March 10th, 2015
Weeks have passed, yet my mind is a chaotic whirlwind when it should be filled with excitement for my upcoming wedding in April. Instead, my thoughts drift to the significant change in my life—I'm being traded to the Miami Marlins. I've always known I wouldn't stay rooted in California forever, but this sudden shift leaves me feeling unmoored.
My heart wrestles with an unsettling doubt about my impending marriage to Erika. It feels absurd, as I know, deep down, that I love her truly.
"Hey, Sammy, you good?" Jordan inquired, concern etched across his face.
"I'm fine," I responded, though my voice lacked conviction.
"Probably just cold feet," Devin chimed in, his tone casual as he took a hearty sip of his beer.
"How could I have cold feet when the wedding is just a month away?" I challenged, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my words.
Devin merely shrugged, seemingly unfazed. "It could happen to anyone. Don't tell me you're having regrets."
"I'm not—it's just a lot to process; everything feels so overwhelming."
"Wasn't it just as shocking when you proposed to her?" Clarence pointedly asked, making me reconsider.
"Let the man sort through his feelings. All we know is that he loves Erika and would never leave her standing at the altar," Jordan interjected, trying to steer the conversation back to safer waters.
"Speaking of weddings, let's make the bachelor party an epic adventure in Vegas," Devin suggested enthusiastically.
Ah, Vegas—the land where wild stories are born and mysterious secrets lie buried, where what happens there is meant to stay untold.
"Parties in Vegas either end with unforgettable memories or completely unravel," I remarked, my lips twitching at the thought of both the thrill and chaos.
"And I can guarantee this one won't just be memorable—it'll be legendary," Devin assured, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Alright, man, if you think so," I replied, still skeptical but intrigued by the promise of adventure.
"What do you think about strippers at your bachelor party?" Jordan teased, a grin spreading across his face.
"You must be joking if you think that'll really happen," I laughed, shaking my head at the absurdity of it.
Just then, my phone buzzed against the countertop, pulling my attention away from the banter. I hastily picked it up and saw a message from Erika.
Erika: Hey, when are you coming home?
Me: In two hours. Why?
Erika: We need to talk......
A chill ran down my spine; that didn't sound good.
Me: About what?
Erika: I'll tell you when you get home.
Me: Okay...
And with that, a knot of apprehension began to form in my stomach.
