Chapter 4: Snitchy Tom

Katy lay sprawled across her bed, phone pressed to her ear, recounting the disaster of the family dinner to Tom. Her voice carried a mix of frustration and disbelief, while his laughter on the other end only added to her irritation.

“Tom, she ruined the entire dinner! I didn’t even eat,” Katy groaned, pacing toward her closet.

“Come on, Katy,” Tom said, chuckling. “It’s not that bad. She was just upset you didn’t tell her about the wedding.”

“She was trying to get under my skin, as usual!” Katy retorted, switching the phone to her other ear as she rifled through hangers.

Tom’s laughter softened, but Katy could still hear the amusement in his voice. “She’s your sister. Maybe she just wants to feel included.”

Katy froze mid-motion, placing a sleek black dress on the bed. “Tom,” she said sharply, “have you forgotten who Sonia is? Let me remind you. She ruined my sixteenth and eighteenth birthday parties with her ‘three witches.’ She sabotaged my prom by taking my date, Brown, as hers and even destroyed my dress!” Katy paced back to the bed, her voice rising. “She’s undermined every significant moment in my life. Do you really think I’m overreacting?”

Tom’s tone turned conciliatory. “I get it, Katy. I really do. But Sonia’s your sister. She wouldn’t deliberately ruin your wedding. Maybe she’s grown up?”

Katy threw herself onto the bed, rubbing her temples. “Tom, she’s been nothing but chaos. I didn’t invite her for a reason. I was trying to avoid her ruining our day. And honestly? I don’t even know how she found out about the wedding.”

There was a pause on the line before Tom spoke, his voice quieter. “Well… I might have mentioned it.”

Katy bolted upright. “You what?!”

“She’s your family, Katy! I thought it would mean something to have her there,” Tom said quickly, trying to calm her.

Katy’s jaw dropped. “You went behind my back and invited Sonia? After everything I’ve told you? Tom, do you even listen to me?”

“Babe, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Tom said, his voice laced with guilt. “I just thought you’d regret not having her there. We’re starting a life together, and family’s part of that.”

Katy flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. “You’d better be right, Tom,” she muttered. “Because if she ruins this wedding, you’ll have to deal with the fallout.”

***

The following evening, the night before the wedding, Katy and her friends gathered in her hotel suite for the bachelorette party preparations. The room buzzed with energy as Julia worked on Katy’s hair, while Mia and Sam sifted through makeup palettes and dresses.

“Katy,” Sam began hesitantly, “do you have any idea where the guys are having their bachelor party?”

The room fell silent. Julia looked at Sam with raised eyebrows before bursting into laughter. Mia followed, and soon the entire room erupted in giggles—except for Sam, who looked utterly confused.

“What? What’s so funny?” Sam asked, frowning.

Julia smirked. “You want to know where the guys are partying because you’ve got a thing for Dave, don’t you?”

Sam’s face turned crimson, and she buried her face in her hands. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she mumbled.

Katy’s jaw dropped in exaggerated surprise. “Oh my God, Sam! You like Dave? Tom’s best friend? This is huge! Why didn’t you tell me?”

Sam glanced nervously around the room. “I wasn’t sure if I should say anything,” she stammered.

Katy sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Sam, don’t be silly. You can tell me anything.”

“Says the queen of keeping secrets,” Mia quipped, earning a round of laughter.

“That’s not funny!” Katy shot back, grinning despite herself.

Turning her attention back to Sam, Katy said, “Trust me, Dave would be lucky to have you. 

And guess what? He’s single and looking.”

Sam’s eyes widened. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Katy said confidently. “In fact, I’m going to help you two get together.”

“You’d do that for me?” Sam asked, her voice soft with gratitude.

“Of course! Anything for my friend,” Katy said, pulling Sam into a hug.

Julia and Mia joined in, creating an impromptu group hug. The laughter and camaraderie filled the room—until a familiar voice cut through the moment.

“Sorry to interrupt your bonding session, but I need to talk to my sister,” Sonia said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to face her. Julia cleared her throat and led the others back to their activities, but Katy remained where she was, arms crossed, glaring at her sister.

“I heard about the bachelorette party,” Sonia began with a smirk. “When were you planning to tell me? You know how much I love events like this.”

Katy rolled her eyes. “I’ve been busy, Sonia. Unlike you, I’ve had a wedding to plan.”

“Isn’t that what wedding planners are for?” Sonia shot back, her tone saccharine.

“It’s my wedding,” Katy snapped. “I want it to be perfect.”

“Sure, but you managed to tell your friends about the party,” Sonia said, gesturing to the room.

“These are my friends, Sonia. People who actually care about me.”

Sonia’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. “Well, I’m glad you’re making friends, Katy. 

But don’t forget, I’ll always be your sister. And by the way, I’ll be at the party tonight. Tom invited me.”

Katy’s eyes widened in shock. Before she could respond, Sonia turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Katy fuming.

Julia approached cautiously. “What just happened?”

Katy clenched her fists, her jaw tight. “Tom is so dead.”