The Better Man

by Hebert, Cerian

  THE BETTER MAN

  By

  Cerian Hebert

  COPYRIGHT 2012 by Cerian Hebert

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: cerianhebert@comcast.net

  Visit me at www.cerianhebert.com

  Published in the United States of America

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To everyone who’s dared to chase new dreams in the wake of heartbreak.

  ALSO AVAILABLE BY CERIAN HEBERT

  WRITING AS CERI HEBERT

  SWEET FOREVER

  WHERE ONE ROAD LEADS

  WRITING AS CERIAN HEBERT

  FINALLY HOME

  THAT KIND OF MAGIC

  NO GOING BACK

  SWEET AND WILD

  DO OVERS

  GOING GOING GONE~Coming Summer 2013

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Chapter One

  “…I hope someday you’ll forgive me.”

  The tears rolling off Lorelei’s cheek fell onto the single sheet of paper, turning the signature into a splotch of blue ink. She didn’t have to see the frigging signature anyway. This was the second time she’d read the damned letter. The bastard! The rotten, lousy, son of a bitch bastard! She leaned back against the wall and slid down until she settled in a cloud of white tulle.

  Her fist closed around the letter. She crumpled it into a tight ball and threw it across the floor. The paper ball bounced once and rolled up against the shiny black toe of Will’s dress shoe.

  “I’m really sorry, Lori.” Will stepped over the crumpled note.

  “It’s not your fault, is it? Did you make it all happen?” Lori glared up at the man. He’d shed the black tux jacket and tie.

  “No, but I can be sorry anyway, can’t I?”

  Lori furrowed her brows and dragged the wispy white veil from her hair.

  It made her head ache. She balled it up like she had the letter and tossed it as far away as possible. Unfortunately, the light material didn’t go far. It parachuted open and floated gracefully to the floor, pure white against the rich, dark-red carpet.

  “What are you doing here anyway?” Angrily, she swiped at the tears in her eyes with her pristine, white, elbow-length glove, ruining the material with an ugly black smear of mascara.

  “I’m concerned about you.”

  Lori continued to glare. “Shouldn’t you be with him? After all, you are his best man.”

  Will’s jaw tensed and his eyes narrowed slightly, but otherwise he remained still, his gaze firmly holding hers.

  “I’m your friend, too. More your friend than his. Don’t think I condone his choice.”

  Deep down she believed him, but for the moment, she kept him lumped in the same category as her runaway groom, an easy target for her anger and disappointment. She didn’t want pity from Will or anyone else. She couldn’t deal with the shame and embarrassment she would encounter as a jilted bride. Her stomach churned at the thought. She was tempted to curl up into a tight ball and wait for everyone to leave.

  “Is everyone still out there?” She shifted her gaze down to the black mascara stain on her glove. She peeled the glove off and let it drop onto her lap.

  “Most of Brian’s side left. His parents are still out there. I think they’re pretty horrified over this and want to say something to you. Your bridesmaids are ready to bust the door down to get to you and smother you with support, and I think your parents and brother are plotting Brian’s demise.”

  Always the comic. A smile tugged at her mouth but died before it could completely form. The heartbreak pulled her down, along with the black anger.

  Her fingers tightened around the lacy skirt of her gown. If only it were Brian’s neck.

  She leaned back against the wall, closed her eyes, and relaxed her fists in a half-hearted attempt to squash the fury simmering deep inside. She wanted to block out any reminder of what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, like the sight of the bouquet she’d hurled against the wall after reading Brian’s letter. She had no idea where the one-carat diamond engagement ring she’d sent flying across the room had gone. She didn’t give a good goddamn, either. Slowly, in the silence broken by Will’s even breathing, Lori let her anger recede, if only for a moment.

  “Why did he do this, Will? Why like this?”

  “I have no idea.”

  His voice was close. She opened her eyes and found him sitting on the floor next to her. “I had no clue he was unhappy or even seeing someone else. I feel like such an idiot.” Anger flashed hot in her belly again.

  “Don’t, because you’re not.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re not in my place right now.” Despite the warmth in his gray eyes, she didn’t want comfort. Misery raged inside, pushing at her chest, and stuck in her throat until she thought she would choke on it.

  Will lifted her hand in his and held it, his thumb stroking gently.

  Reluctantly, Lori allowed him the contact and concentrated on the soothing touch, letting it sink into her skin. A long moment passed. Her heartbeat slowed from a rapid hammer to a steadier rhythm.

  “I guess I can’t hide here all day. Won’t solve anything.” She drew in a breath and slowly released it to disperse the tension that had her heart in a stranglehold. “Gotta face all the people out there. It’s going to be horrible.”

  Will squeezed her hand and bumped her shoulder with his. “They love you and they’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.”

  She grimaced at his promise. “I don’t want them to feel sorry for me.”

  Will pushed himself to his feet and held his hand out to her. She didn’t accept it for a long moment, but regarded him with interest, wondering why he’d been able to calm her. If one of her bridesmaids were here, no doubt she’d whip Lori into a frenzy. Instead, Will managed to steady her. She accepted his hand, allowing him to help her to her feet.

  “First I’m going to change out of this thing.” She fingered the skirt of the gown she’d chosen for this day. Her dream gown. Her dream wedding and her dream man. What a damned joke. “Tell everyone out there to stay put.”

  He nodded and leaned forward to kiss her gently on the cheek. Warmth filled her at the simple gesture. Leave it to Will to help her get through. She knew she could count on him. Silently, he left the room.

  Hanging onto the tenuous calm Will had instilled, she changed back into her own clothes and shoved her wedding gown, veil, and shoes into the garbage can in the bathroom. After a quick search, she discovered the engagement ring by the window and stuffed it in her pocket. She sucked in a breath one last time to push back the nerves that had begun to fray and left the security of the little dressing room.

  Head held high, Lori marched down the quiet hall and into the church. When she got to the door, about fifty people milled around. Cold little fingers of doubt and humiliation poked at her belly. Maybe she could just sneak out the back way, go home, and hope that Brian had packed his stuff so she could be by herself. Unfortunately, her maid of honor caught sight of her and cried out her name before she could make a move toward the back door.


  Approximately fifty heads turned together.

  Lori wanted to sink into the floor, never to be seen again. Instead, she pinned on her best smile, prayed her eyes weren’t too red from crying, and marched out into the church. Immediately, voices rose, surrounding her in a sea of concern.

  “No, I’m all right, really.” With a forced smile, she tried to back out of the huddle. She needed air.

  She looked at the faces of her friends and family, thankful for the genuine concern, the half-smiles and even a tear or two. She straightened her shoulders and gave them a brighter smile. “Well, I guess the wedding is off. I’m going to be okay but, at the moment, I’d rather not discuss it. However, unless someone called and canceled it, there’s a reception waiting over at the Palmwood Inn. I don’t see any point wasting all that food and music, so why don’t we just go over there and have a party anyway.”

  A murmur went through the crowd, some nods of approval, some heads shaking. At the back of the group, Lori caught Will’s eye. He didn’t smile. Just stared hard at her, one eyebrow raised. He didn’t approve. Lori broke away from his gaze and searched the room until she spotted a couple standing off to the side by themselves, stiff, but fidgeting nervously like they were next in line for execution. Compassion for her almost in-laws filled her, displacing some of the anger and hurt. She smiled at them. After all, they’d treated her like family over the past seven years. She honestly liked them, and they weren’t to blame because their son turned out to be a cheating dog.

  Lori turned away from them and addressed the guests again. “So get into your cars and head over. Bridesmaids, go hold the limo for me, I’ll be right out. And save me some champagne.” She grinned to disguise her heartbreak.

  She’d concentrate on being pissed off tonight. Tomorrow, she’d worry about the broken-hearted part. But first, she wanted to talk to Brian’s parents.

  With her attention back on them, she eased through the crowd. Phyllis Petrin seized Lori’s hands in a chilly grip and regarded at her through red-rimmed eyes. Apparently, Lori hadn’t been the only one crying over this fiasco.

  “I can’t tell you how shocked and mortified we are over this, Lorelei. There was no indication that Brian even considered this.”

  Obviously, Brian’s deeds had hurt more than just her. Had he even taken his parent’s feelings into consideration? Indignation for their hurt joined her own outrage. Lori nodded solemnly and squeezed the other woman’s hands. “I understand. Please don’t think I’m angry with you. If I’d known…well, I guess that doesn’t matter now, does it? If you two would like to come over to the inn you’re more than welcome.” Maybe they could comfort each other. God only knew she could use someone to lean on.

  Phyllis shook her head.

  “No, I think, under the circumstances, it would be better if we just go home.” Brian’s father, Ernie, eyed the door longingly.

  She certainly couldn’t blame them for wanting to bow out. Lori hugged them both and bid them goodbye.

  The church was nearly empty. Apparently, her guests had taken her advice. Will, however, stood at the door, watching her closely, the frown still on his face. She couldn’t tell if it was from concern or disapproval. She went to him.

  “You going to the inn?”

  Will nodded, his jaw tight. “I’ll be there. I just wanted to make sure you really want to do this.”

  “Party? Absolutely. We paid a lot of money for the reception hall and I’ll be damned if it goes to waste. I plan to get stinking drunk tonight and deal with this in the morning. I’d let you ride with us in the limo…” Lori looked the best man up and down. Will had been her best friend for years now, nearly as long as she’d known Brian. He was a good-looking man, tall, with a solid build, short brown hair with a cowlick and serious gray eyes. He wasn’t as lighthearted as Brian, not the life of the party, but there was something women found sexy about the strong silent type. “But I don’t think you’d stand a chance against those girls.”

  Finally, he smiled, a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. “I’m glad you still have a sense of humor.” Will leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

  “I’ll see you at the inn.”

  With Will at her side, Lori walked out of the deserted church. They parted company as she climbed into the limo with her friends. Immediately her maid of honor pushed a glass of champagne into her hand. Lori slumped back in the seat and sucked in a deep breath, relieved to have the first step of this jilted bride fiasco out of the way.

  “Here’s to being single,” Lori muttered and held up the tall flute of pale gold liquid. Everyone clinked their glasses together in agreement.

  “But let’s get one thing straight. I do not want to discuss the status of my relationship with Brian. Not one word. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me tonight. I just want to have a good time.” The women in the car nodded with approval, raising their glasses again. The car was filled with the sound of clinking glass. “I’ve been granted a reprieve from what could’ve been the biggest mistake of my life and I want to savor that. Agreed?”

  Her maid of honor, Tamara, filled Lori’s glass again and wrapped her arm around Lori’s shoulders. “We promise not to invoke the name ‘Brian’ at all tonight.”

  They proceeded to polish off the bottle of champagne before the ten minute ride to the inn ended. The alcohol provided a nice little buzz to start the evening and when Lori entered the large reception hall, surrounded by an entourage of beautifully dressed friends, a thunder of applause greeted her.

  She paused at the door and looked around at all the people who cared for and supported her. Tears welled up, threatening to choke her with their intensity.

  But given the choice of either facing this evening bravely or hunting down and slugging Brian, she chose the former, gave a lopsided grin and waved. Yes, she’d made the right decision to carry on with the reception. After all, this was supposed to be her day, and she’d do it without Brian.

  She stiffened her back and walked into the crowd.

  * * *

  “You think she’s all right?” Connie leaned against the bar next to Will, but she kept her attention focused on the would-be bride who fumbled her way through the Electric Slide. Lori was laughing with her maid of honor as she missed another move.

  “Give her a little more time.” Will didn’t think she was fine, no matter how much she smiled the night away. She covered her anguish well, but he doubted there was a person in the room who thought she was okay. “Just let her have her fun.”

  Connie sighed. “She’s going to feel this in the morning.”

  Whether Connie meant the amount of alcohol Lori had consumed or Brian’s abandonment, Will wasn’t sure. Both would probably slug her like a sledgehammer come daylight.

  Over half the guests had already left. Those who remained were from the bride’s half of the party and some close friends who were more than happy to hold her up. Will could’ve left long ago. He certainly hadn’t come to join in the fun, more to watch over her.

  Connie waved toward the dancers but looked up at Will, her mouth in a tight line. “Maybe we should try to call quits to this. She needs to sleep. She’s got a room here so at least she doesn’t have to stay at their apartment.”

  Will nodded and tossed down the rest of his drink. Only the third he’d had all night long. He hadn’t even thought about her living situation. Brian hadn’t said a word about what he’d had up his sleeve, and Will had to wonder if Brian planned to return to the apartment he and Lori had shared for years. Apparently, Brian hadn’t thought much about how his choices would affect his fiancée’s life.

  Will kept his eye on Lori as she finally abandoned he line dance and headed toward the bar. No, he wasn’t going to let her have any more to drink. Her walk had a definite stagger and she bit her bottom lip, her brows furrowed in concentration. Even in her condition, she outshone every other woman in the room. Every other woman he’d ever met. This morning, her thick, honey-brown hair
had been fixed up in a complicated style that allowed curling tendrils to fall around her face, but now it cascaded down her back to her waist in a riot of curls. The glowing shade contrasted beautifully with her fair skin and pale blue eyes.

  Seeing her in this condition, knowing what was behind it, brought his protective instincts out with a vengeance. It made him want to rearrange Brian’s face.

  “You having fun?” Lori leaned against the bar and glanced up at Will.

  She smiled brightly as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Or like she’d had too much to drink.

  “Looks like you are,” he replied. Now wasn’t the time to lecture her, but he didn’t want to lie and tell her he was having the time of his life.

  Lori giggled. “Given the circumstances, I guess I am. I think I’d be having more fun if you were out on the dance floor.” She tugged at his arm, but he didn’t budge.

  “Lori, I think you should go to bed. It’s way past nine and you’re exhausted.”

  Lori pouted and tilted her head. “I’m not done dancing yet. I’m just stopping long enough for a bit of refreshment.”

  She raised her hand to summon the bartender, but Will grabbed her wrist and lowered it. “No, you’ve had enough. You’re going to have a hell of a hangover tomorrow morning as it is. Don’t make it worse.”

  “You’re a party pooper, Will.” She didn’t protest further, just glared up at him.

  Finally, he had to smile a little. The pout on her lips gave her a sexy yet innocent expression. She had no idea what that petulant expression did to his well-being. She could get his heart pounding with the simplest gestures.

  “Fine, but I’m a concerned party pooper. Connie says you have a room here and I’m going to escort you to it right now.”

  “But the band—”

  “Is packing up.”

  “Rats.”

  “Let’s say goodnight to your friends and get you up to your room.”

  The goodbyes lasted two minutes before Will steered Lori up to her room at the top floor of the inn. She fumbled for the key in her purse, found it, and managed to get the door open after three attempts.