sat down next to Amber.

“You’re flying back tomorrow?” Brad asked.

“Yeah, but I’ll be back in a few weeks. I’ll be doing my summer internship with Uncle Steve.”

“Amber,” I turned to my sister, ”please convince her to at least let me message her.”

“I already tried,” Amber said. ”She says she has to wait for you at the airport because she lost some racing game. But I’ll message her your arrival time. She’s stubborn.”

“Or she picked the French guy,” I muttered. Amber burst out laughing.

“Definitely not,” she said. ”He talked only about himself on the first date, and even more during the dance today. Jane said it was her best date only because the food was good.” She laughed again, and I finally felt a wave of relief.

The next day, another flight awaited me—hopefully the last one heading away. I already wanted to come back. But this time, for good.