Hey, you 🫵🏾 you haven't read my new book the difference between us? Well, what are you doing? Go check it out!

* * *

"She's not doing press interviews for a wedding." Beverly rolled her eyes. "That's stupid!"

I chuckled while flipping through the magazine.

"How long for toes? We're on a busy schedule today. " Beverly questioned while holding the phone away from her.

"Twenty minutes maybe."

"Perfect."

"This tickles." Bia snorted while attempting to snatch her foot.

"Bia." I laughed while shaking my head.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up.

"Tobi?"

"Hi, beautiful."

"Hello." I blushed.

Valeria made kissy faces.

"What's up?"

"I missed you. You've been away for so long." He groaned.

"I've been away for just this morning. Plus you can't see me till tomorrow." I looked at my fingernails.

"Oh! How will I survive."

"You're dramatic. That's the fun of it. We wait so long and then we finally see each other."

"I guess. Just not used to waking up and not seeing your face."

"Don't be cheesy."

"Only for you."

"Goodbye Tobias."

"Bye, my love."

I smiled while hanging up the phone.

"Oh, Tobias! I miss you so much." Bia mocked.

"I miss you more than words can say," Valeria said. She and Bia busted out laughing. I rolled my eyes.

"You guys are so not funny."

"Ugh. The nerve of people." Beverly hung up the phone. "A press interview for a wedding? Why would I do that?"

"Small possibility, it could be that you are streaming the wedding on three major platforms. I don't know, wild guess." Piper shrugged.

"Hush. You're done with my feet?" Beverly looked down.

"Yes ma'am."

"Perfect." Beverly stood up. "I have phone calls to make. Girls meet me in the limo when you're finished."

She hurried out.

"She's going to drive herself insane." Piper shook her head. "So Athena."

"Yes?"

"Wedding vows made?" She questioned while typing away on her phone. I nodded.

"I memorized it."

"So in love." Bia cooed.

"I am." I held my face. "Ugh stop it."

"Oh so after you get married, are we going to see little Athena's!" Skylar exclaimed while bouncing in her seat. She paused. "We don't need any more of Tobias."

"Hear hear." Piper nodded.

"You're thinking too far into the future." I nervously chuckled. "But yeah, maybe."

"I'm already planning the cute outfits I can dress them in." Valeria smiled before flipping through her magazine. "Tomorrow is the day."

"It's the day." I nervously chuckled.

"I'm mad I can't go to the bachelorette party."

"Bibi, my love. You're seventeen. You are too young to go." I reached across the armrest to grab her hand. She squeezed it.

"I mean so? I'm sure you can get me in."

"No." I shook my head.

"Lame. Eros would sneak me in."

"Of course, he would." Valeria rolled her eyes. "It's for the best. You don't need to be around alcohol. You're in the spotlight now, people are watching your every move."

"Okay pr manager." Bia huffed.

"Want a business card?" Valeria questioned.

"Want a business card?" Bia mocked.

Valeria chuckled.

"Huh." Piper looked at her phone.

"What's up?" I questioned.

"Whatever you do. Don't go to tmz." She nervously said.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Lauren James to release a memoir on her life and relationships." Valeria read out the title. "Oh shit. You don't think she will?"

"She will." I nodded. "But who cares? You know? I'm in love and she won't ruin my night or day tomorrow."

"Period!" Bia exclaimed.

"Mom can shut that down quickly," Piper said. "If she isn't already on it."

"Then no need to stress. Let's just enjoy us getting our feet done and prepare to party tonight!" Skylar exclaimed.

"Wine?" The worker held the tray near us.

"Don't mind if I do," Bia said.

"No!" We all exclaimed.

"Uh! Like you guys didn't drink underage."

"Yeah but that was back in the day." I scratched my neck before grabbing a glass. "This is a new day and age. Anyways."

Bia laughed. "I forget you guys are old."

"Old!" I shrieked. " I am not old, I'm twenty-three. Do you think that's old? Oh my God, am I old?"

Bia nodded.

I sighed.

"No more party girl. You are about to be a whole wife." Piper said while sipping on the wine.

Fuck.

~

"The hotel is beautiful." Bia looked around. "That couch looks like it costs more than my entire house. Titi, can you get married every day?"

"Only for you." I smiled.

"Here you go, Athena. The key to your suite." Beverly handed me the key.

"I'll show you to yours, Bia."

I read the number on the golden envelope before heading toward the elevator. I pressed the button before the doors flew open.

"Mrs. Landon, what floor?"

"Solana, just for this day and top floor please."

"Right away, Miss Solana."

He pressed the button. We headed up towards the floor. I smiled at the elevator attendant before stepping out. The suite stood right in front of me. The golden doors sat with a red button illuminating. I scanned the key and it turned green.

I tugged the doors open before stepping in. I was beyond tired. From dress fittings, to nail appointments, and much more that my mind couldn't remember, I was more than ready to see a bed.

Maybe I could take a quick nap before my glam team came to prepare for the night. I walked up the staircase and into the room.

A black velvet box sat on the bed. I sat on the edge before carefully taking off the lid. A small notecard sat on top of a neatly folded garment.

I'd love to see you in this tomorrow night, my love.

Yours

I smiled before holding up the garment. It was a black-lace body suit that barely covered anything. It sparkled whenever light touched it. It was beautiful. I was excited to wear it. I was excited to see him again. I placed it back in the box before putting the lid on.

My phone buzzed and I quickly picked it up.

"Glam is on the way up," Beverly said.

Fuck. I didn't get the chance to take a nap.

After four hours of sitting in a chair while the artist fixed my hair and makeup, they were finally done and I was extremely exhausted. I managed to gather enough energy to put on my outfit. Maybe a couple of shots will help.

What were all these charades for? I just wanted to get married, not disguised as a barbie doll at every event I went to. Will this consist of the entire marriage? Will I have to play the role of the perfect wife? Fuck Athena, get out of your mind.

This is my last time to party as if I was single (although I had no plans on making out with guys.) This was the last night that I was Athena Solana. The girl I had been my entire life. I couldn't tell if I was nervous or excited. Or both?

It seemed like my emotions changed throughout the day. I didn't know what to think.

God, if could just talk to Kelsey. She'd always help me sort out my anxious thoughts.

"Cold feet?" Valeria walked in with Skylar behind her.

"I am not getting cold feet." I rolled my eyes. "You think I am? Am I showing signs of cold feet?"

"No." Valeria shook her head. "I never said you were. I asked if you were as a joke, but now I'm worried."

"It's normal for your feet to get cold. I've walked out on five marriages." Skylar shrugged.

"Don't make her more nervous Sky." Valeria scoffed.

She walked over towards me and grabbed my hand.

"Tonight is the night that we go fucking ham! My bestie is getting married tomorrow!" Valeria yelled while looking in the mirror. "Aren't you excited Titi?"

"Yeah." I nervously smiled while looking in the mirror.

"You look hot as fuck." Skylar walked in. "Last free night. Last night to party. Let's live it up! The three L's."

Last free night. Last. Last. Last. That lingered on my mind.

"We're going to get the limo set up. Meet us when you're ready." Valeria smiled before grabbing Skylar's hand.

They walked out.

I sighed while staring in the mirror. I looked beautiful. I fumbled with a loose curl before groaning.

"Can't forget this." Lotus walked in with the sash. "Let me do the honors."

It read, bride-to-be.

I stood up and Lotus placed the sash on me.

"Oh! And this." He grabbed the crown from the dresser. "That completes the look."

"Thank you."

"Now that it's just us, what's plaguing your mind?"

"I think I'm really having cold feet Lotus."

"Its norm-"

"It's not. I'm having serious doubts. Tobias and I were forced into this shit. What if there's nothing there? If you play the part long enough, you convince yourself that this image you're upholding is your real life. You ever heard about when girls get kidnapped and they fall in love with their kidnapper?"

"What does that have to-"

"They convince themselves that they like this them. I mean they mistake the kidnappers caring for them as an act of love."

"So are you saying that you don't love Tobias?"

"I do love him. I love him a lot. I'm not phrasing this right."

"You're afraid. You are afraid that when you guys marry, you won't have something obliging you two to stay together."

"Exactly! What's him stop from leaving me if we argue like we did a couple of weeks ago?"

"Athena, bumps happen in every single relationship, but that's not something to dwell on. Does he make feel secure?"

I nodded.

"So why are you running yourself mad with these thoughts? Marriage is a big deal but it doesn't change the feelings of you two. Look, I can't convince you that you're ready to get married, that's a decision you'll have to make. I have a couple of questions for you."

"Yeah?"

"Has there ever been a point where you felt like you shouldn't marry him?"

"No. Well in the beginning, yes, but that was before we established that we had some type of connection. Doubt is just now coming to me."

"Okay, well, has there been a time where his actions have caused the type of doubt?"

"No."

"Well, there's your answer. I know why you're scared. This is a big change for you. I mean just a year ago you were dancing in bars and drinking. Tomorrow is different. You'll be a wife and it seems so scary, but that's because you haven't had a change this big. So I'll leave you with this question." He sighed. "Are you ready for a change?"

I sighed.

"I'll meet you and Val's room."

I nodded.

Was I ready for a change? Surely I had fun partying and living my young adult life, but what happiness did that bring me during the day?

Was I truly happy during those times?

Crying in the cars, from the club. Throwing up the alcohol from the night before. Searching the blogs to see the mistakes I made. Why was I so scared to let go of the life of pain? Why was I scared to step into a new life of security, love, and happiness?

Probably because I never had it. I'm scared that once I get it, it'll be gone.

But thinking back on all of the memories I share with him, soothes me. I curse myself for my anxious thoughts. Sometimes I get in my own way, I assume the worst before the worst comes, if it comes.

I looked in the mirror one last time, a different confidence fell over my body. I was ready.

"Cheer up bitch, you're getting married."

~

"Open your mouth!" Valeria yelled.

I held my mouth open. She poured the tequila into my mouth. I raised my arms before cheering.

"You're handling these like a pro!" Skylar widened her eyes.

"She's the tequila champ!" Valeria giggled.

"I can't believe it." Piper sobbed.

She was more than drunk.

"My little brother is getting married tomorrow." She cried. "Uh, he deserves it and so do you. He finally got his happiness."

Skylar awkwardly looked around. "Piper, we're at a club bro."

"Right. Right." She nodded. "Sorry."

"I think I'll take her to calm down." Valeria placed the bottle down. "Don't take any shots without me."

I chuckled. Piper and Valeria walked off.

I felt someone grab my wrist before tugging me away.

"What the fuck!" I exclaimed.

"Let's make this quick," Lauren said.

"Nuh uh, no drama, I don't care. Write about me in your memoir all you want. Expose the once fake relationship, just leave me alone. Okay? I just one day of peace before I get married, can I have that, please?" I huffed.

"You two aren't in my memoir. Believe it or not, I have a level of respect for Tobias and I wouldn't expose him. I need to tell you something very important."

"What?"

"About the wedding, Amber is planning to attend and object."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh my God, give me a break."

"Look, I hate the bitch and this is why I'm telling you. She's under a fake name, but just keep an eye out okay?"

"Yeah, thank you."

"No problem. I know we've had our difference, but once upon a time, we use to be best friends. I'm not saying that we have to kiss and makeup, but I got your back if you got mine." She held out her hand.

"Yeah." I shook it.

I wanted to be stubborn and give her the cold shoulder, but I'm so tired of being angry.

Let bygones be bygones.

"And the shit at Tobias' birthday party, it wasn't true. I was bitter and angry."

"I understand, I don't know how I would deal if I was in a relationship and someone came along." I looked down. "That was fucked up and I apologize from my end."

"It was fucked up, but if I'm being honest, we were in a relationship that needed to end."

I nodded.

"It's too much shit happening in the world and the last thing that we need is two beautiful black women feuding against each other." Lauren shrugged.

"Amen."

"You're a lucky girl, he'll make you happier than you'll ever know." She sadly said before walking away.

A part of me felt guilty. To be loved by Tobias feels like you're the only girl in the world. If someone came and took that from me, I would be crushed. But my guilt came a bit too late. I had fallen for him and nothing could change that.

Not even the overdue apology from my day one frenemy, Lauren James.