Truth or Dare: A Sweet Romantic Comedy Collection by Laura Burton (free ebook reader for ipad txt) 📗

“I’ll be the one in white,” she shouts back. Katia follows her out the door but turns and gives me a longing look. I give a faint wave, then the door closes between us.

“I spoke to the front desk, they said we can use whatever we need in their supply cupboard,” Mark says enthusiastically.

“Alright men,” I say, lowering my voice and getting serious. Cameron walks in. “It’s going to be a long night. We’ve got work to do.”

Katia

Debbie and I return to my room to find Michelle and Holly still sitting on the bed. Michelle looks up as we approach and raises an empty bottle.

“We’ve only got enough for one more glass,” she says. It's as if we’re on a deserted island and she’s holding up the last of our water supply.

I look at my sister. She's staring straight ahead. Her face is pale and her lip is quivering. I place a hand on her slender shoulder and give it a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s okay. I can get more from downstairs.”

“It’s not that,” she says, in a strangled voice. Then she looks between us all with wide eyes. “It’s just hit me. I’m getting married and then I’m moving across the globe.”

The gasps coming from the girls on the bed tell me this is the first they’re hearing of the big move. We settle down in a circle and Michelle passes the champagne to Debbie, who takes a swig straight from the bottle.

“Where are you going?” Holly asks in a reverent tone.

“Tokyo. I took a job.”

Holly's hands fly to her open mouth in horror. “Tokyo! That’s like… China,” she says.

“It’s in Japan, actually,” Michelle corrects her. Holly cocks her head to the side. “Right," she says. “As if that’s any better.”

“This is the last time we’re all gonna be together...for a long time,” Debbie whispers, her eyes turning misty.

The stark realization hits us in a wave of sadness.

“Is that why you wanted Katia and Ryder to do their dare?” Michelle asks, rubbing her arm and looking down in thought. Debbie shrugs. “Yes... No. I don’t know.” She sighs and pulls her legs up to hug her knees. “I guess I needed the distraction too. Besides, I wanted to see them make up before I go.” She looks at me for the first time, tears welling in her eyes, and takes my hands. “I can’t believe I’m leaving,”

“Ah.” Michelle looks up and starts nodding slowly. Everyone looks at her with surprise. “You didn’t want to tell anyone about Tokyo, because then you’d have to face the reality and say goodbye.”

Tears leak out of Debbie’s eyes and I pull her in for a hug. This isn’t right. The bride shouldn’t be crying the night before her wedding. Holly and Michelle nod at me, as if my thoughts are broadcasting to our own private frequency.

“You know what? I’m gonna go get our dresses,” Holly announces and jumps up. She turns to Michelle. “Coming with? I could use the extra hand.”

Michelle hops off the bed and the two of them leave the room without another word. Once the door closes, Debbie collapses in a little heap in my lap. I stroke her hair and make shushing noises, just like I used to when we were kids.

“It’ll be alright, you know,” I say, trying to reassure myself just as much as her. “Just think, you’re embarking on a big new adventure. Besides... It’s not like you’re going to Mars.”

Debbie lets out a deep shaky breath and I dab the tears from her cheeks with my sleeve. “I know things have moved pretty fast for you and it’s all catching up. But you love Mark, right?”

Debbie shifts back to look up at me and nods. “I love him so much it hurts.”

I hum back. I know that feeling.

“And he loves you,” I say with a note of finality. “And if he ever does anything to hurt you, the whole family will be out to get him,” I say with a chuckle. Debbie’s cheeks flush as she smirks back. “I’m sorry to be a Debbie downer.”

“Literally,” we say in unison, then share matching grins. Debbie sits up and crosses her legs. “And I’m sorry for pressuring you and Ryder into…”

“Don’t,” I say, my throat restricting. “It’s not about us. We both just want…”

I’m not sure how to finish the sentence. What do we want? I want my sister to have a big, beautiful wedding with all of our family there.

I want to stand beside Ryder, holding his hand. No more games.

Debbie eyes me carefully. She’s doing the twin thing and picking up on my thoughts again. “What are you two gonna do?”

I suck in a breath and hold it in for a moment. “I know there are feelings here,” I say, exhaling slowly. “But... He just won’t talk to me. And that drives me crazy.”

Debbie bites her lip and looks at me with a guilty expression. “Well, I guess I’ve been no help. I don’t think you’ve had much time alone.”

She makes a good point. Ryder and I have been so preoccupied with the wedding and then the dare, it's been nearly impossible to sit down and have a serious conversation. Especially when Debbie keeps walking in on us.

“I guess I’m just worried he’ll suddenly think we’re better off being apart, and without giving me a say in it, he’ll cut me off.”

Debbie wipes her eyes with a big sigh. “Maybe Michelle can give you two some couples counseling.”

I laugh. “We’ll need it.”

“Look, let’s get this wedding out of the way. Then the two of you will be able to figure this out. You care about him, right?”

I chew the inside of my cheek and give a nod. “Well then,” Debbie says, recovering herself and sitting up a little taller. “I’m sure everything will work out.”

The next morning, Michelle fixes coffee for everyone as the girls and our mom get ready. Debbie slips on her white satin gown; it sits on her curves and fits like