Chapter 6: Ghosts of Relationships Past

Cosmo's dating columnist Zara Field* wins at the whole single-wedding-guest thing and reconnects (again) with an ex.

- THE SCISSORHANDS

FRIDAY, 9 A.M.

"Look how cute they are!! I can't miss this wedding!!" I'm panicking at JFK, showing Louis from the TSA pictures of my outrageously attractive friends who will walk down the aisle in roughly 36 hours...on the other side of the country. And I've lost my driver's license.

As you may recall, I already had to amend my RSVP from plus-one to minus-one to account for my newly single status. I can't hit this couple with a day-of minus-another-plus, I'm a bridesmaid, Louis! He checks my health care card, credit card, nail salon rewards card, and work ID and by the grace of some god lets me through. I just make my flight. Hooray for Louis.

FRIDAY, 6 P.M.

I meet Owen, the best man the bride wants to set me up with. On vibes alone, it's an immediate no. He strikes me as the type of guy who likes to have sex facing a mirror but only watches himself. Besides, there are plenty of other hot surfer bros in this sea of guests. Which is great because, honestly, being slow-faded by Sean, my last guy with real potential, was so prolongedly painful that I think I've expedited my emotional refractory period. This weekend, I'm in the market for some flirtatious energy.

SATURDAY, 4 P.M.

Standing alongside the other bridesmaids in front of a lush California vineyard, I am bawling listening to my friends Olivia and Sean (yes, yet another Sean) exchange the most incredible vows. Without having coordinated beforehand, they share the same anecdotes and inside jokes. Hearing about the way this muchbetter-than-my-Sean Sean supports, values, and appreciates his partner underlines how many glaring red flags I had somehow ignored in my situation.

As we exit behind the newlyweds, a fellow bridesmaid grimaces, "Oh no, Zara, your arm." In addition to beautiful memories, I will also be taking home the most awkwardly shaped sunburn from my halter-neck dress.