by Laura Ward
Despite her tidy appearance, I knew she was upset. Wringing her hands in front of her, she looked me up and down. The mirror to my side showed what she studied.
I purchased a plum colored chiffon dress for the wedding. The saleswoman told me I looked like a grown fairy or sprite, with the skirt of the dress almost resembling flower petals. The top was form fitting and ended with cap sleeves. It was modest but unique and paired with silver high-heeled sandals, I felt pretty.
My hands smoothed the sides of my hair and bun. Mom had taught me how to do my hair this way and I associated the style with elegance and grace. I had applied more makeup than usual, a plum gloss on my lips and a silver shimmer setting off the gray of my eyes. I was sure the brown glasses detracted from attire and makeup, but I was never able to get used to contact lenses, so glasses it was.
“Where are you going?” My mom signed, her frown never leaving her face.
Reaching down, I picked up a diamond stud earring from my jewelry box and slipped it onto my ear. I signed when the earring was secure. “I told Dad this last night. I met a boy in January in my Psych class. We’ve gotten to know each other, and I really, really like him. We’re going on a date tonight. He asked me to attend his friend’s wedding.”
Her eyes watched my words and I watched her hands, waiting for the response while I attached the second earring.
“No, I don’t think you should go. We haven’t met him yet. We don’t even know his name.” Her fingers shook as she signed, my eyebrows draw together when she finished.
“His name is Ricardo Martinez. And I’m twenty-two years old,” I signed with aggression. “Old enough to decide who I date. You can’t meet Ricky tonight because he’s in the wedding party. He’s been with the groom all day getting ready and taking pictures. That’s why I’m taking an Uber to the wedding. You’ll meet him soon. He’s a wonderful man.”
Mom shook her head. “You don’t understand the real world. People lie and trick sweet, innocent girls like you. You could get hurt again.” She signed faster and sloppier as she rushed out her fears. “That’s why we homeschooled you. To protect you. Let us meet him first. We can help you decide if he’s safe and good for you.”
I paused, willing my racing blood to calm. Waiting her out for a few seconds, I secured the delicate chain of my silver bracelet. “I know you’re scared. I get it. Seeing your daughter almost drown had to have been terrifying. But I lived. I breathed. I found the air I needed and all these years later, I’m still here, fighting for air and space to live. For so long you protected me from danger. But a lot of the time, that meant not really living. I’m done with that. I’m living. I’m taking chances. For the first time ever, I feel free. I respect you and Dad, but I’m not asking permission. I don’t need help seeing if Ricky’s a good guy. He’s the best.”
Mom’s face flushed when I finished signing to her.
“How do you know? How do you know he’s not using you?”
My face burned with indignation. “Why would he use me? That isn’t in his nature. At some point, you’re going to have to trust me to live in this big, scary world without making decisions for me.” I shrugged on my jacket and picked up my silver clutch. “I know you’re the reason I didn’t get the translator job in the school system.”
I didn’t know this for sure, but I predicted she would wear the guilt plain as day on her face.
Sure enough, the color on her cheeks darkened, but she set her jaw, her trademark stubbornness setting in. “That was a very rough public school you would have been assigned to. A high school. Those kids would be bigger than you. They’d take one look at your car and rob you. Absolutely unacceptable.” She finished, crossing her arms over her chest.
I hit my chest with my hand, anger rising up inside of me, making me feel hot. “That was my decision to make,” I signed furiously. “Not yours.”
Man, if she knew I had driven to Ricky’s neighborhood, parking outside and walking by teenagers she would most assuredly classify as hoodlums, she’d pass out on my floor.
“And one more thing. I got another job, all on my own. You will be happy. My cubicle is in an office space in a nice part of town. But it involves me traveling around to job sites that need interpreters or translators. I won’t control where I work, and neither will you. You will have to stop being scared. You have to stop, Mom. Please.”
Mom’s eyes filled with tears. “You’ve changed. What happened?”
Walking over to her, I hugged her before signing my response. “I fell in love. I love Ricky and you will too. Taking that kind of a risk and finding the reward is beyond my wildest dreams… No matter what happens with me and Ricky and in the future, I will never be able to thank him enough for teaching me that.”
My phone dinged announcing that my Uber driver had arrived. “My driver is here. See you later tonight.” I signed my goodbye and hurried out the door before she could stop me.
I hopped into the car, closing the door. The driver took off to the address Ricky had given me. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. That conversation needed to happen. Mom had to let go of her fear. I did and if she could too, then maybe, just maybe, we would all be truly happy.
* * *
SETTLING INTO A gold chair, I placed my clutch under the seat and read the program. I had never attended a wedding before and I was full of anticipation. The setting was beautiful. Tiny white Christmas lights covered the inside ceiling of the big white tent. Rows and rows of gold chairs were separated by a wide aisle down the middle with a white runner. The altar was adorned with big pots of white roses and tables filled with cream and gold candles. The entire room looked almost ethereal.
A violin and a cello in the corner began to play music. From the side, the groomsmen entered. First the groom, who I knew was Dean, and then a tall brown-haired guy who I guessed based on pictures I had seen was Landon. Next to him stood the sexiest man I had ever seen. My feet tapped, legs restless, and I sat on my hands to keep myself from doing something embarrassing like waving or running to him.
Ricky stood tall and proud in a fitted black tuxedo with a gold tie. His hair was pulled back and he looked sexy and even a bit dangerous with his tattoos peeking up from under his collar. He clasped his hands in front of him and his face was serious. His eyes, however, searched the room, stopping and flaring when they found… me.
My smile was small and yet if I had tried, I couldn’t keep the emotion off my face. My eyes glistened with tears of joy, my breathing increased, and my cheeks flushed. A man had never called to me like he did. Every part of him. His rough looks, his tender touches, his incredible work ethic, the effort it took to make him smile or laugh, the way he drove a motorcycle, hell, even the callouses on his hands were made for me.
Shaking myself out of my trance, I saw that Ricky’s friend stood next to him, followed by two blond guys who looked like younger versions of Dean.
Movement started from the back of the tent and a petite blonde in a strapless gold dress strolled down the aisle first, followed by a buxom, curvy blond in the same style dress. I smiled, remembering Ricky telling me that all of Dean’s family were blue-eyed, blondes. Two more bridesmaids, obviously related to the others followed. The next girl looked different. I’d bet that was Emma. Ricky told me about Emma and Landon who lived in California. Emma was short, with brown hair the color of caramel, and a gorgeous figure. God, what I wouldn’t give for breasts like hers. Every single part of me was tiny. Ugh.
Moving down the aisle after her was a very pretty blonde with pink glasses and a plump figure. I studied her for a minute, realization dawning. She had Down syndrome. I wondered if she was closer to Grace or to Dean.
And then my breath caught in my throat. Grace, a woman I had never met, began to walk down the aisle to the “Wedding March” music. She was stunning. Her dress was long sleeved, made of ivory lace with a full skirt, but coupled with her dark red hair styled high on her head and an exquisite lace veil flowing behind her, sh
e was perfection. Tears pricked at my eyes as I watched her young son escort her down the aisle.
It was Dean who made the whole room sigh. The sight of his bride and her son must have been too much for him. He jogged down to meet them, clasping the boys other hand, guiding them up the aisle.
The wedding progressed in a beautiful tradition of readings, vows, promises and kisses. When Dean presented adoption papers to Finn, I cried right along with the rest of the guests. I caught Ricky wiping at the corner of one eye with his thumb. Not even my tough guy remained unscathed by the outpouring of love and devotion in that tent.
With joyous music, the wedding party walked down the aisle in pairs, Ricky with one of Dean’s sisters, smiling and winking at me as he passed.
We made our way to the back of the tent where a cocktail hour had been set up. I searched for Ricky among the masses of suits and dresses, feeling awkward that I knew not one other soul here.
“Mariposa,” his gruff voice came from behind me. I turned to see his dark eyes flashing with heat. “You look beautiful.” He took my hands in his, holding my arms out to the side so he could see all of me. “My girl is the most gorgeous one in this room.”
“Ricky,” I whispered his name as he pulled me to him for a kiss. “That’s not true. Grace and the bridesmaids are on another level of beauty.”
He pulled back, shaking his head. “Of course they are pretty. But you’re special. There’s something about you that literally takes my breath away.”
My smile grew so big, happiness enveloped my whole body.
“Come meet the guys,” Ricky said, taking my hand in his.
My mouth went dry, a light headedness filling my brain. I’d never been able to hide my fears and my hands started to shake. Please God, don’t let me say the wrong thing in front of these people that were important to Ricky.
We walked up to the group mid conversation. My ears were buzzing with anxiety, but Ricky joined right in.
“What feels good?” he asked the tallest guy, Landon, I guessed.
“Forgiving people for their actions and mistakes,” the other guy said with an odd sense of urging in his tone, his eyebrows raised as he studied Ricky.
In return, Ricky stopped smiling and a pit formed in my belly. I wasn’t sure what I was missing from his pointed comment, but I had a strange sense I was involved. That was nonsense, right? I’d never met these people and they sure as heck didn’t know me.
Ricky cleared his throat. “I want to introduce you all to someone. This is Aveline. Aveline, these are my friends Jon, Landon, and Emma.”
I shook hands with each of them, unable to ignore the wide-eyed gaping looks from Jon and Landon. I willed my hands to stop trembling, knowing I was probably as pale as a ghost. Were they surprised because I looked homely? Everyone who saw Ricky and me together would deduce that he was out of my league, but tonight I thought I looked nice. Again, the intensity of their reaction threw me, that pit in my stomach now flipping around.
“Nice to meet you, Aveline. Your name is lovely. Is it French?” Emma asked.
I nodded, looking up at Ricky and smiling before answering. “Yes, both of my parents are from France.” My fingers smoothed down the material of my skirt, trying to hide my shaking hands.
“Are you in school?” Emma asked.
I shook my head. “I graduated last year. I’m a sign language interpreter.” There was no way I was telling them that I was taking a college course for fun. I remembered the hostile reaction I’d gotten from Ricky when I’d said that. I also wasn’t telling them that I started my first job a few short days ago. What I didn’t need was Ricky’s closest friends thinking I was a spoiled brat, especially after their first impression being one of shock—and something told me not the pleased kind.
Emma grinned. “That must be interesting. Tell me about it while we get another drink.” She placed her hand on my back and guided me to the bar.
I hadn’t had a drink yet, but my nerves screamed that I needed one. We sidled up to the bar and Emma turned to me.
“The rum punch is fabulous. Sound good?”
I nodded gratefully.
She placed our order and continued the conversation. “I’m sure you saw the shocked looks on the guys’ faces. Don’t take that personally for a second. It’s just that Ricky doesn’t bring girls around his best friends… ever.”
The bartender handed us our drinks and we each took a long sip. It was fruity and delicious. “The only times he had dates, for dances or whatever, he dated Latina girls.” Emma informed me.
My mind went back to the waitress at Manny’s. Rosalita. I knew Ricky had hooked up with her. The thought made my stomach turn.
“My point is, you’re different, and if Ricky has you here at one of his best friend’s wedding, you’re important to him. So welcome, Aveline. I’ll make sure you meet Grace and Daisy. The women who put up with these wild men absolutely have to stick together.” She winked.
I followed her back to the guys.
I liked Emma. She put me at ease and welcomed me in. Whether it was Emma’s support or the bit of liquor in my system, my shaking hands had calmed.
We found the guys where we left them, standing close together and talking quietly. Emma elbowed her way right into the group. “Who-what-what, babe?” Emma asked Landon.
I glanced up at Ricky, startled to see a panicked expression on his face. Emma and I had clearly walked into a private conversation.
“With Daisy,” Jon answered. “She went to check on the cupcakes and isn’t back yet. I’ve been wanting to tell her something. I’ll see if I can find her. Landon, can you get me another round? See if Dean needs one, too.” Jon dictated his requests and turned to head out of the tent.
I looked to Landon and Emma, the knot of unease in my belly growing bigger. Landon nodded slowly, seeming concerned himself. He took Emma’s hand and they made their way back to the bar.
“Is everything okay?” I hoped that all this discomfort was in my imagination.
His jaw popped, and he scrubbed his hand over his face. When we faced me, he seemed a little better, a forced determination in his eyes. “Nothing for you to worry about, mariposa. Tonight, we eat, drink, dance, and celebrate. Bueno?”
I nodded, sipping my drink again.
Something was off, but I had no idea what it was. What I did know, was that in this space filled to the brim with love, good things were bound to happen.
Hand in hand, we got Ricky a drink and joined the party.
Chapter Thirty
Ricky
“CONGRATS, MAN. YOU did it. Never would’ve thought that you and Russell the One-Eyed Muscle would be the first to get married.” I shook Dean’s hand as Landon and Jon barked out laughter.
Dean beamed, squeezing my hand extra hard before releasing it. “Thanks, Ricardo. Glad you and the Tonsil Tickler could stand up there with me.”
Jon slapped his chest. “Fuck, man. On your wedding day? I can’t call you that shit today. But, Ricky, you, my friend, are one helluva Zipper Ripper.”
Landon pinched the bridge of his nose. “That’s a good one,” he wheezed. “Emma said no penis jokes, but she’s not standing here, so what the hell. Long Dong Silver,” he pointed to me. “Cocktapus,” he looked at Jon. “And because it’s your special day, King Dingaling,” he saluted Dean.
We laughed hard, stopping when Landon straightened with a choked cough. Emma stood on the dance floor with the girls, watching us with narrowed eyes.
“Dios mio, she still has that teacher look about her,” I commented, grinning at Aveline who stood next to Emma.
“Hell yeah,” Landon responded wistfully. The man loved his woman.
“All right, now that we got the juvenile shit out of the way, Ricardo, what is happening? You’ve never introduced us to a girl and certainly not one like her.” Dean asked, motioning a waitress over with a tray of beers.
Beers passed around, I drank before answering. “I’m in trouble, guys.”
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Each face fell, and they stepped closer.
“Jon knows part of this, but not all. Aveline is the girl from the drowning accident all those years ago. The one my dad saved and broke his neck.” I took a drink, taking in the dropped jaws and bulging eyes of my best friends.
“What did she have to say when you told her?” Landon asked.
I shook my head and Landon closed his eyes, muttering a long drawn out, “Fuuuuuucck.”
“I haven’t told her. I got to know her when I realized she was rich and decided I could convince her parents to give my Mom some money to help with Papa, because it was their fault. They should have saved Aveline. It shouldn’t have been Papa that dove in that water.” Despite Aveline being firmly rooted in my heart now, I still got mad when I thought about the unfairness of it all.
“What did you do?” Jon asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I’ve been texting her Mom from a burner phone and threatening them if they didn’t send me money.” I muttered, eyes on my shoes, unable to look into the faces of my best friends.
“You blackmailed them?” Landon shouted, jaw dropped.
“Shhh,” I spit out. “They’ve never responded. I got nothing from it.”
“And that makes it okay?” Landon questioned, scrubbing his face with his hands.
Dean took a step back, his head tilted to the side. “Ricardo? How long have you been seeing her?”
“Two months.” I answered, guilt washing over me.
“Tell me you haven’t slept with her?” Jon asked, eyes round with fear.
I looked away. This was bad. I fucked this up big. And with the momentum of a wrecking ball, the idea hit me square in the chest that the damage my actions may have caused could be irreparable.
“Goddammit,” Jon whispered.
“Look, guys, I know. It started out as a way to help my family get some money. But I’ve gotten to know her and she’s amazing.”