Best friends Roy and Kelly decide during a college party that if they were still unmarried at thirty, they would tie the knot. Kelly learns that Roy is getting married as her thirty-first birthday approaches. Given that she has been in love with Roy for a long time, would she choose to move on and let him go, or will she make a snap decision?
Best friends Kelly and Roy, who had studied together in college, were attending a party for which Kelly was unable to even recall the purpose. However, since it was college, there was no reason why students couldn’t drink.
Loud music, laughing, and the odor of alcohol filled the room, and Kelly could no longer see Roy.
With a trace of envy, she thought, “Probably kissing some freshman again.” Roy and Kelly had been dating for a while, but Kelly was scared to tell Roy she was in love and risk losing their relationship.
She made the decision to get some fresh air on the porch. She navigated the mass of inebriated students, avoiding others dancing frantically and tripping over broken drinks.
At last, she ventured outdoors into the refreshing evening breeze and inhaled deeply. There were fewer individuals conversing in low voices on the porch, which was quieter. Looking around, she noticed Roy leaning against the porch railing and gazing into the darkness.
Kelly approached him and said, “Hey.”
“Oh, hi there. Have you already had enough of the party? Roy smiled and asked.
Kelly said, leaning on the railing next to him, “Yeah, as usual.” “I never expected to see someone like you out here. You are the life of the party, don’t you?
Roy gave a shrug. “I chose to take a breath of fresh air.”
“This time, didn’t you like the freshmen?” Kelly smiled and teased.
Roy chuckled. “I’m not sure. Simply put, I’m not feeling it tonight. And when do you intend to locate a partner?
Kelly let out a sigh and peered into the darkness. “Well, I doubt I ever will. Maybe I’m not cut out for love.
Roy turned and grinned teasingly at her. “I don’t think so, but let’s agree upon something.” We’ll get married if we’re both still unmarried when we’re thirty.
Kelly felt her heart skip a beat. She tried to seem nonchalant as she inquired, “Is that a deal?”
Roy reached out and said, “It’s a deal.”
Feeling both dread and hope, Kelly shook his hand.
Kelly was going to turn thirty on her birthday, which was coming up ten years later. She had a mixture of anxiety and exhilaration. She had not seen Roy for six months and was eager to see him. She couldn’t help but miss him when he was away on business in another country.
Her heart was racing when she walked into the café. She noticed Roy enjoying a cup of coffee while seated at a table. He got up as soon as he spotted her, a broad smile lighting up his face. As she approached him, she experienced a sudden wave of warmth.
“Kelly! “It’s been a long time,” Roy remarked, embracing her tightly.
“Roy! With an embrace back, Kelly said, “I’ve missed you.” His cologne’s well-known aroma brought back a ton of memories.
“I came here before you, for the first time in my life. Do I receive a reward? With a mischievous smile, Roy laughed.
Kelly chuckled as she felt some of the stress release. With a playful glance in his direction, she answered, “Yes, you can pay for my lunch.”
As they took a seat at the table, Kelly had a surge of nostalgia. It was exactly like the old days.
“How are you doing? All set to begin your twelfth decade? With a gleam in his eyes, Roy enquired.
With a fake pout, Kelly remarked, “I’m not thrilled about being three months older than you anymore.” With his eyes fixed on his phone, Roy grinned. She playfully asked, “Do you remember our deal?” implying that if they were both unmarried by thirty, they were meant to be married.
Distracted, Roy looked up from his phone. “I apologize, but what? He said in a serious tone, “I just had some important news for you, and they were just texting me.”
Kelly became curious about this. Leaning closer, she questioned, “What news?”
Roy’s expression became animated. “I’m getting married,” he exclaimed joyfully.
Kelly’s heart sank. How come? Whom is it addressed? Even that you were dating escaped my notice.
Vanessa is her name. Roy turned to face the door and said, “We met while I was on my business trip, and everything happened so quickly.” “And here she is.”
Kelly turned to see a pretty young woman approaching them. Roy gave Vanessa a firm hug as she sat down at the table with them.
“Kelly, I’m so happy we’ve finally met. Vanessa remarked, “Roy has told me so much about you,” with warmth.
“Similarly,” Kelly said, feigning a grin.
“After talking, Vanessa and I decided—” Roy started, but Vanessa excitedly cut him off.
“You should be my maid of honor,” we exclaim. With excitement, Vanessa said.
Kelly was shocked.
What then do you say? With a hopeful expression, Roy inquired.
Feeling overwhelmed, Kelly paused and said, “I don’t even know.”
Vanessa held Kelly’s hand and pleaded, “Please, I don’t know anyone here, and you and Roy are so close that I’m sure we’ll become friends.”
Upon seeing Roy and Vanessa’s beaming smiles, Kelly knew she had no option but to accept. “All right, I’ll be your maid of honor,” Kelly forced a grin.
Kelly’s thoughts was racing during lunch. It occurred to her that she might take advantage of the maid of honor role. She had every option to call off the wedding.
A few days later, Kelly kept on “assisting” Vanessa with the wedding plans while covertly working to sabotage it.
To talk over the last details, they got together at a little café. Talking about the dress fitting and cake tasting they had planned for later, Vanessa was animated and full of enthusiasm.
Vanessa remarked, getting up from the table, “Pardon me, I have to go to the bathroom.”
Kelly’s pulse raced as she watched her go. She moved swiftly to take action. She approached the restroom door and broke the doorknob covertly. She then went back to the table and pretended to be innocent.
Vanessa wasn’t back after many minutes had gone by. Kelly contacted a staff person to see how her buddy was doing, feigning concern. After much effort, the personnel was able to liberate Vanessa from the door. However, by that moment, they had already skipped the appointments for the cake taste and dress fitting.
Vanessa had a frustrated and tense expression. “It’s unbelievable that this occurred! We were late for both appointments,” she remarked, sounding nervous.
With a compassionate expression, Kelly responded, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”
Vanessa attempted to reschedule, but the next dates that worked out were following her nuptials with Roy. Kelly proceeded with her plan a day later. She canceled the wedding day appointment with Vanessa’s hairstylist over the phone.
Vanessa was shocked to learn the truth. “Kelly, I feel like the universe is against Roy and I getting married,” she added, tears welling up in her eyes. “I adore Roy dearly.” Just to be with him, I would be happy to marry him in a little church while dressed casually. But perhaps these are indications that I shouldn’t wed him.
Kelly had a twinge of regret. She had planned every one of these issues. Vanessa, please don’t say that. These are merely coincidental events. Trying to sound upbeat, she continued, “We’ll fix everything.”
Vanessa groaned and gave a feeble grin. Kelly, you’re a great buddy. I appreciate your help. She gave Kelly a strong embrace.
Having felt bad about what she had done, Kelly made the decision to apologize. She set up a second dress fitting and tasting for Vanessa’s wedding cake.
She used a love story—albeit her own with Roy—to deceive the bosses. Touched, they consented to assist. Additionally, Kelly made arrangements and paid the greatest hairstylist in town to style Vanessa’s hair for her wedding.
The whole bridal party came to the coastal city where the ceremony was to take place three days prior to the wedding. They made their way to a little motel with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Later that night, Kelly was restless and could not get Roy off her mind. She made the decision to go outside and clear her head. She went outdoors and felt the cold wind of the sea.
She noticed Roy standing by himself, gazing out to sea. A serene sight was created by the moonlight reflecting off the river. Kelly inhaled deeply before approaching him.
“Having trouble falling asleep?” Kelly moved up closer and questioned Roy.
“Not really, no. You? Roy looked at her in response.
“Neither am I,” Kelly said. Are you anxious for the nuptials?
Roy shook his head, saying, “No.” “Our marriage will succeed, I’m convinced of it. By the way, I appreciate your assistance with the organization.
Kelly nodded and took a quick glance below. Then she found her bravery. “Are you in love with her?”
Roy paused to reflect. “She’s a nice person, and we get along well.”
“That’s not what I requested,” Kelly muttered.
Roy let out a sigh. What are you hoping to learn? Kelly, I don’t think that love exists in the fictional worlds they create. Marriage seems like a sensible decision to me.
Roy, that’s sad,” Kelly remarked.
Roy averted his gaze. “I was in love once, but it didn’t work out.”
Kelly looked astonished. “Why am I just now learning about this?” She tried to lighten the situation by giving Roy a lighthearted elbow poke.
Roy gave her a serious look as he glanced at her. “Due to you…” He stopped abruptly, and they just gazed at each other silently.
Roy leaned forward, bringing his face nearer to Kelly’s. Kelly felt herself leaning forward as her heart raced.
However, the moment was shattered when Roy’s phone rang. With a swift motion, he withdrew and removed his phone from his pocket.
It’s Vanessa here. Roy stated in a strained voice, “She’s probably looking for me. “Good night, Kelly.” He pivoted and strolled back towards the motel.
Kelly said, “Goodnight,” knowing that Roy couldn’t hear her. Standing under the stars by herself, Kelly wrapped her arms about herself as the cool night air seemed to get even colder.
The day before the wedding, Roy and Kelly made an effort to stay apart, but it wasn’t easy. Kelly spotted Vanessa and Roy cuddling and kissing at breakfast, and they appeared to be quite happy together. When she realized she couldn’t see Roy be married to someone else, her heart hurt.
Kelly took a big breath after breakfast and went up to Vanessa and Roy. Her voice faltered, “Hey, can I talk to you both for a minute?”
Vanessa had a worried expression. Naturally, Kelly. What’s going on?”
Kelly gave a shaky voiced apology, saying, “I can’t be at the wedding.”
Vanessa had a troubled expression. “Why? What took place?
Kelly inhaled deeply. “It’s urgent; I’ve been called into work.”
Roy scowled. “Are you certain there is nothing to be done? I’ll give them a call.
“Thank you, it’s really urgent. No need,” Kelly said, making an effort to appear reasonable. I apologize for missing your nuptials. I’m really sorry about it.
Vanessa sat there dejected. “But we’ll wait for you if you finish and can still make it to the celebration.”
“I’ll give it a go. Kelly turned to go to her room, saying, “I’m really sorry again.” Roy got up to her soon, and she tried not to cry.
“Kelly, if this is connected to the events of the previous evening, then—” Roy got started.
Kelly interrupted him, though. She persisted, saying, “I already said it’s about work.” “And nothing happened that night,” she continued.
Roy didn’t say anything more, but he had a puzzled expression. Emotions rushing through her thoughts, Kelly made her way to her room. Knowing that she would not be able to remain and witness Roy wed Vanessa, she began packing. The only thing she could do to save her heart was to go.
Kelly went back home, but she was unable to relax. She made the decision to go through old college boxes as a diversion. She cracked open one and began to go through the contents.
She and Roy were featured in a ton of pictures, their happy expressions preserving happy times spent together and as friends.
A notepad was found by Kelly among the belongings. With tears in her eyes, she chuckled as she turned over the pages. It was the diary that proved they had crossed the hundred-year mark, in which she had listed every female Roy had kissed.
Next, she discovered a small ballerina inside a melodic jewelry box. She had told Roy as a youngster that she wanted to be a dancer, so Roy gave it to her as a joke.
The box abruptly dropped out of her hands and onto the ground. Something little and folded slid out of a secret chamber.
Kelly picked up the letter out of curiosity and opened it. As she read the words, her eyes grew wide. Roy had penned a love confession when they were twenty years old. He had also cherished her. It had been her all along, the woman he’d described at the motel.
The revelation struck her and her pulse raced. Kelly bolted from the home, hopped in her car, and raced to the beach where the wedding was being held.
There was nowhere to park, she saw when she got there. She ran towards the shore, leaving her car right there on the road out of desperation. She was ignored by drivers who honked and screamed at her.
Kelly gasped for air as she sprinted to the ceremony location. She observed Roy and Vanessa exchanging vows while holding hands.
“Cease! I’m against this wedding! With a yell, Kelly’s voice reverberated around the beach.
The priest gave her a perplexed look. “I haven’t yet posed that query.”
“I don’t care,” Kelly firmly stated as she walked up to the altar.
“What are you doing, Kelly?” Roy questioned, appearing taken aback.
Holding the letter up for him to see, Kelly blurted out, “I found your letter.”
Roy looked at Kelly and then back at the letter. “It was a letter I wrote many years ago.”
You may believe that I disregarded you, but that is untrue. It was just recently discovered by me. Kelly said, her voice faltering, “You hid it too well.”
Vanessa questioned, “What letter is she talking about?” with a perplexed expression.
Roy looked at Kelly instead of answering her question. That was ten years ago, Kelly. I’m now getting hitched.
But Roy, you too have my affection. You’ve had my love for years. I put too much weight on our friendship. Kelly remarked, tears welling up in her eyes, “I was frightened of losing you, so that’s why I said nothing.
Roy said, his eyes filling with tears, “Kelly, please.”
With a broken voice, Kelly said, “I love you, Roy.” “I attempted, but was unable, to suppress this emotion. I attempted to sabotage this wedding, too. Vanessa, I apologize. I was the one who smashed the bathroom door and called off your hair appointment, which prevented you from attending the dress fitting.
Vanessa glanced from Kelly to Roy, looking horrified. Vanessa, you’re a very wonderful person. And you should be happy, in my opinion. I’m embarrassed to stand here and say all of this because of this.
Roy turned to face Vanessa, waiting for a response. With a heavy sigh and a defeated expression in her eyes, she released Roy’s hands. “Go,” she whispered in a sorrowful, nearly hushed voice.
Roy moved swiftly across to grab Kelly by the neck and draw her in.
He gave her a passionate kiss, and everything else seemed to go away.
“Hey, lady!,” a driver’s voice sounded through their embrace. I’ll crush your car if you don’t get it off the road right away!
Kelly and Roy rekindled their long-overdue love with another kiss while still holding hands.