by Aimee McNeil
***
The next day her mother requested Adalynne meet her for lunch. Katie had offered to join her, if it would make it more bearable. As much as Adalynne would have liked to have her company, she knew Katie was anxious to head back to school to work on some papers that were due the next day. A feeling of dread closed in around her with the thought of confronting her. Adalynne only wished she had more time before she had to deal with her mother’s wrath.
Her mother chose the golf and country club for the location of their meeting. It had been her father’s favorite place for Sunday brunch. They came here together on occasion but that felt like a lifetime ago. Memories of her father washed over her as she walked into the familiar building. The interior was exactly the same, white tablecloths, perfectly set tables with dainty tea cups sitting upon each table.
Adalynne spotted her mother across the room, sipping her tea with her attention on the pages of a magazine. Adalynne thought of turning around and walking out—unfortunately her mother looked up, as if reading her thoughts. She sat back in her chair, the magazine forgotten as she watched Adalynne approach.
Adalynne took a deep breath that smelled of the fresh flowers from the beautifully displayed vases upon the tables. The country club always provided a beautiful atmosphere but today Adalynne could not appreciate any of the finer details because the conversation that awaited her only filled her with dread.
“Hello, Mother.” Adalynne managed her best smile as she came to stand before her mother. Her mother stood and gave her a hug that was too stiff for the mood she was trying to exude to the people around them.
“Adalynne,” she said. “Please, have a seat.” Her mother waved the waiter over to pour Adalynne her tea before she engaged in conversation. “I was not impressed with your rude and untimely exit from your engagement party. Then this morning, I receive an urgent call from Mrs. Murphy stating that her son was devastated that you called off the marriage. Care to shed some light on your behavior as of late?” To anyone around them it would appear her mother was talking about something lovely, the way she maintained her poised demeanor as she spoke. No one would suspect the anger that lurked beneath.
“I can’t marry him, Mother,” Adalynne confessed, leaning back against her chair.
“Do you know how embarrassing it was to explain to your guests that you ran out on your own engagement party?” her mother continued. “Do you know how much damage control I’ve had to deal with?”
“It was your party and they were your guests. I tried to tell you not to have the party, remember?” Adalynne was not as gifted as her mother at containing her emotions. It was a trait she was glad she did not possess. She could feel her anger boiling under the surface of her skin and she liked to release the steam.
“It’s just cold feet, darling.” Her mother waved her hand dismissively.
“Matthew slept with Tracy Gibbons. It’s not cold feet, Mother. It’s over.” Adalynne tried to keep her tone low.
“Listen, Adalynne, I didn’t love your father when we first got married. In fact, your father had a brief affair at the beginning of our marriage. I forgave him and before we knew it you were in our lives and we never looked back. Love is never instant. It takes time and work to love someone.”
Adalynne could not help the shock that overcame her from her mother’s admission. “What?”
“Just take some time…” her mother started.
“Dad never had an affair,” Adalynne denied.
Her mother shrugged her shoulders. “He might as well have. The first few years of our marriage were hardly joyous. It wasn’t until I became pregnant with you that things changed. It was like he saw me for the first time.” It was the first hint of an actual smile on her mother’s lips since she arrived. “Matthew will take care of you. This is how your life is supposed to be. Your father would want this,” her mother continued.
“No, he wouldn’t have. Dad told me himself that he wants me to be happy. Why can’t you just let me decide what is best for me? I cannot live my life for you,” Adalynne argued.
“Take some time. Think about what you’re doing before you do something rash,” her mother almost pleaded with Adalynne. She reached across the table to touch her hand but Adalynne pulled away from the contact.
“I am not going to marry someone with the hope that one day they decide to love me or I them. I am not you, Mother!” Adalynne spoke in a harsh whisper before she stood up from her seat, disturbing the table slightly and spilling the tea from their cups.
“No, you are not,” she replied weakly, staring at her tea that had spilled over the side and pooled in the saucer. Adalynne turned on her heel, giving her mother a quick goodbye as she left her sitting alone in a room full of people watching them. Her mother’s plan to avoid a scene backfired.
Adalynne knew she didn’t want to spend her life waiting to fall in love with someone anymore. She couldn’t marry Matthew and hope that one day her feelings would change and become something more. The kind of love she wanted was the kind full of passion, the instant connection that made her unable to deny its lure. The kind of attraction that made every part of her body crave his touch, his love, and his nearness. She knew exactly what she wanted because she had experienced it. Fox was her true love, the only love her heart wanted.
Adalynne was prepared to spend the rest of her days alone because she didn’t want to settle for something less than what she had the joy of knowing, even if it was just for a brief moment in time. The love she experienced was beautiful while it lasted. The only problem was that it burned too bright and faded too quickly. She thought maybe she secretly loved misery and that was why she subjected herself to a love she couldn’t hold onto.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Vegas?” Adalynne asked, surprised.
“Yes, can you believe it?” Katie screamed excitedly in the phone. Adalynne had to hold the phone away from her ear. “Steven wants to make it official. It will be too hard to plan a traditional wedding with Steven finishing his last year, and he wants to be married before the baby comes. What’s more romantic than running off to Vegas to get married?”
“Did you tell your parents about the baby yet?” Adalynne asked curiously.
“No. We figured why not get married first and then break the news all at once. It will be like ripping off a Band-Aid. Steven is convinced his mother will insist on having a say in everything once we break the news. He wants us to do it our way first and then if his mom demands a traditional wedding with all the fluff we can appease her later. You know I couldn’t care less about the whole ritual of it all. We just want to be together…” Katie’s voice trailed off dreamily.
Adalynne smiled. It had been two months since she found out about the baby. “You know that if you don’t tell them soon they will figure it out for themselves when you start to show, right?”
“That’s why we’re going to Vegas this weekend,” Katie confessed.
“Oh wow…this weekend? Okay…” Adalynne tried to sort through her memory about what her schedule held for this coming weekend.
“I know it’s not much notice, but I need you, Addie,” Katie whined on the phone. “Pretty please?”
“I can make it work,” Adalynne promised.
“Yay! Thank you! I can’t have a wedding without my best girl with me. There is one more thing though,” Katie said guiltily. “I feel really bad about this but Steven wants his best man to be there for him…I’m sorry, Adalynne, but Steven and Matthew have been friends forever and…”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s your day and I’m not even concerned about it. Besides, we’re good now,” Adalynne lied. She hadn’t spoken to Matthew since a few difficult phone calls after she had called off their engagement.
“Riiight. You’re such a liar, but thanks for understanding.”
“For you, I would do anything,” Adalynne assured her.
Since Adalynne had decided not to marry Matthew, things seemed a lot more comfortable b
etween her and John, which Adalynne knew was due to the fact she no longer felt guilty around him. John never really talked about it and she was grateful. She hadn’t seen her mother much since their lunch together. They had spoken briefly on the phone on a few occasions but Adalynne always had an excuse not to visit her mother. She knew what to expect if she did and she didn’t want to entertain anything her mother had to say.
Elizabeth thought it was exciting Adalynne was going to Vegas even when she told her that Matthew was going to be there. She thought Adalynne worked too hard for someone her age and she was always after Adalynne to enjoy her youth. Elizabeth insisted they would survive the weekend at the Music House without her.
As much as Adalynne was excited for Katie and Steven, she dreaded spending time with Matthew. She knew it was going to be awkward if they had to spend time in each other’s company after how their relationship unraveled. Adalynne tried not to dwell on those worries because nothing would keep her from Katie’s side as she got married. She was prepared to deal with whatever came her way.
***
Adalynne drove the two hour drive that Friday morning to meet Katie, Steven, and Matthew at the airport. She didn’t want to miss a moment of the trip with Katie. The discomfort she expected being in Matthew’s company was not what she anticipated. Matthew was on his best behavior and did not discuss anything personal between the two of them. Adalynne suspected Katie had warned him not to cross that bridge on this occasion and he was being respectful of her wishes. It allowed Adalynne to completely relax and immerse herself in the wonderful occasion that brought them all together.
Adalynne even found herself wholly enjoying Matthew’s company. They had a wonderful conversation that had them both laughing and carrying on with Katie and Steven. Adalynne was grateful they could fall back into easy graces with one another. There were moments when it felt like nothing difficult had happened between the two of them. Adalynne didn’t hold a grudge against Matthew. She never really gave herself to him like she should have when they entered a relationship together, so she figured they were even. Although she was cautious not to get too comfortable around him as to not give him the wrong impression, it didn’t matter how much they got along, it didn’t mean she regretted her decision.
Katie and Steven’s excitement was contagious and Adalynne was looking forward to spending the weekend with them. The first night Adalynne and Katie were spending alone, shopping for dresses for the ceremony that would take place the next night. Matthew and Steven had their own plans for the night. They did not divulge any details to the ladies, insisting it was top secret. It would only technically be one night she would be in Matthew’s company anyway, and seeing how easy their flight had been, it seemed silly that she worried so much about it.
“How about this one?” Katie spun around in front of a full length mirror. Katie had yet to start showing in her pregnancy, making the dress selecting mission much easier. They did not have to limit the options to maternity styles. The girls wanted to go to every dress store they could find and were having a wonderful time trying on all the options that caught Katie’s eye. Katie’s only stipulation for her dress was that she wanted it to be the traditional white.
Katie tried everything on from long sleeve, full length gowns to dresses that were barely enough material to be considered a dress. Katie found herself leaning to the more elegant, simple styles.
Adalynne looked at the latest dress Katie put on. After what seemed like hundreds, this one stood out above all the rest. It was fitted and fell just above the knee in a sleek, form-fitting shape. It was strapless but had a sophisticated neck line. It was gorgeous and Katie was absolutely stunning.
“I think we found the one,” Adalynne said excitedly. “Steven is gonna want to get you pregnant all over again.”
“He can try.” Katie winked. “You’re right, I love this dress.” Katie admired herself in the mirror. “It’s hard to believe there’s a little baby in here.” She placed her hand on her stomach.
“You’ll know it soon when your belly gets bigger,” Adalynne teased.
Adalynne decided on a simple pale blue wrap dress with a subtle pattern embossed on the fabric. The details on the fabric were beautiful but only could be appreciated upon close inspection. The simple lines of her dress were complementary to Katie’s. They both had a very classic style. As soon as Adalynne stepped out of the changing room, Katie insisted that it be her choice. The soft white of Katie’s dress looked beautiful next to the refreshing blue. Once they found the perfect accessories for their attire and Katie found the perfect heels that made her legs look irresistible, the girls headed out for a late dinner.
“What do you think the guys are up to?” Katie asked thoughtfully.
“Nervous?” Adalynne asked.
“Never, those strippers have nothing on me.” Katie smiled mischievously.
“Very true.” Adalynne laughed.
“Oh shit!” Katie blurted, suddenly acting strange. “Um…are you excited for pampering tomorrow morning?” Katie tried to distract Adalynne, grabbing Adalynne’s hands she pulled her around to face her.
“What are you doing?” Adalynne asked, suspicious of Katie’s behavior. Adalynne looked over her shoulder. Behind Katie was a poster for Outcome with concert dates that ran their stay. “Fox is here?” Adalynne said in disbelief. Fate would not let her live down her failed attempts at love.
“I tried to protect you,” Katie offered sadly.
“This city is huge. What are the chances that we would even run into each other, anyway?” Adalynne tried to be optimistic.
“Exactly,” Katie agreed. “God, he is gorgeous.” Katie admired the poster.
“You’re not helping.” Adalynne sighed.
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just he is extremely hot and it was just an observation. I mean look at the poster—it has lipstick marks all over confirming that.” Katie justified her comment.
“I need a drink.” Adalynne sighed.
“Have one for me too,” Katie suggested playfully. “After all, it is my last night as an unmarried woman.”
Katie and Adalynne found a nice restaurant and spent the rest of the evening sharing drinks, non-alcoholic for Katie of course, and laughs. They decided they wouldn’t make it a late night because Katie was getting tired and she didn’t want to have circles under her eyes for the pictures tomorrow. “I can’t believe I ran off to get married. My mother is going to freak.”
“Especially when you tell her you got married because you got knocked up,” Adalynne teased.
“So true.” Katie laughed. “At least I know my parents will come around. Not so sure how Steven’s parents are going to react. They’re more of the stick in the mud types. Nice enough but they might not like me so much after we break the news.”
“They will do nothing but love you, I’m sure. What’s not to love? You’re absolutely adorable.” Adalynne squeezed Katie’s cheek jokingly.
***
Once they returned to the hotel Katie spent the night in Adalynne’s room watching movies until they both fell asleep. The girls had a full schedule of pampering the next day. They filled their morning with relaxation, starting with a manicure, then a pedicure, and finally a massage in the hotel’s spa before they went back to their room to order room service for lunch. “Do you think the guys are up yet?” Adalynne asked curiously when Katie checked her phone repeatedly since they had gotten back to the room.
“I hope they survived last night. We are in Vegas and there’s lots of trouble to be had.” Katie looked at her nervously.
“Do you want me to go check? He probably has his phone turned off if they were trying to sleep in,” Adalynne offered.
“That would be great.” Katie brightened. “Tell him if he’s hungover for our wedding I’ll kill him,” she added with an evil smile. Adalynne laughed on her way out of the door. They guys’ room was next door to theirs and when Katie knocked, she heard a muffled response from within. A moment
later the door opened to reveal their dark room. The suite smelled of stale beer and Adalynne couldn’t help but wrinkle her nose.
“Wow, you must have had fun last night,” she stated, looking at Steven, whose bloodshot eyes and half-closed lids told all his secrets.
“Fuck yeah, but now I feel like shit on a stick. Katie okay?” he mumbled.
“Of course, she wanted me to tell you if you’re hungover, you’re in trouble. So I guess I’ll let you sleep it off.” Adalynne turned to leave.
“Tell her I was a good boy last night even when Matthew tried to convince me otherwise.” Steven smiled, rubbing his head.
She heard a moan of protest in the dark room. Apparently Matthew made it back as well.
“I’ll tell her. Just don’t be late,” Adalynne warned.
“Never.” He smiled and disappeared back into the room.
In the afternoon Adalynne and Katie returned to the spa for hair and makeup before they came back to their room to dress. The girls were planning on arriving at the service just before it started. Katie didn’t want Steven to see her until she walked toward him to take their vows.
“Are you nervous?” Adalynne asked as they walked toward the doors to the small chapel that was the embodiment of a Vegas wedding.
“Hell yes,” Katie answered quickly, taking a deep breath. She squeezed Adalynne’s arm tightly as they pushed through the doors. Steven and Matthew were standing at the altar with the justice of the peace. They were both dressed in black suits with silver ties and shirts. They did not show the distressed hungover condition that Adalynne had found them in earlier that afternoon. Both were handsome and well-groomed as they turned to acknowledge the girls’ entrance with huge smiles on their faces. The justice of the peace was a middle aged man with thin and greying hair. He was stout and short compared to Steven and Matthew who both towered over him. He wore a grey tweed suit with a white shirt and black tie. A woman began playing the organ when the girls entered. Adalynne smiled as she looked around at the over-the-top decorations of fake flowers and endless length of tulle bunched on every available surface.