I freeze in his doorway. “Um. Okay.” I walk away feeling like somebody just turned the light on.
Chapter 27
Tina
Alexa and I search for our table as we take in the grand reception hall. Everything is pure white with lovely elegance. The chandeliers sparkle as if polished for hours just for this wedding. White twinkle lights hang everywhere. The tables are decorated with exquisite white rose centerpieces, white tablecloths, white china. White candles provide a soft glow, filling the room with romance. White, white, white.
Kayla seems to have an obsession with white like I do purple. The bridesmaid’s dresses are even white, but Matt has a black tuxedo. A white tux is so eighties. They even had us throw white rose petals after the ceremony. The only color I see is the red heart drawn over the i in my name on the place cards.
Our table is next to the dance floor. We’re the first ones to arrive. Lisa gets to sit with James and the bridal party.
“I still can’t get over how emotional Matt was while saying his vows. There’s nothing more beautiful or sexy to see a man so in love with a woman.”
I pull my head back in surprise and look under the table.
Alexa looks with me. “What are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for a woman named Alexa Kramer. Do you know where she is?”
Alexa looks at me like I’m mental, which I kinda am these days.
“Did I hear you correctly? Since when do you talk like a greeting card? Are you going soft on me?”
She pretends to look at her fingernails. “Maybe. Maybe not. I see Matt and Kayla, Lisa and James. And now you and Gerry. I just don’t think it’ll ever happen to me.”
What did she say? “Two things to point out. First, maybe you’re too picky or you’re looking in the wrong places. You’ve quite the handful of guys to choose from. Second, don’t include Gerry and me in your couples list. We were never in love and haven’t spoken since our fight.”
She leans her chin on her hand. “Do ya think I’m too picky?”
Out of thin air, a tall handsome man appears next to us. “Would the lady in red like another drink?” he says with a sultry voice, his eyes already undressing her.
She flashes her sexy smile. “I’d love another champagne.”
Our sentimental moment left as fast as it came. Typical Alexa.
She leans to me and whispers, “You do love Gerry.” Then she lifts up her hand for the man to take it.
My stomach turns.
“Go and get another drink and let me be.” I shoo her away.
Maybe I was close to loving Gerry, but not anymore. As the days came and went this week, my anger simmered down. He should’ve told me, and I hope he wasn’t using me. It’s hard to believe he cares for me.
Until I watch the video.
Lisa says she feels lost when she doesn’t have her wedding ring on. That’s how I feel without my necklace today. Alexa tried to get me to wear one of her necklaces, but I refuse to wear another one. Instead I borrowed a pair of swanky earrings. I’m trying to convince myself I’m strong and can live without it.
Alexa returned to the table, gushing over that man. Speeches came and went. James’s speech was as entertaining as ever. Since they’d grown up together, he told funny stories of their shared childhood. He had the entire crowd laughing and then crying when he became serious.
Dinner dishes were just cleared. The roulade tasted amazing, which I’m not surprised about. I wonder if Gerry’s thinking of me. Has he looked for me tonight, even though I’m trying not to look for him? I won’t allow my eyes to wander around the room.
I sit alone, drumming my fingers while everyone else mingles or dances. “Hi, Tina.” I turn my head to see who rudely interrupted my thoughts about Gerry. I sigh. Great.
My muscles tense. “Tyler.”
He sits on the side of the adjacent chair to face me. I give him a quick glance. The top buttons to his shirt are wide open, and his tie is hanging loosely around his neck. His hair is drenched with sweat.
“What do you want, Tyler? Need another drink?” I point my thumb to the bar. “The bar’s over there.”
He laughs. “I want to apologize for last Friday. I was a drunken asshole.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever. I don’t want an apology.” I grimace. “I need to go to the bathroom.” I turn to stand up.
He grabs my wrist lightly. “I don’t care if you like me or not. However, I care about Gerry. That entire day was shitty for me. I was a dick to everyone, and I don’t know why I said what I did. He never once said anything bad about you all those years ago. He told me if he even spoke one word to you that night he would’ve never have made it to culinary school in France. And he had to go. You need to understand that.”
I pull my wrist away and rub it.
“After Gerry ripped me a new asshole last Friday night, he explained to me what’s happened the past few weeks. He spent time with you because he wanted to, not because he used you. I think the video is proof enough, don’t ya think?”
Deep down, I know he’s telling the truth. With every minute that passes, I don’t even know why I’m so angry at Gerry anymore. Sometimes I’m madder at myself for being too sensitive.
I turn, but freeze when he says, “Don’t walk away when you’ve met again after all these years. That has to mean something to you. You’ve both been given a second chance when the timing was finally right.”
His words point out what I’ve refused to admit. I force myself to walk with my head held high. I don’t get far when I hear an older woman’s voice say, “Who were you talking to, Tyler? Was that Tina?”
Tyler calls, “Tina. Wait.” I remain facing away from them.
“Let me introduce you to Gerry’s parents.”
My heart rate speeds up. I spin slowly and plaster on my award-winning fake smile that has worked for so many years. I ease toward them.
“This is the infamous Tina.” Tyler motions to me.
“Hi, Tina. I’m Andreas, and my tiny wife over here is Éclair. Oh, I’m sorry. I mean Claire.” He embraces her and tickles her side.
“That joke’s so outdated, Uncle Andreas.” Tyler laughs.
I cover my mouth to stifle mine.
Claire walks forward and shakes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Gerry mentioned he was spending time with you. You must be very special, because I haven’t heard him talk about a woman in ages. His job takes up so much of his time. But that’s what happens in the restaurant business. It’s good to hear he’s finally come out of hiding.”
“It’s nice to meet you both. How long are you visiting?”
“We’re staying here for a couple more days, and then we’re driving through New England to enjoy the autumn foliage. We’ve always wanted to do it. Once we heard the wedding would be in October, we jumped at the chance and booked rooms at bed and breakfasts.”
“I’d love to do that. I’m itching to travel myself.”
Andreas looks over my shoulder and nods. Claire stares at something or someone too. I slowly turn around but only see guests mingling. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Claire suddenly says, “Tina, we have to excuse ourselves. We just saw a friend of ours we need to say hello to. I hope we can talk more later. Enjoy the reception.”
“No problem. It was nice to meet you.” They walk in the opposite direction from where they were looking. Weird.
After using the bathroom, I walk back into the reception room just as the cake is being rolled out onto the dance floor. I’m shocked by how massive it is. I’m too far away to see the minor details, but it’s a three-tiered cake with white roses. I head to my table to get a closer look. The roses look real. If they are edible, Matt has serious talent.
Lisa and James are huddled together with Alexa at our table. Lisa waves me over with a giant smile on her face. Alexa also grins ear to ear. Time to cut them off from the alcohol. But who cares. I’m not the mother hen anymore, and we have rooms here. As I ap
proach my chair, I’m stunned to find my plate covered with a shiny silver dome. The other plates are empty.
I eye Lisa and Alexa with suspicion and point to my plate. “What’s this?”
Lisa shrugs her shoulders.
Alexa remarks, “I have no idea. It was here when I came back to the table.”
Alexa points to the other guests sitting with us. “Did any one of you see who brought this?”
A woman responds, “A server asked which seat was Tina’s and placed it on her plate. I asked him what it was, but he ignored me and walked away.” She stares at the dome with curiosity like everyone else.
“Stop hiding behind that chair and sit down.”
I do as Lisa says and stare at my distorted face in the silver dome. It makes my nose look huge.
“Don’t leave us hanging. Take the cover off. We want to see what’s inside,” Alexa insists while bobbing in her chair.
I lift it slowly so only I can see what’s there first. I drop the cover back down and melt into my chair. I cover my quivering mouth with my shaking hands.
“What’s wrong? What is it? Can I look?” Lisa asks.
I can only nod because I’m speechless.
She lifts it, and her breath hitches. “No. I can’t believe it. Your necklace.”
It lies delicately on the plate with a small sprig of lavender placed in the middle of the chain. Above the necklace is a small photo album of the selfies and pictures Gerry and I took. The top photo is from the Empire State Building. I’ve not seen it before, and it’s beautiful. His smile is breathtaking. My lips continue to quiver as my eyes tear. I pick up the necklace and stand up to search for Gerry. My heart flutters when I hear the song “Apologize” from One Republic in the background.
I stumble when I see him standing about twenty feet away, delectable as ever in his tailored black suit, one hand in his pants pocket. He looks like a model in GQ. I’m suddenly hungry, and it’s not for food. We lock eyes, and he flashes me the crooked smile I love. I’ve missed every ounce of him.
I shake my head in disbelief, trying not to break down. Lisa told me last weekend I’m an ugly crier. That my face squishes together like the alien in the movie Predator. But I don’t care. I can’t hold back anymore. I run to him and leap into his arms. We don’t speak with words, only our lips. To me the room is empty. His soft lips devour mine as my body melts into his. He was right all along.
This is real.
We’re real.
And we don’t have to resist us anymore.
Chapter 28
Gerry
Her satiny lips. Her decadent tongue. I could dance with them all night. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper against her lips. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.” I bury my face into her hair, inhaling her lavender-scented shampoo.
“I know. I believe you.”
Hearing her words makes me kiss her deeper.
“The guy over at table ten making out with the best man’s sister-in-law is Gerry.”
We both pull away out of breath as we hear laughter surround us.
“And the lovely lady in purple is Tina.”
She buries her head into my chest and giggles.
I watch Matt to hear what else he’s going to say to embarrass us.
“Because I married Kayla, Gerry’s now my official cousin, whether he likes it or not.” Always the comedian. “He’s been a great friend to me since we were in culinary school together in France. If it weren’t for him, I would never have met my gorgeous wife. Gerry is the awesome chef who prepared the delicious food tonight. Can we give him a round of applause, everybody?” Matt and Kayla clap as the rest of the guests join in.
I shake my head as the crowd claps and cheers. Tina squeezes me, and I can’t resist pulling her even tighter against me. She’s not leaving my side for the rest of the night, or my life if I have my way in the future. There’s nothing holding us back anymore. I want her alone so I can show her how much she belongs to me now.
The clapping dies down.
“Now it’s time for Kayla and me to cut this exquisite cake. Made by me, of course.”
The guests start clinking their glasses with silverware.
“You want me to kiss her?”
They yell, “Yes.”
He dips her back and kisses her for the crowd and then swings her back up.
Now that the focus is back on them, I pull Tina’s chin up. “You look stunning in this very sexy dress. Other guys better not try to dance with you.”
Her glowing eyes soften. “Since I walked into your restaurant, I’ve always been yours.” She cups my cheek with her hand. “Thank you so much for my necklace. I thought I lost it and you forever. This week has been total hell without you both. Now I have you both back.”
Lisa and James approach us. With her hands clasped over her chest, Lisa says, “Gerry. I can’t believe you found it. She’s been miserable without it…and…” Lisa hesitates when Tina gives her a dirty look. “Which isn’t relevant anymore.”
“Where did you find it?” Tina asks.
“Joel told me he received a phone call regarding a missing necklace. I noticed it was your name and phone number. I was on a mission from then on to find it. Days passed, and I was still empty handed. Then Joel came to me with it in his hand. It was half buried in the cobblestone in the beer garden. I saw it was broken and dirty, so I had a jeweler fix and clean it.”
Tina holds up the necklace to inspect it. “It’s so shiny. Look at how the amethysts sparkle. It looks brand new.”
“I had a stronger clasp put on it, just in case you get mad at me again.”
Tina pokes me in the side.
“Do you want me to help you put it on?”
She puts it in my hand and turns around. She lifts her shiny long hair, exposing her neck. After I close the clasp, I brush my fingertips down her open back. This dress is going to kill me. I’m not sure it’ll be in one piece at the end of the night. I want to take her to my room now, but I need to stay for a while. I straighten my tie and put my arm around Tina’s waist when she twists back around. Her fingers massage the pendant.
James shakes my hand. “Great job with dinner. I think it was even better than the taste testing. Your skills are impressive. All I’m good for is grilled cheese sandwiches.”
Lisa nuzzles into him. “But they’re the best.” She kisses his neck as “A Thousand Years” from Christina Perri begins. “Let’s dance.” Lisa drags James seductively to the dance floor.
I take Tina’s face in my hands. “I want to be alone with you, but I need to socialize a little bit since I just finished with the kitchen. We have a lot to talk about, but let’s do it later. Is that all right?”
She smiles as I tickle her lips with mine once more.
She plays with the buttons on my shirt. “I don’t think we’ll be talking much later on.”
I growl. “You drive me nuts. Dance with me.” I pull her arm.
She resists. “But I was so horrible at your apartment.”
“Didn’t I say I’m a good lead? We have more space on the dance floor. Dance with me, please. I won’t spin you around like last time. That’s for later in my room.” I waggle my eyebrows.
“Then let’s go now.” She pulls me away from the dance floor.
I pretend to give in but wrap my arms around her waist and carry her to the dance floor.
“Put me down, Gerry, or I’m not letting you spin me later.” She squeals.
We glide along the dance floor. Blocking everyone from our thoughts. Our bodies glued together. “This is one of my favorite songs. Listen to the words,” she whispers.
I listen, and my heart connects with hers as we stare at each other. “Kiss me again,” she says. “I don’t care if anyone sees us. For weeks I’ve pushed my feelings aside. Now I want you to know what you mean to me. The kiss in the video wasn’t enough.”
We sway slower and slower as our kiss mimics the rhythm of the song.
Someone
smacks me on the shoulder.
“You two at it again? This is a family affair,” Matt jokes as he slowly walks away. He then turns around. “Gerry, didn’t you say you have a room here?”
Tina looks up at me. Matt winks and strolls off the dance floor. I guess that was Matt’s way of saying it’s okay to leave.
I steal one more kiss and lead her off the dance floor away from her table.
“Where are we going?”
“Let me introduce you to my parents before we go for a spin in my room.”
She pats me on the ass. “You’re bad.” Her lips touch my ear as she whispers, “But I secretly love it.”
My heart bangs out of my chest like a cartoon character. Surely everyone can see it.
“I already met them. Your mom’s name is Éclair.” She giggles.
I stop abruptly. “Are you kidding? My dad used that joke again? He’s been using it since I was little.”
“Be nice to your dad. He’s sweet. Your mom too. I don’t know how you became so big and bulky when your mom’s so bitsy like Lisa. Your dad’s tall, but nothing like you.”
“If you meet my uncles in Europe, you’ll understand. My dad’s the runt of the family.”
My eyes scan the guests around us and then the doors. “Since you met my parents, I want to get us out of here without anyone seeing us. I want you to myself without interruptions.”
She looks around too.
I peck her neck. “Do you have a handbag with you?” I pull her toward her table.
“Yes.” She snatches it off the chair and waves to Lisa and Alexa in the distance. Lisa lifts her chin with a smile of approval. Alexa gives us a thumbs-up.
“Let’s get out of here.” Tina grabs my hand.
Chapter 29
Tina
We reach the elevator in record time. He hits the Up button. “I’m on the tenth floor. Do you have a room here?” he asks while loosening his tie.
“Yes, I’m sharing one with Alexa. It’s on the tenth floor too,” I answer as I fiddle with my necklace. A sense of relief gushes through me now that I have both the necklace and Gerry back.
Dreams Collide: Collide Series Book 2 Page 21