“This table is giving me the chills,” the newcomer said. “Are we in a wedding reception or a what?”

Sebastian and Millie turned around to face the newcomer. They were surprised and delighted. They both exclaimed “Lucy!” 

They hugged each other, warmly, tightly like they’d been reunited having been separated for eons. Lucy kissed each of them on the cheeks. “So how’s my high school besties doin’?”

Sebastian said “Nothing much”, while Millie elaborated with a sighful “Same old, same old…” 

“I mean, in the romance department, that is…”

Sebastian and Millie just sighed and shook their heads.

“We’re on the same boat, my friends. Who knew weddings could be this stressful on my lonely heart?” Lucy laughed. “I cannot believe it,” she said as she sat beside Sebastian. She looked at the newlywed's entertaining photos with guests. “Our Grinch just got hitched. Meanwhile, look at us—”

The three of them let out an exasperated sigh. 

“You mean Single's Boat?” Millie teased, smiling wryly at us.

“Hah!” Lucy exclaimed and winked at us, saying, “If that’s a reality show, I’d like to audition!”

They laughed and suddenly sighed in chorus. 

“Anyway, let’s enjoy the luxury wedding,” Lucy said while eyeing the couple. After savoring the champagne, she commented, “Trust me, there’s more to it than meets the eye…”

Sebastian and Millie eyed Lucy a quizzical, wary look. 

Lucy grinned mischievously, warming up before spilling the tea. 

Millie urged Lucy to go on. Meanwhile, Sebastian's attention shifted to the flavorful brie and prosciutto shortbread—as if it was a popcorn alternative he could gobble up while listening to his friend ramble on. 

Lucy smiled wryly, “Wanna hear something juicy to wash it down?”

Sebastian chided on them, “Good, Lord! How can we be so low—”

“Just to be clear, I’m not after our bride. It’s the groom—”

Sebastian and Millie exclaimed in tandem, “Ohhh!”

“In fact, I’d say kudos to the bride for playing her cards well. Who would have thought that elitist politician had met his match? As a gossipy taxpayer, I raise the glass to our one hell of a bride!”

Sebastian and Millie exchanged confused glances.

Lucy is a professional gossip. She writes the entertainment section of the lifestyle online magazine and hosts a viral podcast about celebrity goings-on and political commentary. When they wanted an update on the latest events, she was the one person who could give them a juicy rundown. 

“Anyway, Henry is coming. What better way to show off how she had gotten over her unrequited love for him? I saw him at the opening of the movie he directed. He’s gorgeous as always. No wonder he was the campus crush back then! So Sebastian, darling…” she grinned at him, “Will your gay heart be okay?”

Millie squeezed Lucy’s hand causing the latter to let out a muffled cry of pain. 

Millie told her off, “You should work on your segue, b*tch…”

Lucy mouthed ‘sorry’ to Sebastian. She faced Millie and said, “Girl, your death grip is unreal!”

Meanwhile, Sebastian closed his eyes, pinched his temple, and mumbled, “Lucy, dear… How can you be so cruel.”