The wedding party was perfectly silent as the wedding planner reviewed the ceremony draft, reading the headings aloud so everyone knew the order of events. The actual content would be saved for the wedding day to preserve the surprise.

"Alright everyone, file out in two straight lines. You'll be coming down the aisle in pairs, but that's not how you'll be leaving!" the wedding planner instructed.

"Maid of Honor, hand the bride her bouquet before she goes! Walk straighter! Flower girl, don't let your basket drag on the ground!"

Once the rehearsal concluded to her satisfaction, the planner had them practice their entrances. Jeffrey and Keeley, less important than the family members, were the second-to-last couple to walk down the aisle before the bride's grand entrance.

Although the venue was perfectly set up, everyone wore regular dressy clothes instead of their wedding attire because the rehearsal dinner at a nice restaurant followed immediately.

Relief washed over everyone when the rehearsal ended. Keeley, having been on her feet in heels for too long, was in pain. This was exacerbated by the fact that she'd forgotten to pack a snack and hadn't eaten since 10 AM.

Everyone went to a seafood restaurant. Keeley sat near Jeffrey and Keisha because Lydia was busy entertaining others. Keeley had barely spoken two words to the bride since arriving.

She didn't mind. She was there to support Lydia on her big day, not to be catered to. Spending time with Jeffrey was enough.

"So Keeley, what have you been up to lately?" he asked as they waited for appetizers.

She shrugged. "Not much. I'm drowning in schoolwork—it's my last year—and Maid of Honor duties for my old roommate."

He laughed. "Drowning in schoolwork is nothing new. Keisha, I think she might even have more than I do."

Keisha replied, "Impossible. You're always doing homework."

"Yeah, but she has lab time and is writing a doctoral thesis."

Keisha made an impressed sound. "Girl, really? I knew you were in grad school, but had no idea you were getting a PhD. What in?"

"Developmental genetics. My research is coming along well. It should be finished by August, then I can write the rest of my dissertation. It needs to be 200 pages, and since my research isn't done, I'm not even halfway there."

Keeley whistled. "Wow! Impressive. I only got my bachelor's degree because I'd been volunteering with animals since middle school and had enough experience to get hired right out of school."

Keeley smiled. "Thanks! It's not as glamorous as it sounds, though. I spend most of my days quadruple-checking numbers."

"I know about things not being glamorous," Keisha said. "Last week, I returned someone's cat after a tooth extraction (he was anesthetized), and he peed on me! He was fluffy, so it got everywhere. Super gross."

She made a face. "I didn't have extra scrubs, so I had to walk around like that for two hours."

Jeffrey patted her hand, trying not to laugh. He clearly remembered the incident and found it hilarious.

"The worst part is you sent him home like that. Those poor owners had to clean him up!"

"What was I supposed to do?" she demanded. "They'd already paid! A bath would have cost extra!"

He shrugged, grinning. "Still."

Keisha rolled her eyes and ignored her boyfriend as the crab dip and bread arrived. Everyone dug in enthusiastically.

It had been ages since Keeley had crab dip. The last time was with Aaron years ago. She couldn't afford it on her own, so she appreciated Lydia's parents footing the bill.

She'd thought about Aaron a lot recently. She worried the wedding might trigger unpleasant memories. It seemed her involvement in other people's weddings only worsened things.

Keeley wanted to enjoy the food and company, but her nostalgia dampened the fun. At least the bachelorette party would keep her busy.

"What are your best memories of Lydia?" Keisha asked. "Since it's almost her special day."

Jeffrey smiled. "That's tough. We've been friends since freshman year of high school. That year, she was in almost all my classes. She asked me for notes she'd missed one day—I didn't even recognize her."

His girlfriend laughed. "So you've always been oblivious."

"Apparently."

He continued, "My favorite memory is probably sophomore year when she cut her bangs too short and tried hiding it under a beanie (against the dress code). I was on student council, and she gave a 30-slide PowerPoint on freedom of expression to the principal. He didn't budge, but her face when she got detention… unforgettable."

Keeley giggled. Lydia had been furious that day. She’d traded her beanie for a hood, technically allowed during lunch and passing periods.

Keeley had too many memories to choose just one. The first that came to mind was when Keeley's period came early junior year, and she bled through her shorts during P.E. Lydia pretended to faint, distracting everyone while Keeley changed.

Lydia had always been a good friend. Wedding memories aside, Keeley was happy to celebrate with her.

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