I mumbled, “That’s the way these things are supposed to happen.” My stomach clenched. With my colleagues either engaged or on the path in that direction, I remembered the day my relationship with Kenneth started to unravel. I was ready. We’d even talked about it, and then that ugly word “rush” came up.
On day two, we decided to meet at a coffee shop and talk. I was far too emotional to sit in a crowd of downtown workers and speak in calm, quiet tones, but I knew a scene would drive him away from me forever. I needed to walk, and Kenneth followed me to the boardwalk.
I remember it all with crystal clear vision. Ten steps down the street, Kenneth turned to me. “Maybe we should try dating a few other people. Then, we’ll know for sure.”
“Daniel, are you okay?”
Iris interrupted my thoughts. I blinked twice. “Yes, okay is the word. So when’s the wedding, and where? I’ll put it on the calendar and give it a big red circle.”
“No, we haven’t made that decision yet. Are the two of you going to Hank and Luke’s wedding?”
“We can’t miss it,” said Blake. “Aren’t Luke and Ollie good friends these days? I thought you said something about a trip to Madison.”
“They’re like peas in a pod. Ollie bought a used motorcycle from Luke’s shop, and now they go on weekend rides together. I have to admit that I’m a little jealous sometimes, but I won’t get on one of the bikes. It’s hard enough to let Ollie go.”
“He couldn’t be in better hands than with Luke. I’m sure safety is their first consideration.”
I said, “I’ll second that assessment.”
Iris heaved a massive sigh. “I understand, but I lost a cousin in a motorcycle accident. We all thought he was a safe rider, and then he ended up on the side of the road without a helmet. The doctors said he would have…” Iris choked up, and Blake offered a hug.
I retreated to my desk and raised my coffee mug to sip. It was only lukewarm.
Iris fanned herself with her right hand. “I’m sorry. I’m an emotional wreck with Ollie finally proposing and all.” She wiped her cheek. “Most of these are happy tears.”
As if they were following a cue from a film director, both Blake and Iris turned and pointed at me. “One more to go.”
I threw up my hands. “Me? Seb and I are just starting out.”
“It has to begin somewhere,” said Blake.
“Is Seb coming to the wedding with you?” asked Iris.
“I hope so.” I couldn’t stop the thoughts about that third day with Kenneth creeping into the back of my mind. I suppose it wasn’t technically with him, but it was the final step that caused my heart to crumble to dust.
Iris stepped up close to the desk. I saw the worry on her face. “What is wrong? Something is going on in your head, Daniel. I haven’t seen you like this since you lost your favorite aunt.”
Blake moved up to the other side of my desk. “No, he looks worse than that.”
I felt the gurgle in my throat as the words came out in a strangled tone. “I was less than a block away, and I watched Kenneth kiss another man. Now, my business is helping him find someone new that’s still not me.”
4
Kenneth
Sean reached out and straightened my tie before he took a step back to take in the overall picture. He’d been my personal assistant for five years, and he was an expert at his job. He knew me inside and out. Most of the time, Sean successfully anticipated what I needed and wanted before it even popped into my mind.
In addition to a healthy salary for compensation, I provided him with a four-room apartment in my home, and he didn’t pay for any food consumed at my place either.
“Is everything in order?” I swallowed to make sure the shirt and tie weren’t too tight.
Sean said, “If I were into men, you’d catch my eye from clear across the room. Then I’d stalk you after the ceremony and ask for your number.”
“And if I weren’t your employer, you might not try so hard to be flattering.”
Sean reached out again and straightened the coal-black jacket on my shoulders. “I’m always honest with you. This isn’t empty praise. You’re at your best and getting better. You’ve done outstanding work at the gym, and that hint of gray gives you an air of importance.” Sean poked at the tightly buzzed hair just above my ears.
“You know how to pick out my vulnerable spots.”
“Salt-and-pepper is in. You shouldn’t worry about a little silver. I just don’t understand what’s up with that new boyfriend. We all might need to look a little harder for a better option for you.”
“Joseph? He apologized. I understand how business can interfere.”
“But it’s a Saturday—and it’s a wedding. What could be more romantic? If he thinks he has a future with you, he should be at your side.”
Sean found another weak point. I did understand how a business could take somebody away from personal celebrations. Unfortunately, when I pushed for details, Joseph was evasive. I tried to forget about him, and I changed the subject.
I said, “I shouldn’t be thinking about Joseph and me today. The fairytale relationship to focus on is Hank and Luke. We’re celebrating their future. The last time I met with Hank in his office, I counted three photos of the two of them together. Then, I saw two others of the pair of them with Luke’s daughter, Jasmine. She is sweet.”
Sean folded his arms over his broad chest. “I think I’ve completed my work here, and it is adorable that Hank wants to be surrounded by his loved ones—even at work. How’d you hire him in the first place? I’m not sure that I’ve heard that story.”
“I asked around when a disgruntled customer threatened to sue. Hank didn’t have a lot of corporate legal experience, but two of my friends mentioned him as one of the most ethical lawyers in the city. I wanted that. Now, he’s become my ‘bulldog’ attorney. I can depend on him, and I can’t wait to see him happily married.”
“And you said that you’re an usher for the wedding?”
“That’s why I have to get there early.”
“Do you have experience?”
“Ushering? No, but how difficult can it be?”
I watched Sean slowly raise one bushy eyebrow. That was his signal for me to stop my dismissive comments. He used it frequently at the occasional business gatherings I hosted at my home.
“Just make sure that you don’t seat Hank’s family on Luke’s side of the church. It’s not too complicated, but pay attention.”
“Me? Distracted? Today? Why would you think that?”
“The mismatched socks gave me a clue.”
We both chuckled. I suggested, “Why don’t you take the day off? Head downtown, or maybe look for some female companionship for yourself.”
“A woman would be a complication, but a few hours out of the house would be a pleasure. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll be back by the time you get home.”
Jasmine spotted me as soon as I entered the church. I was nearly half an hour early, and only a handful of people milled around. As she wrapped my waist with her arms, I remembered when I first met Luke’s daughter. Her head barely rose above my waist. Now it was closer to my shoulder.
Bubbling over with excitement, Jasmine exclaimed, “It’s great to see you! Both dads said you would be here.”
I winced slightly and reflexively glanced around to see who might be looking in our direction. “I wouldn’t miss a day like this. Are you excited?”
Jasmine took a step back, and she wiped at her left eye with two delicate fingers. “I don’t know. I’ve got a lump in my throat. Is that okay?”
I wrapped an arm around Jasmine’s shoulders. “Let all of your emotions go. It’s fine to be nervous. Everybody gets nervous at weddings, even the grooms. In some ways, there won’t be any changes at all since your dads are already so close, but in other ways, it’s a big step.”
“That’s probably it, and I’m thinking about mom.”
Jasmine’s mother, Luke’s s
ister, passed away in a tragic accident. That was how she came to live with Hank and Luke, and she was no longer a niece. Luke adopted her as his own child.
“She is right here with all of you in spirit. I’m sure she has a huge smile on her face.”
Hank joined us, and I thought he appeared slightly pale.
“Are you okay? You look like you could use some sun.”
“I’m nervous. That’s all. You would be, too.”
I’d only been anywhere near marrying a man one time. I got cold feet even before getting engaged. With a sharp shake of my head, I tossed the memories out and returned my focus to the present.
I reached out to wrap my free arm around Hank’s broad shoulders. Jasmine gazed up at me while I tried to offer words of comfort.
“You have the best family here. This whole ceremony is about you showing the rest of the world how much love the three of you share. I don’t anticipate any big changes at home.”
I felt some of the tension ease from Hank’s shoulders, and I knew that I’d done my duty.
Hank said, “I’ve got to run. Luke sent me a text message to tell me what time he’d be back at the church, and he’s a stickler about avoiding seeing each other before the ceremony begins.”
Less than ten minutes after Hank disappeared into the church basement, I felt an arm wrap its way around my waist. It belonged to Luke.
“Hey, buddy! Can you believe this? I’m getting married. It’s all surreal. When I first came out, I thought I’d thrown away all of my chances for a wedding. Forever. The world was like that back then.”
I reached out to straighten Luke’s tie. “It couldn’t happen to a better man.”
He tugged at my elbow and whispered directly into my ear. “I need to ask a big favor of you. Hank’s brother, your usher partner, knows about it. You’ll only be gone for about fifteen minutes.”
“Gone?”
“Someone left a ring on the kitchen table and doesn’t want everyone to know.”
I turned my head to see the sheepish expression painted across Luke’s face. Signaling a zipping of my lips, I said, “You can count on me.”
It didn’t take long to get to the house Hank and Luke shared with Jasmine, and a small, black velvet ring box lay in the middle of the kitchen table. Luke told me that it was Jasmine who had custody of the ring, but he took full responsibility for the fact that it got left behind.
Luke found me shortly after I returned to the church. I slipped the box into the pocket of his pants nearest me. Everyone around us was too busy talking and finding their seats. No one would ever know about the last-minute ring retrieval. I knew how to keep essential details away from the public spotlight.
After I helped a pair of older women to their seats on the right side of the church, I spotted a familiar face.
A man with a dark complexion, full beard, and wiry black hair nearly shouted. “Kenneth! I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you trying to sell conditioner to the happy couple?”
I reached out a hand to shake with Gianni Lupo, one of the best distributors of my products. His great-grandfather arrived in Milwaukee nearly penniless, but he worked in machine shops for five years and saved all that he could. The first Lupo grocery opened on the city’s east side with cash from an investor and Gianni’s great-grandfather’s life savings. It was now a chain of six.
Gianni’s hand was beefy and callused. He didn’t immediately let go. “How do you know this pair? My daughter is one of Jasmine’s best friends. She has two phenomenal fathers.”
“Hank’s my attorney.”
Gianni poked at my chest. “Wise decision there. I’ve heard all about his reputation. He’s a good one.”
“Can I help you find a seat?”
Gianni ignored the question and proceeded to launch into small talk about our business. “Any new products in the pipeline?”
I thought about the discussions I’d had over the introduction of an organic line of products. Before I answered, I wanted to kick myself in the backside. I’d planned to contact Daniel about couples that could feature in advertising, but the wedding pushed that idea out of my mind.
I whispered and hoped that it would bring Gianni’s volume down, too. “Maybe some organics.”
Gianni glanced around as the crowd at the back of the church grew denser. He clapped me on the shoulder. “We’ll continue this discussion at the reception. I see you’ve got a job to do.”
Before I could gesture to the empty end of the second pew forward, Gianni found his seat. I turned to beam at a young couple who looked bewildered about where to sit.
The ushering work was slightly hectic, but it mostly unfolded smoothly. When we had a break with no one to guide into the pews, I glanced at my watch. We were only five minutes from the scheduled start of the wedding. Anxious groomsmen gathered behind me.
I scanned the crowd already in their seats, and I couldn’t believe what I thought I saw. In the fourth pew from the front of the church, near the aisle, I spotted the outline of a man that looked exceedingly familiar. He shrugged his shoulders, and goosebumps rose on my forearms. It can’t be.
The other usher tapped me on the shoulder. He whispered, “You can sit now.” Earlier, we’d arranged that he’d keep an eye out for late stragglers.
I reached out for the back pew and felt my way along the smooth wood without taking my eyes off the man who looked so much like Daniel.
Music began to sound from the organ, and the gathered crowd sat up straight in their pews. The wedding was about to begin.
I heard jostling behind me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the fourth pew. The expression on Daniel’s face the last time I saw him pushed all other thoughts out of my mind. It was a combination of pain and bitter anger. Perhaps I deserved it, but I had solid reasons for my stance.
After the first pair of wedding attendants passed by my pew, I watched the man who made me think of Daniel turn his head. Enough of his face was visible that I knew I was not mistaken.
Daniel leaned toward the man who sat next to him. I clenched the edge of the pew with both hands as I watched their lips meet. It was only a peck, but it was a kiss. In the church. At a wedding. Was Daniel already married?
5
Daniel
Hank and Luke’s wedding day started well. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable time I’d spent since returning home from my cruise. Stomping through winter slush on the way into the church made it memorable from the beginning.
I enjoyed Seb’s company at the ceremony. We were both still running hot and cold on our relationship. Unfortunately, we never quite landed on the same page. Sometimes he was distant, and then, at other moments, I saw a glimmer of a possible long-term future. When that thought entered my mind, Seb chased it away with a dinner cancellation to make room for an evening experimenting with recipes for cinnamon buns.
At the reception, while Seb was on the opposite side of the dance floor talking to old friends, I grabbed Blake’s elbow. I clamped down on it with a death grip and pulled him away from Hunter.
“Ow, what’s wrong with you?”
I hissed into Blake’s face. “How the hell is he here? It’s bad enough that we found him a date. Now, it’s like he’s stalking me with horrible memories. Thank God I haven’t had to explain his presence to Seb.
Blake pried my fingers from his elbow and shook out his shoulders. He knew who was the target of my wrath.
“I don’t know. Maybe Kenneth is friends with Hank or Luke. That’s how most people end up at a wedding. They’re good men, and they attract a wide circle. Why don’t you relax? Ignore him.”
“But, it’s him.” I continued to protest, and I knew that I was slowly losing the argument.
“This wedding is about celebrating the happy couple. Let go and join the celebration. He’s on the other side of the ballroom. I’ll even let you dance with Hunter. My toes can use a break from his big feet.”
I took a deep breath and followed it with a slight nod.
I needed to pull myself together. Blake turned away. After retrieving a glass of wine, I found my way to a far corner of the reception ballroom and followed Kenneth’s movements from the relative sanctuary of the shade of a fake potted palm.
Over and over, I told myself to look away, but I found it impossible. Kenneth was older, like me, but he still moved with confident grace when he walked. He wasn’t the type to trip over his feet or accidentally stumble into the person next to him. He wore an expertly tailored suit, and I spotted the lopsided smile from across the room.
Twice, Kenneth turned his head in my direction, and I slipped behind low-hanging palm fronds. The people around him kept him smiling and chatting. I’d once asked him about his unique grin and the resulting imperfect symmetry of his face, and he insisted that he was born that way. Unlike the childhood injury that left a small scar on his forehead. That was the result of a tumble down the basement stairs when a door was accidentally left ajar.
A few minutes later, I managed to pull my gaze away from Kenneth, and I spotted Luke. He wasn’t with Hank. He was busy chatting and laughing with a small group that included the best friend of his deceased sister.
I watched carefully, and when Luke broke away to find his way back to his new husband, I decided to grab him before he could escape into another small group. It wasn’t something appropriate to do at a wedding reception. My behavior was ridiculous, but I tried to excuse it with an acknowledgment that my gut was tied in emotional knots. The flood of memories about Kenneth produced temporary insanity.
Luke laughed nervously and looked down at my hand. It was gripping his bicep. “Oh, hi, Daniel. You only needed to walk up to me if you wanted to say hi. I wouldn’t try to run away.”
Thinking back on the moment, Luke probably believed that I’d taken leave of my senses. A frown filled my face, and my hands were trembling.
Reunited: Matchmakers Book 4 Page 3