by Maggie Way
Jake laughed. “You’re the one causing a scene jumping around like that.”
“You shush.” She frowned and swatted his chest.
Grappling for what to say I asked, “Did you get something to eat yet?” I wondered about dinner and looked to Jake. “What’s up with dinner?”
“No dinner. Appetizers only. By the looks of it there’s a shit ton of food. These waiters haven’t stopped. Flag ’em down, or there’s a little Tapa’s buffet over there.”
“Whata ’ya say Gracie, you wanna grab some food?”
“Sure.” She gave a little shrug.
“Hey,” Jake said as we stepped away, “Don’t disappear. As soon as Bobby gets here we’re gonna play a few songs. Father-daughter dance, etcetera.”
“Where’s he been anyway?”
“In his room. He just got here.”
Typical.
I escorted Grace through the scrutinizing crowd and handed her a small white plate when we reached the food. I wasn’t hungry. Knowing her, she wasn’t either.
“Are you really hungry?” I asked as she put a little tea sandwich on her plate.
“Are you?” She countered.
“No.”
She stopped reaching for the salad spoon and looked at me sideways. She wore a little smirk as she picked up the tiny square cucumber sandwich from her plate and took a bite. She savored it. Watching her toy with me sent an exciting rush through my body.
“I’ve had too many glasses of champagne already.” She admitted matter-of-factly.
“I haven’t had one.”
A single eyebrow rose on her smooth face. “Uncommon.”
I shrugged. “I thought I should behave, until after we perform.”
A waiter came by offering us chicken skewers. I took one after Grace did. She placed the stick on her plate and grabbed another glass of champagne from a tray going by. As I took a bite of chicken, she walked over to an empty table. I followed.
Every time I opened my mouth to speak, I wanted to tell her how I felt. The way she looked at me with clever eyes, over her button nose, she was aware I had something on my mind. I was determined to stick to my intention, beginning with the dance I’d asked for. That was until she started asking questions.
With one final bite and a sassy lick of her lips she asked, “So, what’s on your mind. Mr. Burton.”
Put on the spot, a jolt shot through me and I half laughed looking away from her. With my tongue running down the back of my throat I lunged for a glass of champagne from the passing server, nearly knocking the tray from her hand and spilling the two remaining glasses down her front.
A reactionary cry sprung from the petite server’s mouth as she hugged the tray to her soaked chest with the glasses sandwiched between. I jumped to her aid.
“I’m so sorry, Miss.” I said over and over again as I gently plucked the long stems from their wedged position.
“It’s ok, not the first time it’s happened.” Her voice shook with embarrassment, making me feel worse. Her cheeks were as pink as cotton candy. The gawking crowd lost interest just as quickly as the gaffe happened. Grace tried not to laugh at me as she sipped from her glass.
“Wow, that just happened.” She remarked upon my return.
“Smart.” I leered lightheartedly, but my limbs were numb from humiliation.
I leaned onto my elbows and held my palms up. Fuck it. She stared at them, hesitant, questioning their meaning. I wiggled my fingers. I could tell Grace stopped breathing for a second and then she crossed her arms around her waist.
Her head tilted. “Come on, Kai.” She said, like it was the most ridiculous gesture.
My heart sank and I hung my head, clasping my hands together I took in a breath and looked back up to her smiling. “I’m still taking that dance after we get through these three songs.”
I hoped that would change her mind.
Chapter Seven
Grace
Glittering excitement spun all around us as Kai played my heartstrings with his twitching fingers. His blazing green eyes nearly hypnotized me into reaching for his upturned hands, but I hugged my waist instead.
Don’t fall for it.
The cracking of a microphone sounded and the DJ’s voice captured our attention, realizing that Nadine and Marty had made their long awaited appearance. The celebratory applause and ovations swirled around us like an echo chamber. When I glanced at Kai he watched me closely, not even glancing at the Bride and Groom.
When Jake whisked Kai away with parting words about our dance, it left me feeling alive. Between the gaiety of the event and the anticipation of dancing with Kai, the thrill flowing through me was invigorating. I resigned myself to the moment – there’s no harm in dancing. Kai had to know that the affection would always be there between us, but time and life had us on two different paths.
The DJ announced The Wedding Band and everyone cheered. The guys removed their suit jackets, and rolled their shirtsleeves up. The cheering of the crowd that gathered on the beach below us drew my attention and I walked to the edge of the terrace. There were now throngs of people below, all poised for a free show.
“Welcome, everyone!” Jake’s amplified voice echoed. “I wanted to take this moment to say something about Nadine and Martin. I’ve known Nadine since high school and I have to say that this pairing, to me, was the most unlikely love story of all time. But I’ve come to see it’s one of the most beautiful, honest, loving, and accepting unions I’ve ever been blessed to witness. Nadine is the Yin to Marty’s Yang, there’s no better way to say it. I met Marty on the streets of New York. He was one of my stalkers.” He deadpanned causing chuckles to pulse around. Jake let that sit for a beat. “Nah, I’m kidding, he was a respectful, authentic music journalist, who became one of my most trusted confidants, business partner and someone who I am honored to call a friend.”
I looked to Marty and he was wiping his eyes.
“Nadine came on scene like a rocket,” he continued, “hot and unyielding. She gave Marty a run for his money and an excitement he’d never known before. She woke him up and dressed him up. She made him laugh and not take life so seriously.” Jake’s voice went hoarse and he pinched his nose to stop the emotion. “Life can be way too serious. Shit happens. But in this moment, with this marriage, I have no doubt in my mind that you guys were made for each other and I wanna wish you two all the health and love until death do you part! Cheers, to Marty and Nadine!”
The guests roared with revered sentiment and the music started as soon as Jake strapped on his guitar. A familiar tune began and Jake announced the Father- Daughter dance.
“Will the Father of the Bride, please join her on the dance floor.” Jake lightly plucked the gentle tune on his guitar as Nadine’s father made his way through the crowd to join his beautiful daughter, glowing with pride. “We’re gonna be throwin’ it back with some cover songs, as we are…The Wedding Band.” He concluded in a deep announcer’s voice. Then an upbeat melody flooded from of the sound system as Jake began to sing and Bobby, Kai and a new keyboardist played along, all looking rakish in their dress shirts and tuxedo pants. I soon recognized the song, Forever Young, by Rod Stewart. The guys put their own spin on the pop hit selected by Nadine’s father and it fit perfectly. It was hard for me not to shed a tear as I watched them spin around on the small dance floor – especially when certain lyrics hit my ears.
My eyes drifted to Kai, banging his beat on the drums. The expression on his face was serious and a bit haunting. Our eyes met and remained tethered for the remainder of the song. Applause erupted when it ended and the band segued to another touching tribute. A perfect rendition to their courtship dedicated to Marty by Nadine – As Lovers Go by Dashboard Confessional.
“Okay! How’s everyone feelin’?” Jake laughed, pointing at certain people in the crowd. “That champagne’s been flowin’ like the Niagara Falls. Everyone’s gotta have their liquid courage built up by now. It’s time to get out here and dance!”
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Kai stood from the behind the drums and went for some napkins at the bar, wiping his brow. He didn’t look in my direction. I could see him speak with the bartender who in turn handed him a bottle of water.
“We’re gonna mix it up,” Jake informed the crowd as he placed the mic back into the stand, “It’s been a while since I performed behind a set of drums.”
Wait, what?
My eyes bounced to Kai. It was as if he was avoiding my stare. My heart began to race as I watched him swagger toward Jake.
“This is Kai Burton,” Jake introduced, “and he’s going to be singing a very special song. One he picked out himself, for Marty and Nadine,” Jake paused and looked fondly over to his friend standing next to him. Kai’s chin fell to his chest as he stared down at his feet. He shifted back and forth nervously. The crowd gave a supportive clap. In all the times, I had watched him perform, I’d never heard Kai sing on stage, only harmonize, but never solo. My heart slammed in my chest. I was coming apart on the inside, no doubt just as nervous as he was. I wondered if this was something that was new on the horizon for him. Maybe he’s planning a new solo music career, I thought. I stood proud. If anyone could do it, he could.
Kai thanked Jake by giving him a nod and a squeeze of the shoulder. He smiled out at the crowd with uncommonly anxious eyes. It was now obvious he was avoiding my stare. The cries of seagulls and the crashing waves mixed with the voices on the beach to pad the silence of the anticipating crowd. Finally he cleared his throat looking out over the people and removed the mic from the stand.
Jake began tapping on the cymbal and Kai held up is hand to him, indicating to wait. He looked to Bobby and gave him downturned smile. Bobby nodded at him saying, “Go ahead, man.”
The mic picked up Kai’s heavy sigh. The crowd was in suspense.
“Well, weddings are meant for speeches,” Kai held up the mic playfully staring at it and chuckled. “I’m gonna say some words that’ve been on my mind for some time. Nadine and Marty, I just got to know them, through Jake here, and what I’ve come to know about them is that they didn’t let anything stand in their way. We all have a quest for that happily-ever-after and come across obstacles, some to a greater degree than others. Some couples get lucky and only have speed bumps. I think the majority of us here are either married, been married or dream about one day getting married. Their dream of marriage and building a life together trumped the barriers. We could all probably learn a few things from this young couple. They took their love and ran.” His voice cracked and he paused. “Um, when we were rehearsing for this, we played these perfectly selected love songs that would compliment this union. As we chose the tunes, something inside me burned. I have to admit the whole process brought back some serious memories of my own.” Kai sniffed, and rubbed his nose. As he did, his eyes slowly took in every face in the crowd, except mine.
“The song I picked is one by Ed Sheeran and it’s called – Thinking Out Loud.”
The lump that formed in my throat exploded and tears welled in my eyes. The music poured over the audience like a dam burst and the lyrics that fell from his lips dripped a warm, raspy tenderness that melted my core. I was captivated, caught. He had me again. I couldn’t fight it – especially when his eyes met mine when he sang:
And darling I will be loving you ‘til we’re 70
I could have collapsed, but pure fascination kept me standing as I watched how the band changed things up. Bobby played the guitar and Jake the drums. I glanced around the terrace to see if people noticed Kai was singing to me. No one was really the wiser. Nadine and Marty danced, only having eyes for each other. Slowly the dance floor filled.
Kai poured his heart into singing his tribute – to us? He jumped down off the elevated platform as he sang into the wireless mic and began making his way toward me, that’s when the people finally noticed what was happening – awing and cooing at such a romantic gesture.
Kai took my shaking hand and led me to the small dance floor. With his free arm he pulled me close by the waist and spun us around slowly. The warmth of his body sent arrows straight to my heart. His heated breath flared over my face as he passionately sang to me. We stood still and he released his hold on me. The rise and fall of my chest felt as if I was running. Staring into each other’s eyes I felt his hand slip into mine. My mind reeled with enchantment and amazement at Kai’s crooning.
Stealing glances over Kai’s shoulder, the wedding guests watched us connect and Kai took my hand and placed it over his heart as he sang:
Oh me, I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am
We continued to dance for the rest of his performance with his hand pressing mine to his pounding heart. Could it really be that after all this time his heart still beat for me? As the song came to an end, embarrassment crept up my spine. I felt like we’d just taken the spotlight away from the Bride and Groom, until I heard Kai speak into the microphone.
“There’s just something about that song,” he said shaking his head and walked over grabbing his glass of champagne from the bar, “Cheers to Marty and Nadine, here’s to you finding love with each other every single day.”
Glasses went up in the air and I backed away to the edge of the dance floor, thankful all eyes were back on Marty and Nadine standing in the middle of the dance floor.
The DJ’s beats kept everyone bouncing around on the dance floor and I thought about escaping to the bathroom. Alyssa sprung to my side with her long hair blowing every which way, looking like she just ate a canary.
“Did you know?” I pursed my lips, trying not to look astonished by what had happened.
She shook her head no, eyes bulging. She gathered her unruly mane and wound it around her finger. “That wasn’t what he said he was gonna do.”
I tipped my head to her. “So you knew he had something planned.”
Her hand flew up between us. “Only that he wanted to dance with you and to talk about the future.”
I looked in the band’s direction and they were packing their gear. “Are they going to play anymore?”
“I don’t think so. Maybe.” She shrugged and gave me a kindhearted rub on the arm.
Alyssa winked at me and I gave a passive sigh. “Interesting curves in the road.”
“Grace, the sun is setting, it’s going to be a beautiful evening. Sometimes taking those curves, really slowly, get’s you to an amazing destination.”
I felt the urge to disappear. “I’m going to locate the ladies room.”
“It’s right by the front door to the left.”
I cut through the crowd as whispers hit my back, “That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen, like a scene in a romantic movie.”
Chapter Eight
Kai
“Courage, brother, that took huge huevos.” Jake remarked with astonishment pasted to his face. “Totally surprised me how you took that serenade to the next level.”
I nodded to let him know I heard him, but my attention was on Grace. She was talking to Alyssa and then she bolted. I felt panicked that she was sneaking away. I knew what I’d done was over the top and while she smiled and looked like she was into it, the reality of my ambitious confession may have been too much for her. I wiped my forehead with a stiff cloth napkin and watched the doors that led into the hotel, hoping she’d come right back. With each second that ticked by, the urgency to run after her grew tenfold.
“I’ll be right back.” I tossed the napkin at Jake and didn’t look back as I weaved through the group. The lobby was virtually empty and I stared out the front door of the hotel to see if she was standing at the valet. There was no one in sight. In my rush to the exit I didn’t notice her coming out of the bathroom as I passed.
“Kai?” Grace’s voice rang and I stopped like I hit a brick wall.
I searched for composure as I turned to face her saying, “I thought you left.”
She shook her head. “No. I wasn’t leaving.”
It felt like I had an elephant sitting on my chest and I fought to inhale. I went to run my hands through my hair, to gather it back. Feeling the sides of my head, short and bristly, I’d forgotten I’d cut it off just that morning. I gripped the back of my neck searching for what to say to her, but she saved me from my struggle.
“That was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever done for me.”
I swallowed hard, and bowed my head. “If only I was the one to have written that song for you.”
“It was as if you did.” She smiled tenderly. A pink glow appeared on her cheeks as she swiped her black hair behind her ears.
Her eyes searched mine before she said, “Kai, I don’t know what to say to all this…”
“How does it make you feel?” I interrupted.
There was a long slippery silence between us. As the moments passed by, my hopes of making Grace mine again, dimmed. She was more likely searching for the words to let me down easy. I felt like I had nothing to lose at that point. I’d already put myself out on a limb and it seemed as if it were cracking.
“There’s nothing to think about, Grace. You either feel it or you don’t.” I said as lovingly as I could.
“I feel it too.” Her voice was but a whisper, but her words were clear. They were the best words I could have ever heard in that moment, other than I love you.
I took her face in my hands and admired her beauty, making sure she wasn’t rigid to my touch. When her head tilted upward, I kissed her. Her mouth was sweet with a hint of champagne and her lips were as soft as cotton candy. Kissing her was like being on a carnival ride; my stomach flipped with excitement. I swelled instantly with desire and pulled away remembering we were in a hotel lobby.
Her hands rested on my shoulders. I ran my hands down her smooth arms eliciting goosebumps. I kissed her forearm and her eyes drifted shut.
“You should stop that.” She murmured, peeking at me through her long black lashes.