“Yup.”
“Let’s do this.”
I generally don’t dance but in her arms, I decide we should more often. She sways and is so damn amazing, I wonder how the hell I ever snagged her.
Before I can whisper dirty sweet nothings into her ear, her dad snares her for a waltz and there’s not a dry eye in the house.
After, things get a little foggy. Like the good groom, I say hi to each and every one of my guests while trying to get a bite to eat.
My birth mother sits alone so I make my way across the room and sit next to her. She looks spectacular in a long green gown and her hair down.
“Hey, Mom.” The words come out surprisingly easy.
Her eyebrows raise. “Lovely wedding. Congratulations but I don’t quite understand. I thought you were married.”
“Long story. Let’s just say I jumped the gun.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Listen, I’m sorry about my initial reaction. It was a lot to take in, at first.”
“No, no. You looked so much like him, I was taken aback. And so many years of being bitter. It was hard for both of us.”
“You sat behind him.”
“Yes, we talked for a moment. I heard his side. It was… enlightening. We were so young.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you.” I’m not sure if I do but it felt like something I should say and she needed to hear.
“I got to ah…” I point to all the tables I have yet to visit. “Apparently I’m supposed to charm this side of the room and to not mess it up.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her on the cheek, my throat tight. I wonder how different my life would’ve turned out if she’d stayed instead of run out.
Done with her, I spy Frankie talking with Joey and Vinny at the bar. I owe him a lot of gratitude so make my way over, shake hands, and hold high the drink offered.
“Nice affair.” The hitman raises his glass and I clink.
“Not my doing, this was all Sam’s mom.”
“My Aunt Donna loves a good wedding.” Joey laughs as his kid bounces her butt up and down on the dance floor.
“What about Kimmy’s mother? She come?”
“Out of the picture.” He shrugs. “Left me with Kimmy, though. I gotta t’ank her for dat.”
“No more blind dates, right?” I eye her Uncle Vinny who holds up his hand.
“I would never try to break up a happy marriage, not even to a bum.”
“It’s Sebastian.”
“Right. Bastion. Got it.”
Frankie eyes the interaction. “How’s Catrina?”
“She’s good, good… I just wanted to thank you, you know, for ah… helping us out?”
“No problem. I got more work if you need it.”
“Thanks, I’ll let you know.”Okay, that was awkward.I spy Sam who saves me from becoming a criminal by pointing to the cake.
“Duty calls. Talk later.” Heaving out a sigh of relief, I meet her at the four tiered confection, smoosh frosting all over her face, and then we dance. At one point, her dress slides down and I pull her to my chest real fast while she stuffs herself back in.
After, she changes, and we drink and boogie until the place kicks us out.
Back at home, I surprise her with the gift Grayson handed to me at the bar.
“We’re going to Hawaii? Oh my God.”
