"You're literally the only person I can talk to about this…it's so embarrassing," Mimi clutched onto her cell phone tightly as she squeezed through the crowd of people on the sidewalk.
"Ummm…here's a solution: don't go!" said a voice from the other side of the phone.
"Ugh, Yolei! You know that's not possible! I have to go! I'm part of the bridal party and I RSVP'd for a plus one, which I no longer have because he's the groom now!" Mimi scoffed.
"Again, why would you still come to the wedding?! Your supposed friend and your ex did you dirty and you still want to show up? Are you insane?!"
"Please! I'm kinda running on auto-pilot right now! I just want to get this event over with and then I'll think about what to do afterwards," Mimi rubbed her temples with her free hand.
"Remember, you're the one who called me. Don't get upset when I say what's on my mind - I thought that's why you wanted to reach out to me," Yolei hummed.
"Any other day, but I already spent a couple hundred dollars on this dress and I've had this day booked off on my calendar months in advance now. Also, my social status-"
"Okay, say no more. I just have to say, now that ever since you became some mini social media star, I wouldn't have thought you would get yourself involved with people who never left high school drama in the past. For crying out loud, you upload kitchen hacks on RickRoll- why are you hanging out with knockoff Kardashians?" Yolei said disapprovingly.
"They were nice at first, and they liked my content!" Mimi pressed her lips together, getting frustrated with the judgemental tone in Yolei's voice.
"If you wanted some encouraging and sweet words, I'm pretty sure Sora would pick up the phone. Otherwise, you already know where I stand. I can sense you're getting a little worked up, so I'm gonna let you go. Good luck and whatever you decide to do, have a good time," Yolei hung up.
"That was so helpful," Mimi exhaled deeply as she stuck her phone in her coat pocket. She was supposed to head to a friend's wedding with a date…however, Mimi's original date ended up being promoted to the role of groom, and Mimi was left to be single. Any sane person would probably not show up to the wedding. However, it was different for Mimi…being in the public eye, she had to follow by different rules. She couldn't just simply "skip" out, because then all of the news outlets would write stories about how she was distraught about the controversial marriage. Also, there were going to be other people at that wedding- important people with connections. Mimi had to play it smart, somehow. That means she had to force herself to show up to that wedding with a brave face on, and show everyone she was having the best time of her life, even if she was single and heartbroken. Yes, that was the best way. Mimi frantically wiped her sweaty palms on her coat and walked over to the line of town cars. She pulled on the door handle and hopped into one of the cars.
"Where to?"
"The marina at the wharf," Mimi said, not looking up from her phone.
"The government center."
"You guys together?" the cab driver turned around.
"Huh?" Mimi looked up at her phone to see a red-headed man who was looking back at her, just as stupefied.
"Mimi, what are you doing here?" the man asked.
"I could ask you the same thing, Izzy! Did you not see me in this car?" Mimi looked at him incredulously.
"I could ask you the same thing," Izzy shot her a look back.
"You both got in at the same time, I assumed you were going to the same place. The wharf and the government center are pretty close to each other, I can drive you both and you can split the fare. Otherwise, one of you will have to wait for another town car. How do you want to do this?" the driver asked.
"Hey Iz…so, are you doing anything right now?" Mimi pursed her lips together.
"Why?" Izzy asked.
"I'm heading to a wedding and I could use a plus one…," Mimi hummed.
"Maybe rain check? I just got out from a meeting and it took a lot of emotional bandwidth in me. I just want to head home," Izzy said.
"Pretty please? There will be food…also, you're dressed the part in a nice little suit," Mimi teasingly pulled at the lapel of Izzy's blazer.
"Thanks…but I think I'll pass. Why would you need a plus one anyways? It seems like you were planning on going regardless if you had a date or not," Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"My original date is now the groom, but I'm still the maid of honour…," Mimi bit her lip.
"I don't mean to eavesdrop, but why would you still go to the wedding? That's just pathetic," the driver flashed Mimi a look of pity through the rearview window.
"Ugh…sir. Just drive us both to the wharf. I'll come to the wedding," Izzy sighed in defeat.
"Oh em gee, are you serious?! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Mimi squeezed his hands tightly.
"You're welcome…so anything I need to do in particular?" Izzy asked.
"No, just act natural. There is just one teeny favour though, if you could," Mimi pinched the air with her fingers.
"Oh boy," the driver said in amusement as he peeled out of the car park.
"Yes?" Izzy took in a deep breath.
"Can you be my little play date? Like pretend we've been seeing each other for some time?" Mimi flashed him a shy smile.
"Are you serious?" Izzy slid his hand down his face, already getting weary of the requests that were soon to follow.
"Like we don't have to get physical or anything. Just like hold my hand, that's it," Mimi pleaded.
"This is gonna be good," the driver chuckled to himself.
"Mimi, we haven't seen or spoken to each other in over a year, and this is the first thing you ask me…," Izzy's voice faded as he saw the sad look gradually settle in Mimi's face. "Okay, okay…fine."
"Thank you! Oh, and just one more thing! If there's gonna be dancing, just dance with me a little bit. Not a lot, but just a little bit, okay?" Mimi smiled.
"If you give a mouse a cookie…," the driver whistled.
"Whatever you want, Meems…," Izzy sighed, irritated that the driver seemed to read his thought out loud. He looked out of his window, the buildings and streets turning into a blur…all he wanted to do was to go home, but he had to pick this town car.