10. Spy

No shift, no bar and plenty of sunshine. Moreover, it was during the week, so the city centre was both quiet and not too swamped with people. Maybe tonight Ben could catch up on the relaxing he had planned on before accidentally hosting a stag party.

He walked between fruit and vegetable stands and was debating whether to buy some artisanal bread. Maybe today would be a side-character day. A day off anyone’s scene. A day for a silly little side quest that doesn’t contribute to anyone’s, not even his own story. In the end, he decided to get some nice potato bread after all. As he reached for his wallet, he felt a fortune cookie. He first completed the transaction and then went to a café nearby. So much for his day off. After ordering some coffee and cheesecake, he opened the cookie: Spy.

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous now. Nothing about this day is mysterious or undercover!

“Wait, so Marcus is taking you to Theo’s wedding!? Is Theo fine with that!?”

Okay, maybe I do want to hear a bit more about that.

“Nerissa, I’m not one hundred percent sure he knows, but you know what Marcus is like, so he must have mentioned it. And I think that Theo not intervening might be a sign that he wants me there”, a second girl answered before having a sip of tea.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit cruel to Marcus, Portia? He’s been in love with you for years, and you never made a secret of having a thing for Theo.”
“Meaning, Marcus should know where he’s at, right? Maybe he also finally accepted that Theo and I are meant for each other, and he wants to help.”

That’s not what Marcus said at the stag part…

There was a sigh. Probably from Nerissa because she followed up in a sceptical tone: “While I tend to support your delusions, are you sure about this? I know you thought that Theo and Nathalie would break up eventually, but I had hoped you had gotten over it by now. They actually seem really happy together.”
“You’re my friend. Shouldn’t you be on my side? I’ll go to the wedding and if Theo sees me, he’ll surely change his mind. We’re meant for each other and that’s what he’ll see tomorrow.”
“I am your friend. But I still hope he won’t be seeing you in a white dress. Because that would be the worst cliché to uphold.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not a white dress.” Silence. “It’s a black evening gown and Marcus approved, so it will be fine!”

Nothing about this sounds remotely fine. And definitely not healthy. I really don’t want to meddle, but this is just a recipe for drama. Too bad I don’t know how to contact Marcus or Theo…

“I don’t think it will be fine, but feel free to come running to me to cry when it goes badly. Or, in the unlikely case I’m wrong, you can tell me so.”

They clinked their cups and left shortly after.