All the original furniture seemed to have vanished, and I wondered where the workers had stashed it. The sunroom hadbeen selected for the ceremony, with elegant wooden chairs lined up facing the windows.
I appreciated the size of the living room now that I saw it was filled with half of the tables and chairs that should have been under the tent. The other half were in the main hall, which was usually a wide-open space. They’d fashioned a dance floor between the two table areas, and the result was spectacular. It was as if they’d planned it all this way from the start.
I meandered, partly to take everything in, but also because I didn’t recognize anyone among the guests who had arrived. The family must have been out taking photos somewhere, and with the wind the way it was now, they would come back any minute.
I ordered a glass of wine from the bartender and walked to the back French doors that were open wide. Many guests were outside with their drinks, but it was obvious everyone was talking about the weather. Women held their dresses or their hair, bracing themselves for a potential sudden gust.
“Are you with the bride?” a male voice asked. Standing next to me with a drink in his hand was a man who looked like he could have shared the cover of GQ with Colin.
“The groom,” I replied.
“Oh? I thought I’d met all the Gordon family and friends,” he said with a curious smile.
“I’m, um, an employee at the Gordon Agency,” I said.
“Ah, yes, it’s been years since I visited their building. Nice to meet you. I’m Blake. Friend of the family, you might say.”
“I’m Katelynn.” I shook his extended hand, which was awkward since he was standing so close to me. He also didn’t let go of my hand when I released my grip.
“Nice hands, Katelynn. Soft skin.”
“Thanks, I guess,” I said, retrieving my hand. I took a sip.
“What is your take on all of this?” he asked, waving his hand around.
“It’s a magnificent house. Beautiful wedding, considering it should have been down by the ocean.”
“It is a shame Steve and the little woman won’t get the wedding of their dreams,” he said sarcastically.
“It’s a dreamy wedding, regardless.” I couldn’t tell if this guy was happy to be there or not.
“Tell me, Katelynn, did you come with a date?”
“Not anymore,” I said.
“Couldn’t make it? That bodes well for me. Listen, I have to make the rounds. There are a few people here who would lose it if I didn’t at least flatter them for a few minutes. I’ll find you.”
Before I had a chance to tell him I had no interest in being found, he was off, his arm around an older woman who was blushing from whatever he told her.
“Stay away from him.”
Now it was Colin beside me, and he startled me.
“I’m glad I can count on you to warn me off attractive strangers, but at this point, I don’t need your help, thank you very much.”
“Trust me, Blake is the last person you’d want to give any attention to.” His tone of voice hadn’t softened since the last time we’d spoken.
I tried not to look at Colin. He was too handsome, and I was too wounded.
“Trust you?” I sneered.
He walked away from me and greeted some guests. I watched as a group of young women turned their eyes his way and giggled among themselves. When he approached them, one woman leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to turn around and go inside, but I was transfixed by how the women laughed at something he said.
He’s not all that funny.
The only relief I had was that his own demeanor hadn’t changed. He was still unsmiling.
I bet he’s charming all the same, I considered dejectedly. After that, I walked inside, not wanting to be a further witness to such a revolting scene.
