Chapter 1

I woke on my wedding morning with clumps of hair across my pillow.

My waist-length hair was gone. Uneven stubble showed through jagged patches. For a moment, I thought something had happened while I slept that I simply couldn't remember.

Then I opened our group chat.

POLL: Should we shave the bride's head for a wedding she'll never forget?

Yes: 4. No: 0.

Paige had posted it. My fiancé had voted yes.

For five years, our group had settled everything by a vote. My suggestions never won. Paige's always did.

One message asked if I'd be upset.

Mason replied: It's a joke. She never minded before. Let Paige have one last bit of fun before we get married.

He came into the bridal suite carrying a cheap wig.

“Put this on. Can't have everyone thinking I'm marrying a bald girl.”

He was trying not to laugh.

“Why did you vote yes?”

“Everybody did.”

“You're not everybody. You're supposed to be my husband.”

His smile faded. “Don't ruin today over a joke.”

My cousin Natalie, our old friend Drew, and Paige arrived together. Natalie covered her mouth, laughing. Drew said I could replace the entertainment.

Paige took my picture and made it the group icon.

“Vote to hang this in their bedroom?”

Four voices said yes.

Mason laughed with them.

They'd voted me out of dinner reservations, left me behind when elevators were full, chosen Paige's plans over mine every time. I'd thought keeping the peace would eventually make me belong.

I looked at my fiancé.

“Cancel the wedding.”