The One That Got Away

by Mike Gayle

Less than half an hour ago each and every one of her words would’ve felt like a stake through my heart, but I don’t know what it is – whether I love her so much that I just want her to be happy, or if so much has happened that I’m simply dead inside – but somehow I don’t feel that pain anymore. I’m just a man with a mission; a different one than before. I want to find Leo, I need to find Leo, so at least someone will be in with the chance of getting their happy ending today, even if it isn’t me.

I’ve done it. I’ve found the runaway groom.

What is it about people getting all philosophical, instead of just getting on with the basics of being happy?

You see, that’s the problem with “what ifs”, they work both ways, so if you think about it, they sort of cancel each other out. And all that’s left, all that matters, are the choices we make, choices that don’t come with a single assurance that they’re not going to end in disaster. Is there a chance that things might not work? Absolutely. But is there a chance they might? Most definitely.

life doesn’t come with any guarantees, all you get – all any of us get – is what we get. So, in the end, all you can do is put your best foot forward, and keep doing that ’til the day you die.’

They’ve certainly been through it today, and gone through a trial that would undoubtedly have crushed any ordinary couple, but they’ve made it through, and by the looks of things emerged stronger than ever.

So if, like me, you learn that the love of your life is getting married and you end up wondering what to do on the day, would I recommend doing what I did? Well, no, not at all. At least not to the faint-hearted. So, then, what would I advise?

Take a holiday abroad – nothing can prevent you from crashing your ex’s wedding quite like being ten thousand miles away, lying on a beach drinking your third mojito of the morning.

Surround yourself with good friends – the kind who will hide your car keys, lock away your phone and, if needed, physically restrain you, if that’s what it takes to stop you ruining someone’s magic...

Do something you’ve always wanted to do but have always been too sensible to go through with – hire that Ferrari, enjoy that luxury spa day, jump out of that aeroplane (preferably with a parachute). Because if you can’t treat yourself on a day like this, when can you?

I really think she might be the one. She’s gorgeous, clever and kind, and makes me laugh like no one else. And as for the big question, the one that plagued Beth, Leo and me too: yes, she does believe in love, which is handy, because thankfully so do I.