He doesn’t wait for me to respond, opening the door, only pausing long enough to check that the coast is clear. And the déjà vu makes me smile.
When a few seconds have passed, I open the door to find Paige and Isaac heading my way, thankfully lost in conversation, not noticing I’m there. With my heart slamming in my chest, I sneak across to the kitchen, exiting into the opposite side of the ballroom in the hope that I don’t draw attention.
Mom’s eyes catch me across the room, and she raises an eyebrow in concern, until I give her a thumbs-up.
Though I have no idea why I’m saying I’m fine, as my pulse has never raced so quickly. If Paige had been walking that way one minute earlier, that could have ended in disaster.
I mingle as I calm down, keeping a straight face, and after the entrées are served, I confirm the officiant has arrived and that we’ll be ready for the rehearsal once the main meals are done.
My shoulders ache, undoubtedly from the tension building, and Sal’s words run through my mind.
“Why don’t you get yourself a nice glass of wine, sneak out onto the balcony, and have a moment to yourself. You deserve it.”
He’s right. I do deserve it, only I feel bad for drinking on the job.
I subtly glance his way to find him already looking back at me, his expression pinched in concern. Most likely knowing I’ve had something on my mind all night. Sometimes he’s too observant for my liking.
He raises his glass to his lips and bounces his eyebrows, reminding me to relax.
“Okay,” I mouth back, rolling my eyes as I walk toward the bar.
“I’ll have a glass of your house red, please,” I ask the server as someone sits beside me, a man I don’t recognize out of the corner of my eye.
Paige and Easton originally wanted a small wedding. Easton’s exact words were “a handful of guests would be great,” and he wasn’t joking. The thing is, our family alone is more than a handful of guests, and they both have friends, and Easton’s teammates on top of that.
I was right, of course. There are at least fifty people here, and while I’d still consider it to be small, to Easton, it’s not.
The man beside me clears his throat, and I turn to find familiar eyes staring back at me, stifling a laugh when he smiles flirtatiously.
“I’m Marc,” Sal’s son greets me, holding his hand out for me to shake before leaning down and pressing his lips to my knuckles. It’s safe to say he is not like Sal at all. Yes, Sal is old-school charm, like that gesture was. The difference is that Sal’s charm comes without the corniness.
“If I’m not mistaken, you’re one of Paige’s beautiful bridesmaids. I saw you all taking a photo earlier but didn’t catch your name.”
“I’m Keeley.” I stare at him pointedly and he smiles back at me.
“Keeley. Keeley.”
He repeats my name as though he recognizes it from somewhere, and I huff out a laugh, waiting for him to catch up, but when he smiles again, it hits me. He’s truly clueless. God, maybe the D’Angelos never talk about me. I guess that’s possible.
“It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you.” The server places my wine down in front of me and I spin on the stool, facing the crowd of people mingling in front of us. My gaze catches Sal’s again, and he frowns as his eyes bounce to Marc beside me. I shrug as I stand. “I better get back to it. My poor brother looks confused over there.”
“Your brother?” Marc glances over his shoulder, his eyes darting to where I’m pointing to Easton, and his jaw drops as he laughs out loud. “That’s why I recognize the name. We’re practically family. Lucky I didn’t hit on you.”
“Lucky indeed.”
“Although, technically we’renotfamily, so…”
“I think you better look elsewhere.” I take a sip of my wine and instantly feel better. Sal was right. I needed that.
“Mmm, I agree.” Marc continues talking as I take another sip. “Easton’s pretty huge. He’d probably attack me for just thinking about the things I could do with his sister.”
I choke on the liquid traveling down my throat, coughing a few times with my hand in front of my mouth. “No doubt,” I say with a croaky voice. “It’s better if you don’t test that theory.”
“Noted. What about that Hollywood actress? Is she still dating that giant football player?”
“Very much so. You might want to find someoneafterthe dinner. There are plenty of clubs around here.”
