by Todd, E. L.
“Good point. I want to fuck your brains out.”
“Later.”
He discreetly adjusted himself in his pants.
Ryan came over to us. “Scarlet, you look great.”
“Thanks.”
He hugged me and kissed me on the forehead. “You really are a lady.”
I glared at him. “And I thought you were going to sweet to me.”
“Nope. It comes and it goes. Is there anything I can get you?”
“Wow. You’re being awfully nice.”
“It’s just a one-time thing.”
“I would love some champagne.”
“Coming up, baby sister.” He turned and walked away.
Mike came over to us, whistling. “There’s a fire over here.”
Sean tightened his grip on my waist.
“You remind me of a Barbie doll,” Mike said.
“Why are you insulting me at my rehearsal dinner?”
“I’m not insulting you. It was a compliment.”
“I don’t want to be thought of as fake, plastic, with big tits and long legs.”
“Fine. You look very—pretty.”
“That’s better.”
Cortland came over with Monnique and Janice. “Where’s Scarlet?”
“I’m right here, you idiot.”
He shaded his eyes and squinted at me. “No, it can’t be Scarlet. You’re too pretty.”
Monnique hit him on the shoulder. “Be nice to her.” She turned to me. “You do look fine.”
“Thanks,” I said with red cheeks.
“You definitely outshine everyone in the room,” Janice said.
“Well, not everyone,” Cortland said into Monnique’s ear.
I smiled at their affection.
“Now that we’ve established that my fiancé is a hot piece of ass, let’s get this party started,” Sean said.
Ryan returned with the champagne. “Sean, your groomsmen are in the kitchen.”
“They’re here?” he said excitedly. He took me by the hand and pulled me away. “I can’t wait for you to meet them.”
“I already met them.”
“That was like ten years ago. I want them to see how hot my fiancé is.”
“And how nice, funny, and polite too.”
“Yeah whatever.” He pulled me into the kitchen.
Three guys were standing there, holding bottles of beer. They were all similar to Sean, tall, muscular, handsome. I could tell they all acted as each other’s wingman.
“Hey!” Sean said as he hugged them all.
“Congratulations, man,” Tim said. “I didn’t think you would ever sell your soul to the devil.”
“Well, I have,” Sean said. He moved to Will then Dean. “Thanks for coming.”
“What happened to the bachelor party?” Will asked.
“Oh. It didn’t work out.”
“What?” Dean asked. “We were supposed to fuck forty chicks on the trip. That was the pact.”
That information made me uneasy.
“Guys,” Sean said, quieting them down. “This is my fiancé, Scarlet.”
They stared at me in silence, none of them having a word to say.
Suddenly, Will started clapping, bowing to Sean. Dean and Tim did the same.
“Thank you, thank you,” Sean said with his hand raised. “I know I picked a good one.”
“That’s ironic that her name is Scarlet,” Tim said.
“Actually, she and Scarlet are one and the same.”
Their eyes widened. “Yowza,” Dean said.
I used to be a little heavier in college. They obviously remembered that.
“You picked an excellent trophy wife,” Dean said.
“Actually, I’m not a trophy wife,” I snapped. “I have a personality too.”
Tim smiled. “And she’s sassy. I like it.”
Sean held my waist. “She’s the girl of my dreams. I can’t believe she’s willing to put up with me.”
“Yeah,” Will said. “Hold onto her. She probably won’t even need a boob job.”
“Excuse me?” I snapped.
Sean released the hold on my waist. “Baby, give me a moment with the guys.”
“No.” I turned to his friends. “You can objectify other women and treat them like your dirty whores but you can’t treat me like that. Talk to me like that again and I’ll pop you in the jaw.”
They fell silent.
Sean sighed then looked at them. “Don’t talk to or talk about my fiancé like that again. If it comes down to it, I’m okay with getting married without you standing next to me. If you can’t do that, then leave now.”
Will spoke first. “I’m sorry, man. We were just joking around. We really didn’t mean to make anyone upset.” He looked at me. “Sorry. I’m just used to talking to Sean like that. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“We’re sorry,” Dean said quickly. “We took it too far.”
Sean looked at me. “I forgive you if my fiancé does.”
“Just don’t let it happen again,” I said.
They breathed a sigh of relief.
“Let’s try this again,” Sean said.
“So, how’s Seattle?” Will said.
“It’s good. We like it there.”
“I heard you’re moving back,” Tim said.
Sean placed his hand around my waist and held me tightly. “We are.”
“Taking your place as king?” Dean asked.
“You could say that.”
“Good. We haven’t seen in you in forever,” Tim said. “After you got with Penelope, you disappeared.”
“Don’t mention her name ever again,” Sean snapped. “And I’ve been out of the loop because I’m done with my old life. I’m settling down.”
“What?” Dean asked. “No more parties in the city?”
“No,” Sean said. “Scarlet and I know how to party at home.”
“Well, we’re happy for you,” Dean said.
“Thank you.”
I pulled away from him. “I’m going to talk to Ryan.”
He didn’t release me. “I’ll come with you.”
“No, spend time with your friends.” I walked away without looking back. Sean’s hand slid from my body because it didn’t have a choice.
“Hey, why the long face?” Mike asked.
“What?”
“You look pissed.”
“I do?”
“Your eyes are on fire.”
“Sean’s friends are assholes.”
Mike looked over my shoulder. “I never liked them either.”
“Yeah right. They are just like you.”
“They were just like me.”
I shook my head and tried to walk away.
He grabbed my wrist and held me back. “Talk to me, Scar.”
I sighed. “His friends are just cheating pricks. They treated me like I was just a figure in Sean’s life, a trophy to put on his desk. I can’t believe Sean used to be like that.”
“Key words; used to. Sean only asked them because they are the closest friends he has. He wouldn’t have invited them if he knew they would be rude to you. You know that.”
“It still pisses me off.”
“And Sean is nothing like that anymore. Cut him some slack.”
“Okay. I’m sorry. I just blew up.”
“It’s fine. I just don’t want you to leave my brother.”
“I won’t.”
“Good. Because he’s my best friend. I couldn’t let that happen to him.”
I smiled. “I’m glad you guys are close again.”
“Thanks to you.”
“I try.”
Cortland and Ryan came over.
“Damn, who died?” Ryan asked.
I looked at Mike, asking him to be quiet. “Nothing.”
Mike took a drink of his champagne and said nothing.
“Who are you trying to fool?” Cortland asked.
“Sean’s friends pissed me off
.”
“What did they do?” Ryan asked.
“They just said a few things. One of them said I wouldn’t need a boob job because my rack was so big.”
Ryan’s eyes widened. “What? Did Sean beat the shit out of them?”
“No, but he yelled at them. I did too.”
“Let’s go,” Ryan said to Cortland.
“Oh no, you don’t,” I said as I grabbed my brother. “Don’t make any drama at this rehearsal. Please, I’m begging you.”
Ryan sighed and came back to me. “I’m not letting anyone talk to you like that.”
“Sean took care of it. He said they would be asked to leave the premises if they continued to behave that way.”
Ryan pulled his arm away. “Let us know if you change your mind.”
Cortland still looked pissed.
“Calm down,” I said to both of them. “You guys are like high school teenagers, I swear.”
“We’re just very territorial,” Cortland said.
“Well, get over yourself.”
Sean came back to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. “I threatened to kill them if they said anything else to you.”
“Why are you friends with those creeps anyway?”
“Scarlet, they used to be my roommates. I admit they’re jerks, but I had a lot of good times with them. And I also thought they wouldn’t be jackasses here. They’re rich and snooty kids that vacation in the Hamptons, have moms with breast implants, and marry just to keep their position in the social hierarchy.”
“So that makes it okay?”
“I didn’t say that. I’m just explaining. And I told them to leave. If you don’t want them here, I’ll kick their ass and haul their bodies onto the lawn.”
“No, Sean. I don’t want that.”
“Then what’s bothering you?”
Ryan looked awkward. “Cortland, help me move one of these tables.”
“I’ll help,” Mike said.
They walked away.
“It bothers me that you made that pact,” I said.
“What pact?”
“To fuck forty women during your bachelor party.”
“Scarlet, that was a long time ago.”
“You were still planning to cheat on your fiancé before you even got married. That’s disgusting, Sean. I knew you did a lot of bad things, but that has to be the worst.”
“First of all, I was nineteen when we made that pact. Second of all, I never thought I would fall in love. I was with Penelope for years and I never cheated on her. I never even looked at another girl. With you, I’ve been nothing but faithful. I’ll always be faithful to you. Lastly, I didn’t invite them to my bachelor party because I know how they are. I love them as friends, but I’m not like them anymore. I stopped hanging out with them after I got with Penelope because I knew what they would want to do. I was wrong for making that pact, but I never followed through with it. That’s what counts.”
I fell silent, watching the people walk around the party. They were drinking from their crystal flutes and grabbing appetizers from the butlers that came by with trays. It was loud in the room, lots of conversations floated in the air.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I’m very sorry for everything. I’ll ask them to leave.”
“No, Sean. I’m just disappointed in you.”
His eyes fell as he listened to me. “You’ve never said that to me before.”
“I’m not trying to be mean.”
“I was a piece of shit when I was younger. I’m not that man anymore. I’ve proven that to you. There should be no doubt, Scar. I’m madly in love with you. I want you every day for the rest of my life. If you need any reassurance, just think about our past year together. I’ve never been happier in my whole life. When I think about my past, it makes me want to cry. Not because I’m just ashamed, but because I was so miserable. You’re the light in my life, Scar. Please don’t ever leave me in the dark.”
I looked at him, feeling horrible for hurting him. “I’m sorry. I take it back.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry all of this happened. It’s my fault.”
“It’s okay.”
He grabbed my face and kissed me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Diane tapped her flute with a fork. “Let’s begin the rehearsal.”
Sean grabbed my hand and led me outside behind the artificial wall that had been erected. It was sunset, and the fading light highlighted the particles floating in the air. The sound of the waves was in the distance, mighty and powerful. The smell of Sean’s cologne tickled my nose as it combined with the salt in the air.
Diane pulled Sean away. “Let’s start from the beginning.”
Ryan grabbed me and pulled me back behind the wall with the other bridesmaids. “Are those the heels you’re wearing tomorrow?”
“Why?”
“You should practice with them tonight if you are. That way you don’t trip and fall.”
“You aren’t supposed to let me trip and fall.”
“I won’t,” he said with a smile.
Diane held her clipboard as she orchestrated the flow of the wedding. My bridesmaids walked down the aisle with their groomsmen. Cortland was a member of my wedding party because I refused to leave him out, so he walked down the aisle side by side with a groomsman.
“Cue the bride,” Diane said.
Ryan extended his arm and I took it. He walked me around the wall then down the aisle. I looked at Sean’s face as I walked. His groomsmen stared at me with approval. I heard his grandmother say how beautiful I was.
Sean grabbed my hand when I reached the end and we stood in front of the pastor. My hands were shaking, soaked in sweet. My feet hurt in my heels. The sun suddenly became too hot, making the sweat drip down the back of my neck. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would give out.
“Are you okay?”
“Huh?”
Sean looked at me. “You’re supposed to repeat what Pastor Dave said.”
“Oh sorry. I’m just nervous.”
The members of the crowed awed.
“Don’t be,” Sean said with a smile.
I repeated the lines of the ceremony and Sean did his.
“We can practice a few times before it gets dark,” Diane said.
We did the ceremony three times and every time I felt the sickness in my stomach, the pain deep in my gut. I couldn’t stop sweating and I couldn’t stop feeling faint. Something didn’t feel right. In that moment I knew something was wrong. I couldn’t marry Sean.
10
Scarlet
I texted Ryan. Come to my room.
I was just with you all night.
Ryan, just do it.
I didn’t realize maid of honor was a twenty-four job.
Shut the fuck up and get over here.
He didn’t respond.
A minute later, he opened my bedroom door and walked inside. “What’s the emergency? You need me to braid your hair or something?”
I was sitting on the floor and leaning against the bed, my feet pulled to my chest. All my luggage sat next to me, ready to go.
He stopped and looked at me, his joking demeanor seizing immediately. “Scar, what’s going on?”
When I spoke, my voice cracked. I tried to keep the tears back but I couldn’t. They fell. “I can’t marry him.”
Ryan was speechless. He stood by the door for several minutes, processing that simple sentence. He put his hands on his hips then stared at me, opening his mouth every few seconds to be speak. Nothing ever came out. Finally, he said, “What?”
“I’m leaving. Get a cab and help me with my things.”
“Hold on,” Ryan said as he sat across from me. “You’re getting cold feet, Scar. That’s totally normal. Calm down.”
I shook my head, seeing my vision cloud. “I don’t want to marry him, Ryan. Please get me out of here.”
“Yes, you do.”
“No,
I don’t. I’m not going to do it.”
He sighed. “What happened?”
“I just realized I made a huge mistake. Sean isn’t the right person for me. I’ve been so stupid.”
“I know you love him,” he said gently.
“He doesn’t love me.”
“You know that isn’t true.”
“Please get me out of here.” I covered my face while I cried. “I don’t want to be here tomorrow morning. I don’t want to see his mother’s face. She’s always hated me. I don’t want to see Sean in pain. Please get me out of here and back on the quickest flight home.”
He grabbed my hands. “You’re scared. I get that. I really do. But you’re making a mistake, Scarlet. Let’s just relax for a few hours. I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning.”
“No, I won’t. Ryan, I’m not going to ask you again. Either help me, or step aside.”
“You know I’m always on your side.”
“Then grab my things.”
“Hold on a second. Where is this coming from? Why are you doing this?”
“I shouldn’t even have to answer that.”
“Tell me.”
“I’ve always been second best with him. Even in the beginning, it was Theresa, not me.”
“Who’s Theresa?”
“My college roommate. Sean wanted her before he wanted me. Then he wanted Penelope. Even when he had me, he still went back to her. I’ve always been the lesser choice. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being the girl he settled for because he couldn’t have who he really wanted.”
“Scarlet, we’ve been over this. Sean only went back because she was having his baby. There was no other reason.”
I shook my head. “No.”
“This is in the past. You said you forgave him for it.”
“I thought I did.”
“Don’t leave him because of that.”
“And he slept with me just to get laid. Even when I was second best in terms of relationships, I still wasn’t important to him as a friend. He used me.”
Ryan sighed. “Let the past go. Why is this coming back now?”
“Because I don’t think he’s changed. When he gets bored with me, he’ll go back to his old ways. I was never the one he wanted. He’ll find someone else better then forget about me.”
“We both know that isn’t true.”
“Yes, it is.” I felt myself start to sob. “He’s a jerk. He lied to women and tricked them to sleep with him. He’s just like his pathetic groomsmen. He made a pact to sleep with forty women during his bachelor party. How disgusting is that?”