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Whiskey swirled around in the glass, before being thrown back. He grabbed the half empty bottle of Jack, setting the glass on the table to pour another drink, spilling a bit on the white tablecloth. Raising the glass once more, he leaned back in his chair and returned his attention to the wedding reception. The chattering and loud music, people dancing, drinking, and eating all numb to his senses, only the drink in his hand mattered.
“I thought I'd find you back here with a drink in your hand no less.” Said the ghost of a beautiful woman, familiar to him.
“Can't say I hid all that well.” he replied.
“Don't be stingy, pour me one!”
He sighed and looked up at her “You know I can't do that…”
The ghost of the woman giggled and then disappeared before him. His eyes slowly focused on the bride and groom dancing and laughing without a care in the world. They were happy, something he parted ways with long ago.
The ghost woman appeared again, sitting across from him this time.
“They're beautiful, aren't they?” She asked, pointing over at the married couple.
“She always was.” He replied, taking a sip of whiskey.
“They really are great together. He loves her more than anything in the world and she's never felt this way about anyone before.” She said, commenting on the bride and groom.
“Look I don't want to be rude but what are you doing here? What do you want from me?” He shot back, pouring another drink.
“You already know why I'm here…” With a smile, her ghost drifted off again.
The whiskey had gotten to him. Now drunk and alone, his eyes went back to the bride. “You're gone. You got the wedding and the flowers you always wanted.” He whispered, taking one last sip before finishing the bottle. “He's going to make you happier than I ever did. You got the life you've always wanted, the love I couldn't give…”
He gathered himself to stand up, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. “All I've got now is your memory.” Slipping the coat on, he began to walk towards the door.
“Wait!” The bride called over to him, stopping him in his tracks. “You leaving so soon?”
He turned around to face her. “Yeah, I'm gonna head out. I'm too far gone at this point.” Pointing at the empty whiskey bottle.
“Well, thanks for coming out. It was great to see you.” She said, pulling him in for a quick hug. “Don't be a stranger, okay?”
“I'm happy for you two.” He lied, pulling himself back and nodding to her. “I'll see you around.”
He parted ways with her, heading for the exit. Opening the door and leaving the bride to her happily ever after…