The Ring and the Rebound

A year later, I was getting married and Tiffany, out of nowhere, flew back into town. The second she saw my wedding ring, the one Sarah had picked out, Tiffany, the spoiled princess, completely lost it.

She forced a smile, all strained and fake. “Tao,” she said, her voice tight, “You gonna take that off yourself, or do I have to do it for you?” She was shaking. “Just tell me what ring you want, I’ll buy you anything. Please, just throw that thing away."

1.

I kept my wedding small, just a dozen close friends and family for a laid-back dinner. My wife, Sarah, was amazing, taking care of everything and making sure I didn't lift a finger. She was mingling with the guests while I was catching up with my buddy, Mike.

"Man, I thought you'd be pining over Tiffany forever," Mike said, taking a swig of his beer.

I just chuckled, "Yeah, well, I kinda thought so too."

"Does Tiffany even know you're getting hitched?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Nah. No need for her to know."

He paused, looking a bit worried. "I heard she went ballistic, booked a flight last night, flew back from the West Coast."

I didn't respond, just stirred my drink. Probably another crisis with her golden boy, Chad. Just like back then, when Chad had a spat with her and bolted to LA. Tiffany, right in front of me, booked a flight to chase after him. I had the flu, shivering even under a mountain of blankets, watching her fingers tap out that plane ticket on her phone.

I was trembling and asked, "Tiff, can't you just stay?"

She looked at me, a casual smile on her face, "Just chill, Tao. I'll bring you back a souvenir." She’d tilted my chin up for a light peck. "Want a watch? Or maybe some new kicks?"

I didn't say anything. Tiffany always bought people gifts, loads for me, but never a ring. But for Chad, it was always a ring.

I took a deep breath and, looking at her slender face, her pale skin, I made one last attempt. "Can’t you just stay this time?"

Her smile faded a bit and she patted my head. "You know how it is between us."

I just stood there, speechless. Tiffany was my own project, the girl I'd chased after. She had only one condition, no public appearances, especially in front of Chad. I was, plain and simple, a backup. No matter what. Not even when we lived together or she took me to family dinners.

Seeing me quiet, Tiffany smiled again and kissed my forehead. "I'll get you something nice. You be good, okay?"

I lowered my head. "When will you be back?"

She stood and slowly put on her dress. "A few days, maybe?" She didn't realize that Chad wasn't just out there to let off some steam, he was doing a semester abroad. She ended up spending a year out there with him.

Watching her walk away, I sighed. It felt like she'd picked up on my unease because she turned back. "Before I go, is there anything you want me to do? Name it, I'll do it."

I looked her in the eye and thought for a second, "Can you find someone for me? Her name is Sarah Lu, and she was a war correspondent...