THE WEDDING

HU: Ginger's reaction is instant the moment Ruby pulls me to the table. Her back stiffens, fingers curling as she grips her lap as though she is trying hard to compose herself. She avoids meeting my eyes, and I try to compose myself too, but I cannot help but shut my eyes slightly, inhaling her scent. Fuck, I shouldn't be doing this. I open my eyes at once, then pull out a seat for Ruby, trying to be the perfect gentleman. "Thanks, babe," she mouths, and God, I wish she would stop calling me that. Caspian, on the other hand, leans forward, extending a hand. "Hu," he greets, and I take his hand, shaking it briefly because I do not know what else I will do if the handshake lingers. "How's your health?" he asks, tilting his head slightly, and I force a smile. I force a smile because I am not truly happy, and it is killing me. Caspian has been nothing but a good friend. He wrote my notes in school for the week, and what does he get? Me lusting after his girlfriend. "I'm fine," I say shortl