Page 34 of Wedding or Not

“Okay.” I’m hiding a smile as I watch the final minute of the song that ends the first act.

Then, as soon as the audience bursts into loud applause, Wes and I make a dash for the exit.

We’re both laughing as we do, and he grabs my hand after a few steps, holding on to me as we hurry.

A couple of other women had the same idea, but there isn’t a line when we reach the women’s room.

I’m still giggling as I wave toward Wes and quickstep into the restroom.

I glance back to see that Wes is heading for the men’s room.

For some reason, that fact makes me laugh even more.

CHAPTER 11

With the peeing problem taken care of, I enjoy the remainder of the intermission, standing in a corner with Wes and sipping the white wine in plastic cups he managed to snag for us.

We chat about the play and comment on some of the more eccentric people around us.

And I try to work out why the silly dash for the bathroom made me feel closer to Wes than I was before.

We return to our seats for the second act, and I enjoy it even more than the first since I’m freed of the worry of getting to the bathroom. I tear up during a sad song, sniffing and trying to hide it from Wes.

Once again, it’s a failed attempt. He hands me the paper napkin he stuck in his pocket since we didn’t need it with the wine.

I use it gratefully, relieved he isn’t laughing at me.

It does look like he’s laughing inside, but it feels more like he’s simply enjoying himself than like he’s mocking me.

So I’m in a very good mood when the play ends. We stay through the entire end applause and don’t rush as we file out of the theater.

“We can stop and get a snack on our way home,” Wes says, putting his hand on my back as we maneuver through the crowd, which is exiting in all directions. “If you want.”

Stew has been with me a lot lately for emergency protection, but he didn’t come along tonight because he only needs to escort me when I’m alone. So it’s just me and Wes.

“That sounds good. I am a little hungry, and I’ll probably want to go to the bathroom again before the drive home.”

“Of course.” He’s not looking at me, but his mouth is twitching.

It’s a deliciously warm, fond expression, and it intoxicates me.

That Wes is feeling that way.

About an evening with me.

When we clear the building, I glance at my phone and discover a few texts from Natalie.

“Anything important?”

“Not really. She says a couple of people snapped photos of us, but they’re not getting a lot of traction online.”

“That’s okay. We gave it a try. If the interest is over, it’s over.”

“Yeah. It’s not a big deal. You’ll probably be glad to be done with this whole staged drama.”

“I don’t know.” He had his hand on my back earlier to keep me beside him as we got through the crowds, but now that we’re outside, everyone has dispersed.

There’s no one near us right now. He doesn’t need to keep his hand on the small of my back that way.