To Marry A Monster

ays ear

e should all know, but they n

udge against the you and the city. Surprisingly, I find comfort in it. It's all so warm, and as ironic as

alled Wild Week of Fun. His words, not mine. Personally, I think it's just an excuse for him to drink overpriced cocktails, gamble awa

landing in America, I'm about to go watch some strippers and

he'd let

eerful, and just a little bit smug. I barely have time to turn before he engulfs me in a bear hug, his cologne enveloping me. For a m

ok surprisingly good for someone who is about to go s

azy grin. "What can I say? Vegas brings out th

on, remember?" I tease, adjust

re just here to keep

orrect him, just follow him inside, my sneaker

somehow finds a way to make every second count, and I surprisingly find myself able to keep up with hi

it w

n a scholarship that means more to me than anyone knows. A chance to e

ullshit my father managed to do befo

lf pity for more than three seconds. That is, before he challenges me to a bet on who can convince the two drunk guys, whose wi

guy across the room. I stifle a giggle as the confused man looks

I help

a little bit weird way to make money?" I

not work, but somehow did, because an hour later we were taking photos as the Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid at

Adrian's hotel suite. Immediately I pass through th

ask, taking off my earrings and sit

tie loosened. He looks like a walking cliché, the kind of guy to avoid

e like five minute

at one's

ink of water from a carafe into glass for

nne

cowl, but I still

next to me on the sofa, lying down

cing the rim of my glass.

? I told you. You nee

hoose being a cou

g behind them. I open my mouth to say something, anything really, just so I can make conversation. But Adrian doesn't let me. Before I can process anything Adrian sits u

ft against mine. It's everything I've ever dreamed of, everything I've

t as quickly,

and his hands withdraw from

ist

o

weight of it settle in my chest. Embarrassment cr

le as I stand up from the sof

a, w

harply and put my heels on,

lway. The city outside is still alive, still awake with excitement. But inside, in th

ist

worst rejection I

hough I'm not sure where I'm walking to