The End of Beginning

CHAPTER 21

JOE: Oh man, that lighting? Yeah, that's straight out of a movie.

JULIA: Right? It almost makes me want to fall in love.

JOE: Almost?

Julia hesitated before replying.

JULIA: Maybe more than almost.

Joe took a minute to respond, but when he did, it was simple.

JOE: I like the sound of that.

Her stomach flipped, and she took a sip of champagne to distract herself.

Meanwhile, Ryan and Chloe were being disgustingly cute all night. Julia wasn't surprised—Ryan had barely left Chloe's side, keeping an arm around her waist as they danced, laughed, and whispered things to each other.

"You two are insufferable," Julia teased when they sat down for a drink break.

Chloe just smirked, leaning against Ryan's shoulder. "Jealous?"

Julia rolled her eyes. "Please."

But her amusement was short-lived when an all-too-familiar voice said her name.

She turned to see one of the groomsmen grinning at her.

"Julia Reed? No way!"

It took her a second to place him, but then it clicked—Jason Whitman. They had taken a few college courses together years ago. She felt he had a crush on her then, but she never returned the feeling.

"Wow, Jason," Julia said, offering a polite smile. "It's been a long time."

"Way too long," Jason said, his grin widening. "You look amazing, by the way."

She nodded, sipping her drink. "Thanks."

Throughout the night, Jason kept finding her. Whether it was at the bar, near the dance floor, or even when she was just sitting at the table, he made it a point to chat her up. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was clear what he was doing.

Eventually, Julia sent Joe a quick text to make her seem more occupied.

JULIA: Turns out I went to college with one of the groomsmen, and he keeps hitting on me.

Joe's response was immediate.

JOE: How's that going?

JULIA: He's not awful, but he is persistent.

Joe took longer to respond this time.

JOE: Tell him to fuck off.

Julia smirked, her champagne-fueled confidence making her bolder.

JULIA: Why? You jealous?

After a pause, Joe sent:

JOE: I mean, yeah. I don't love the idea of some guy trying to take you home.

Her stomach fluttered.

JULIA: Don't worry. I have higher standards than that.

Joe's response came immediately.

JOE: I know you do.

As the night went on, Julia found herself feeling looser, the alcohol making her words flow more freely. Her texts to Joe became more direct, less filtered.

JULIA: You should've come to this wedding with meee.

JOE: Yeah? Missing my company?

JULIA: Yeah. You owe me a dance.

JULIA: And a kiss.

Joe took a second before replying.

JOE: You sure that's not the champagne talking?

JULIA: Nope. 100% sober thoughts.

There was another pause before Joe sent:

JOE: Then I'll have to pay up when I see you next.

Julia didn't overthink what that meant. She just smiled, letting herself enjoy the moment.

By the time the reception was winding down, she was thoroughly buzzed, and she, Chloe, and Ryan regrouped outside to grab a cab home.

"Good night?" Ryan asked as they slid into the backseat.

Julia sighed dramatically. "It could've been better," she paused, "But it was a great wedding."

Chloe grinned. "Remind me to never let you have unlimited champagne again."

Julia just laughed, already pulling out her phone.

JULIA: Heading home now. You can stop worrying.

Joe's reply was immediate.

JOE: Good. Get some sleep, drunk girl.

Julia smirked before tucking her phone away, letting the cab's motion lull her into a dazed, happy state.

Tonight had been fun.