Kim looked good in her wedding gown. Of course, her father was filthy rich so she could spare no expense. It was almost time. The makeup artist and hair stylist were just about done. I was the maid of honor. No bridesmaids today. Kim’s husband to be had slept with them between engagement party and wedding day. Luckily they felt guilt more than Kim had the ability to worry. I sighed with half-envy and half-joy for my two friends. We had known each other 20 years now. I was the only one who hadn’t been married at some point. Kim and Chris had been married to others before. Same for all the friends we had worked with since early college. I still wondered if Chris’ young children had much to do with this union with Kim. Ahh, but this was not my problem. I just hoped Chris was holding up well. Maybe I should go find Dan to check on him for me.

There was a knock on the door. I couldn’t imagine who would dare to interrupt this morning. Who would bother a skittish bride to be and her crazy maid of honor? I took in a deep breath and said in the most vicious voice I could manage, “Who the hell is it?”

“Um, honey, it’s me.” Dan answered softly. “Can you step outside for a second. I just have to see you.”

“Should I be worried?” Kim was on the verge of tears.

“Not at all, Kim,” Dan said quickly, laughing.” I just need to see the lovely woman who won’t consent to marry me.”

Kim sighed, and the makeup artist wipes away the tear and started to fix her makeup again.

“But I don’t have my gown on yet, Dan!” I answered through a small crack in the door.

“Even better,” he whispered back as he winked.

He reached for my hand as I opened the door and pulled me out of the room. As soon as my face was close he was kissing me and holding me tight. He closed the door as I came out and gently pushed me against the wall next to the door. “You look wonderful, honey.” He used self-restraint and keep his hands locked in mine.

“Bad news though, “ he said between kisses. “Mark arrived with Lisa.”

I pulled away suddenly. Dan looked into my eyes and I think he actually recognized the hurt he caused. Was that someone dropping a glass, or the sound of my heart breaking? A small hollow crystal sound echoing in a big old mansion. I loved Dan now, but Mark had been just before. Mark and I had been engaged for five years. He had left me suddenly when Lisa got pregnant. I hadn’t even suspected he was cheating on me. But my work schedule was close to 80 hours back then since I wasn’t yet a partner.