Chain Reaction Read Online Free PDF Page B

just overheard some of her bridesmaids talking about it before the ceremony started.”
    Brittany walks down the aisle and looks like she came right out of the pages of a designer bride magazine. The groom, Alex, can’t take his eyes off her.
    As soon as the priest opens his prayer book to start the ceremony, I can’t help but glance at Luis. He’s listening intently to the priest and suddenly has a serious, worried look on his face. I wonder why, until …
    “You can’t get married,” Luis chimes in loudly.
    More than a few gasps come from the crowd. Every guest is in shock.
    This is getting good.
    Alex slaps his hand over his eyes. “You didn’t,” he says to Luis.
    Luis steps forward. “I just … Alex, tell her. You can’t start your marriage on a lie.”
    Brittany, whose mouth has been wide open ever since Luis spoke up, lifts her veil and furrows her perfectly plucked eyebrows.
    “Tell me what?” She’s turning whiter than her wedding dress, if that’s even possible. I hope the priest or maid of honor, who looks like she wants to murder Alex, is ready to catch her if she passes out.
    “Nothin’,” Alex says. “We’ll talk later, chica . It’s not a big deal.”
    “Don’t chica me, Alex,” his bride snaps.
    “I think she’s gonna deck him,” Ben murmurs, amused.
    The bride isn’t buying it. Maybe they’re about to come to the realization that happily-ever-after doesn’t exist. “It’s a big-enough deal for your brother to stop our wedding,” Brittany argues.
    “This is ridiculous,” Alex growls. He mumbles something to the best man, who seems more amused than shocked.
    I feel a sisterhood bond with Brittany, even if she’s not aware of it.
    Alex’s mom, sitting in the front row, has her head bent as if she’s watching an ant on the ground and it’s the most interesting thing she’s ever seen. I think I just saw her crossing herself. When she looks up again, she’s got daggers in her eyes as she glares at Alex and Luis.
    With nowhere to run except through the crowd or escape into the Lake Michigan water, Alex says, “We’re movin’ back here.”
    Brittany blinks a few times. She cocks her head to the side as if she didn’t hear him right. “Here? As in Chicago ?”
    All I can think is, Oh, Alex, you’re clueless . Looking around at the other guests watching this drama unfold, I notice a couple of girls two rows in front of me not too upset by the chain of events unfolding before our eyes. I think they’ve got the hots for Alex, and won’t be disappointed if he’s suddenly single. I’m sure the Omigod girl is available behind me, although Alex is probably too old for her.
    Brittany backs away from Alex. “And you didn’t tell me because …”
    “Because you were busy plannin’ this weddin’, and studyin’ for finals, and, to be honest, I didn’t want you to start freakin’ out.”
    “So my opinion doesn’t matter? What about my sister?” Brittany points to the girl in the wheelchair next to the maid of honor. “I’m not leaving her in Colorado.”
    “Would you two like to take a break and discuss this privately?” the befuddled priest asks.
    “No,” Brittany snaps. “I don’t want to go anywhere with him .”
    “It’s your wedding,” the priest reminds her. “Umm …” He looks at his Bible, as if that has the answers to help the couple mend their problems.
    “Let’s just get married and discuss this later,” Alex tells her. “You’ll agree once you hear me out.”
    “We’re supposed to be a team and make decisions together, Alex. Lying is a deal-breaker.”
    Yes! She’s finally getting it. He lied. Boys always lie. I want to scream Break it off with him while you have the chance! but I restrain myself.
    “I didn’t lie, chica . I just delayed mentionin’ it for a little while. This is not a deal-breaker.”
    She crosses her arms on her chest. “Maybe it is for me.”
    “Marry me, Brittany, ’cause you know it’s gonna happen anyway.