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care. He’s hoped to blindside me with the news. Lizzie appeared to be a friend, but
she is obviously a snake. They can have each other.

“I noticed,” I grumble while texting my mom. I want a good laugh at this.
“Where is lover boy? What did you say is name is? Harold?” Some of the
peanut gallery teeter.

“It’s Henry. He got stuck at work and will be here later.”
“Rightttttt,” Teo drags out the word while looking around for validation.
“Just admit he doesn’t exist.”

My phone pings. My mom has texted a string of clever insults and names for
the duo. I giggle to myself. The whole table is looking at me waiting for a response.
I put my phone down and look at Teo and Lizzie who are wearing matching smug
expressions.

“Teo, focus on your new girlfriend. You are far too interested in my personal
life. It’s sad really.” That gets me a few chuckles, but I don’t need their validation
or support.
He balks and has to defend his asshole title. “No, what’s sad is you lying about
having a date. Admit it; no one wants a fatty.”

I raise my glass to him and call “cheers” before taking a drink. I focus my
attention on Carla and ask to see pictures of her new baby. I say a silent prayer that
Henry will not be held up any longer. I need a buffer, and I really don’t want to be
questioned by the police if Teo turns up missing.
The rest of the day isn’t much better. Lizzie is throwing smug looks and her

own level of shade. It is beyond me how a woman could be so attractive and
insecure. Tala and Teo take turns being the asshole of the hour. Tala hardly said
anything to me at breakfast. She also didn’t come to my defense when her rude ass
cousin kept coming for me.
Once we move to the venue, she is her best version of a bridezilla, barking out
orders and expecting people to do her bidding. Namely, me. I am the Cinderella of
the crew, but not for long. Once I get my money’s worth out of this trip. I will leave
and never return another call, email, or carrier pigeon from anyone in this group.
The ties are severed. I will live on, and the bitch will have to see me in her wedding
photos. The joke is on her.