The Hunt - Monica James

by James, Monica

  Tears prick Dixon’s eyes as he kisses his dad’s forehead. “I’m proud of you too, Papa.” Oh my god. I need to pull it together because one blubbering best man is enough.

  Dixon stands back in line and the doors open to reveal Heidi. Finch snuffles when he sees his wife looking more beautiful than I ever remember seeing her. She’s wearing a soft lavender dress, which makes her look angelic. She smiles at Finch, shaking her head at his inability to hold back the tears.

  She stands to the side, opposite Finch and mouths, “I love you.” I’m pretty sure he can fill the lake behind us with his tears.

  I know what’s going to happen next, but even though I know, it does not make it any easier to accept. In seconds, Mary will be following in Heidi’s footsteps, and I will be following in Finch’s. I know I convinced myself that she’s toxic, no good for my health, but tell that to my racing heart and sweaty palms, because I’m moments away from imploding. The music picks up and then, the doors open.

  My heart stops beating.

  Mary stands at the end of the aisle, her eyes ahead and focused on…me. I thought I’d see hate, anger, but instead, I see relief and a glimmer of a smile. I’m too far gone to even dissect what that means, but Dixon turns over his shoulder and smiles. “You’ve got this,” he mouths, and his faith in me has me standing tall.

  Mary commences her graceful walk down the aisle, and if this was a perfect world, she would be walking toward me, ready to say I do. But that dream is long gone.

  Her dress matches Heidi’s, and the color brings out the fiery red in her hair. She doesn’t just look beautiful, she is a vision, one I will never forget. I want to pretend she isn’t looking straight at me every step of the way, but she is, and I don’t understand why. Only when she takes her place near Heidi does she lower her eyes, and my heart commences beating once more.

  The guests stand and the music suddenly changes, the traditional wedding march announcing what’s about to happen. Dixon inhales, and the doors open and an angel is delivered.

  Madison stands in the doorway, her arm looped through her father’s as she locks eyes with Dixon. This moment is one you see in the movies, or read about in books because it’s absolutely perfect. There is no doubting their story ends in a happily ever after, and after all the turmoil they’ve been through, they deserve nothing less.

  Maddy begins her walk, owning every step as the crowd coos and the photographer captures every moment. Dixon shuffles, running a hand over the back of his neck. He’s nervous, not that I can blame him. So just how he has done time and time again, I step forward, placing my hand on his upper shoulder. No words are spoken, because none are needed. I’m here for him and I never plan on leaving his side.

  Finch does the same, and we support our friend as he watches the love of his life seal their futures forever. Maddy stops when she’s a couple feet away. Her father lifts the veil from her face, kissing her cheek. He shakes Dixon’s hand, nodding his approval.

  Finch and I retake our places, but Dixon seems transfixed, unable to tear his gaze from Maddy. Not that I can blame him. She looks beautiful.

  The priest behind us shuffles from the sidelines to stand under the arch, hinting Maddy and Dixon are to follow, but Dixon has other plans as he swoops forward and kisses Maddy. The crowd laughs and claps.

  “I’m pretty sure that happens after you’re pronounced man and wife,” I state with a chuckle. In response, Dixon, still lip-locked with Maddy, flips me off.

  Once they’re done, Dixon looks like a new man and smiles broadly. “Hello, Angelo.”

  “Hi, Dixon,” she replies, her cheeks a bright pink as she touches up her lipstick.

  “Whenever you’re ready,” the priest says with a smile.

  Dixon and Maddy make their way to where he stands, while Finch and I wait eagerly to see our boy bring this home.

  “Today is a celebration. A celebration of love and commitment. It’s evident that these two are the perfect examples of what that represents.” The crowd laughs as their PDA also represented their wedding night is going to be a celebration of something else.

  He goes on with his heartfelt speech and I listen, too afraid to do anything else. I can sense Mary, and I know that’s fucking creepy. I was expecting a wave of hostility, maybe even a flying bouquet at my head, but for once in my life, I can’t read her.

  She’s conflicted, that much is true, but why? I thought we were a done deal—last week’s news. But I don’t get that from her. I rub over my chest, the heartburn returning.

  “Hunt…the rings.” Finch’s whisper wakes me the fuck up.

  When I come to, I realize everyone is staring at me, Dixon included, who looks at my groin, shaking his head. I reach into my inner breast pocket and produce the rings. Surprise, fucker.

  “I thought they were in your pants,” he whispers when I hand the rings over to the priest.

  “What kind of pervert do you think I am?” I admonish with a smirk. I give Maddy’s cheek a kiss. “You look beautiful, Cherry Pie.”

  She smiles, giving me a tender hug. “You’re still not off the hook.” Fair call.

  The priest blesses the rings and then the vows are to take place. “Dixon…”

  Dix reaches for Maddy’s hands and interlaces them tightly. In true Dix fashion, he wrote his own vows. “Angelo…saying I love you isn’t enough, because what I feel for you…it extends past anything I’ve ever known. From the moment I met you, I knew you’d change my life, I just didn’t realize how much so. You’re the strongest person I know. We’ve overcome leaps and bounds and the fact you’re standing here, willing to marry me, makes me the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. Sorry, Father,” he adds, excusing his blasphemy.

  “I choose you because there is no other choice…you’re not the missing piece of my heart…you’re the entire thing. My heart beats for you. Always. I love you because you are simply you. My Angelo.”

  Finch bursts into tears, and I pass him a handkerchief. The entire audience has teared up, me included, because those words are everything I feel for Mary. I may not be able to express them as eloquently as Dix, but I feel every single thing he feels.

  I risk a look at her because my convictions are thrown to the wind, sinking to the bottom of the lake. I want to forget her, but how can I forget someone who gave me so much to remember? I know she’s moved on, and here’s hoping one day, I will too. But for now, I lower my guard and let go of my anger and allow her to see that I fucking miss her, and I probably will for the rest of my life.

  Tears roll down her cheeks, but she quickly brushes them away. I openly look at her, knowing that in seconds she will mouth what a disgusting creep I am. But holy fuck, it’s a miracle when something called a smile plays at her lips. The sun beams down, a sign from the heavens, and in response, I smile in return.

  “Dixon and Madison have formalized the existence of the bond between them with those beautiful vows and the exchanging of rings. Therefore, it’s my great pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife. Now you may kiss your bride.”

  The air erupts with catcalls and cheers as my best friend takes his now wife and kisses the living shit out of her. Dixon’s wedding band catches the sunlight, and fuck me, my heart swells. He did it. New York’s former manwhore is officially off the table. But the way he’s kissing Maddy, there definitely will be some on table action tonight.

  Once the kisses and cheers are done with, the music plays and we’re to sign the marriage certificate. Thomas runs over subtly and nudges me when I stand, rooted to the spot. Mary walks to the table, taking the pen to sign her name. I, on the other hand, have forgotten my name, because all I can center on is her.

  Finally, after Thomas shoves me with all his might, I move, almost falling on my ass as I attempt to play it cool. Once Mary is done, she glances up and passes me the pen. I forget why I’m here. “Hi.”

  She blinks once. “Hi.” I’m waiting for a string of expletives to follow, but none do. “I like your sui
t.”

  “I like you.” It’s out before I can stop myself. The mother of all slip-ups. But I’m surprised once again when Mary laughs. Has she always been this beautiful? I know the answer is hell to the fuck yes.

  Finch clears his throat behind me, snapping me into the now. I smile and she smiles back, before taking her place next to Heidi. Too much is happening and my brain is short-circuiting. I’m supposed to be done with her, but I feel like things haven’t even begun.

  Dixon looks at me, his arm wrapped tightly around Maddy as he nods. A simple look can convey a million words they say, but this only suggests one—fight…for the one you…love.

  “I’m proud of you,” Dixon whispers into my ear as I guzzle my beer. I’m glad someone is, because after Dixon’s heartfelt speech, all I can think about is forgetting everything I thought I knew and telling Mary this is not over for me, it never was.

  But every time I get within three feet of her, I choke up and then run and hide. I know this isn’t the time nor the place, but each drink gives me balls I’ve lacked this entire time. Verbal diarrhea is lapping at the surface, so when the emcee says it’s time for speeches, I know this will only end one way.

  I slam my lips shut and shake my head, staring wide-eyed at Dixon. If he gives me that microphone, I’m going to declare to the world that I love Mary and I want her back. But Dixon doesn’t seem to care. “Since when have you held back? Don’t disappoint me now.”

  Why is he goading me?

  “Dix…” I protest, waving my hand. “I’m fucking…scared.”

  Dixon smiles, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something brave.” My giblets are on the cusp of sobbing like a baby, but Dixon puts us back on track. “So stop being a pussy and go get your girl.” This speech is reminiscent of the one I gave him.

  Right on!

  Standing, I accept the microphone, which elicits a roar from the guests. I roll up my sleeves. Game on. I take a moment to look into the sea of faces. The fact they’re here, happy to celebrate the union of two people, spurs me on.

  “Hi, I’m Hunter. The best man. As you can see”—I point to Finch—“there are two of us, but we all know I’m the better man.” The crowd laughs, while Finch slow claps with a smile. “So, we’re all here to celebrate the marriage of Madison and Dixon. I won’t lie, there was a time when I wanted to marry Dix. I mean, look at him.” I turn over my shoulder to blow him a kiss. “But if anyone else was going to marry my best friend, then I couldn’t think of a more suitable partner than Maddy, aka Cherry Pie.” The crowd coos, while I reach for my beer, needing the Dutch courage. “I won’t go into detail because it could be used against me in a court of law, but Dixon has been there for me through thick and thin. Not once did he give up on me…even when most people did.” I clear my throat, the air thick with anticipation. “Truth is, I look up to Dix, I always have. He’s been able to turn his life around and find his forever…”

  Oh, sweet Jesus, give me the strength.

  Turning around, I look at Mary, who is sitting quietly, eyes lowered. Just the sight of her provokes me to spill my heart and soul. “I found my forever too…” She slowly lifts her eyes, her mouth parted. “But I fucked up. I’m sorry for the profanity, folks, but there is no other way to explain it. That amazing woman right there…” I point to Mary, who shakes her head, begging I stop. “She drove me crazy from the first moment I laid eyes on her. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I miss you, Mary. Truth is, I miss you all the time. Every second, every minute, every hour, every day. I know you don’t feel the same way, but that’s okay. I just need you to know that I’ll be here waiting for you, because honestly, I don’t want anyone else. You’re it for me, Shortcake. You’ve ruined me, but I embrace the chaos because…” here goes nothing… “love is chaos, and I…”

  I never get to finish my speech however, because Mary shoots upward and almost topples over her chair as she runs from the table and out the back door. I don’t even think twice as I drop the microphone and follow in hot pursuit.

  She’s fast, running past the chairs which still stand from earlier and ducking under the arch. She continues sprinting toward the lake. The full moon provides the light I need to follow, and although she’s quick, I’m quicker. I catch up to her in moments.

  “Mary! Please, stop!” My pleas only motivate her to dash left. There is no indication she’s going to stop, so with no other choice, I use my football skills and tackle her from behind. She falls with a thud, but I break her fall as best I can.

  “Get off of me!” she screams, but I only hold on tighter.

  “Not until you calm down!”

  “I am calm. I was fine until you had to embarrass me like that. How could you?”

  My arms are locked around her heaving chest as I press my trunk to her back. I can feel her heart is as frantic as mine, and I can only hope it’s not only the chase which has left her breathless. “I’m sorry, but I had to tell you.”

  “And you thought a good time would be at our best friend’s wedding, in front of hundreds of people?”

  “I don’t see a better time. Please, just let me talk to you.” Her breaths slow down, but the anger never leaves her, not that it ever does whenever I’m involved. Once I think it’s safe to let go, I loosen my hold, pushing off of her and sitting.

  She launches off the grass and slaps my cheek. This woman has some right arm.

  “I deserved that,” I say, rubbing my stinging cheek.

  “Yes, you did.” The act of violence seems to have calmed her somewhat.

  We both catch our breaths, waiting for the other to speak. Seeing as I started this, I suppose it only seems fitting I end it. “Mary, I’m sorry for embarrassing you. I’m sorry for a lot of things. But I’m not sorry for the way I feel.”

  A gasp escapes her.

  “I know you’ve moved on, and as much as it pains me to say this, if you’re happy, then I will have to just accept it and hope I can be happy one day too.” I swallow down the taste of defeat. “I’m sorry for implying you were some bedhopping…”

  However, when Mary laughs madly, tears leaking from her eyes, I think I’ve missed a chapter somewhere. “What’s so funny?” I ask, watching on confused as she clutches her side, wheezing.

  “You…” she manages to choke out. “Sometimes…you just need to shut up.” I open my mouth, offended, but she raises her finger, hinting this is one of those times. I comply.

  Once she’s done cackling like a mad woman, she reaches into her clutch, producing her phone. I watch with interest as she begins to FaceTime. When I see who it is, I’m tempted to smash her phone to smithereens.

  “You couldn’t wait to talk to your boyfriend until after I left? Here, I’ll do you a solid…” As I attempt to stand, she latches onto my bicep and sits me back down.

  “Hello, Jim.” So, karate kid has a name.

  “Hello, Mary.” When she turns the screen so he can see I’m sitting near her, he has the gall to smile. “And if it isn’t the infamous Hunter O’Shea. How’s the throat?”

  “Fuck you, man. You got in a lucky shot.”

  Jim laughs, rubbing my nose in the fact he’s a Kung-Fu ninja Jedi who is fucking the love of my life. “Whatever makes you sleep better at night. I have someone here who wants to speak to you.”

  Screw you, smart ass.

  “I’m pretty sure whoever it is, I have no interest in talking to them.” However, I actually choke on air when Jim passes the phone to the man who sits beside him. “Mr. Yeong?” I wish I didn’t sound like a little girl, but I do.

  “Hello, Mr. O’Shea. You’re a hard man to track down.” I open my mouth, but nothing except a strangled wheeze comes out. “I’m sorry about my son breaking your friend’s nose.”

  “Your son?” Okay, now I just sound like I’m singing soprano.

  Mr. Yeong nods. “Jim is my son.”

  So, Mary is dating Mr. Yeong’s son. This da
y just gets better and better. “Well, you’ll be pleased to know your son has chosen wisely. Mary is a great catch.” Mr. Yeong’s face twists into a confused frown, while Mary sighs, slapping her forehead.

  “We’re not dating, you idiot.” Jim’s face is back on my screen. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s…”

  “What in the holy fuck is going on?” I exclaim, feeling like the stinky kid in class. Everyone is in on this secret, except me.

  “You remember the fortune cookie, Mr. O’Shea?” He really wants to talk about this now? All I’m capable of doing is nodding. “It was empty because life is what we make it. There is no one fortune because of the many decisions we’re faced with. You were given a choice to honor my request, or you could have told me to stop being a stupid old man and moved on to someone else. But you never did. I respect that. A man with convictions, determination, and strength is someone I want to give my business to.”

  “What now?” My mouth hangs open very unattractively.

  “I have a confession to make…there is no watch.”

  “Get the fuck out of here!” I very ungracefully shout.

  “Well, there is, but the reason you couldn’t find the buyer was because the buyer was me.”

  Now…don’t I feel foolish.

  “This was about honor—who was the better man. But more importantly, an honest man.”

  Words are coming from Mr. Yeong’s mouth, but there is no way they can be true.

  “Hang on…” I raise my finger, needing a minute. “Are you saying I went on a wild goose chase for nothing?” Mr. Yeong nods with a smile. “Fuck me sideways,” I gasp, running a hand over my beard.

  “If I’m going to give you my business, you have to have honor. You had to prove yourself to me, and you did. You made no excuses for your behavior because there are no ulterior motives to your game, and I respect that. I wanted a man to show intuition, but most of all…heart. And yours is that of a true champion. Trust is something I don’t take lightly, Mr. O’Shea. I’m sorry for testing you, but I had to be sure.”