by Deorre, Iris
‘Oh.’ she pouted. ‘I thought…’
‘Let’s just go to the reception, I think it would be the best for both of us.’
She nodded a little disappointed. What had just happened? He’d seemed so into her, but now she was just another woman to him.
They drove in silence, Eugene decided to play some music, to drain out the uncomfortable silence. There had been moments when Lisa had opened her mouth to try and make small talk, but quickly thought better of it. She’d lost him and she knew it, there was no point trying to force herself on him. But that didn’t stop her from hoping and perhaps trying later.
They arrived at the hotel where the reception would take place. Champagne was handed out at the entrance and everyone had been designated a seating area.
‘You’re welcome to sit with me before everyone arrives,’ he offered.
She smiled mildly and took a sip of her drink.
‘I’m sorry I’ve been a little absent minded, it’s just business.’ He lied. He didn’t want her to feel bad about his sudden change of attraction to her.
‘That’s okay. I’ll sit with you until the other guests arrive.’ She perked up.
Just as they were about to head for his table on the far end of the room, a man called him. He turned and he was face to face with Myles uncle.
‘Eugene, you made it!’ said the man. ‘I saw you at the church, but I wasn’t certain. How are you doing young man?’
‘I’m fine, yes, very well thank you.’ He took the mans hand.
Lisa continued to the table a tad annoyed. It seemed that things weren’t meant to be with the two of them. She drank the champagne and watched the two men talk. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to talk too, she practically knew everyone, and wasn’t in the mood to make small talk. She was on the verge of thirty, single and so close to bagging an eligible bachelor, but it seemed all was against her.
The men laughed and talked a while, and soon Myles’s aunty joined them. Lisa couldn’t help but roll her eyes, and call for another drink. Finally, a few minutes later, Eugene was finally able to pull himself away from them.
‘I thought you’d never leave,’ she said.
He laughed lightly. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen them. They’re very nice people.’
‘Hmmm,’ she offered uninterested.
‘So, tell me. What do you do besides attending weddings?’
Lisa perked up, he was suddenly interested in her again.
‘I’m a financial advisor.’
He raised his eyebrows.
‘What? Did you think I was just a pretty face?’ She raised her eyebrows.
‘Well…’
‘Go on, say it. Most men think the same. Sorry to disappoint you. I’m good with numbers, run my own company and have lots of money too.’ This time she laughed.
‘So…’ He was confused. The way she’d commented on his car as if it was all new to her.
‘Oh you mean the comment about the car. I figured men like you want women without a clue, and with not much money.’
He sat back a little surprised.
‘I know, I’m just sick and tired of pretending. I shrink to fit in, and when I don’t, men walk away from me.’
‘That’s not entirely true. I mean think about it. You’re not very warm at the moment.’ He wasn’t sure where this was going or whether he wanted it to continue.
‘Warm?’ She threw her head back and laughed.
‘I guess that didn’t come out right.’
‘Look, I get it. You want someone warm and cuddly. Someone who isn’t a high flyer, who doesn’t say what she wants, and is a potential wife.’
‘That’s not what I’m saying.’
‘You didn’t have to. I work with men like you. Sometimes I feel like a painting in a gallery. Beautiful and amazing to be admired, but never good enough to be taken home.’
His mouth opened wide, but no words came out.
‘Don’t worry, I’m okay with it. Now, how about another drink, and perhaps later we could find a room in this hotel and bonk the devils out of each other.’ she laughed.
This time he laughed and accepted the drink. She had certainly flipped the switch on him, but he couldn’t really blame her, after all, he’d done it first.
Chapter Two
The bridal party arrived an hour and a half later. By then, Eugene had spoken to a lot of people, to Lisa’s disappointment. He tried his best to be good company, but it seemed he drew a lot of attention. But the moment Sahara walked into the room, his eyes were on her. How could they not be? She was the most delicate, beautiful and interesting woman in that place.
He watched her as she helped Emily with her dress as they got to the front of the room. The high table that was created for them looked down at everyone else. He kept his gaze, he smiled slightly, unaware that he was doing so. She helped the little people into their seats, and it seemed the children loved her too.
There were a few announcements, and soon food and drink were being served while each member of the family made a little speech. Myles parents went first. It was short and sweet, something he was grateful for. Emily’s parents weren’t as short, especially Francesca, Emily’s mother. She had started from the beginning of her life, telling the most embarrassing stories. At times Emily would hide behind her hands, to hide her flushed face.
Sahara was in hysterics and this caught Eugene’s attention. He loved the way she laughed so heartily, how she teased Emily. There was a great connection between them, Eugene wanted to know more.
Finally Emily’s parents came to the end of their storytelling, to Emily’s relief. Myles’s best-man said a few things, things that were bearable and soon it was Sahara’s turn to say something.
Eugene watched her intensely as she made her way to the microphone. She smiled gently filling the room with her presence. Her short hair suited her, even though she wanted her long hair back. That wasn’t about to happen any time soon. She held onto the left side of her chest a moment, and her heart sunk, only for a while. Quickly she perked herself up again, turned to Emily and gave her the widest smile. Emily made a heart shape with her hands and nodded for her to speak.
‘Thank you everyone for coming to spend this special day with Emily and Myles.’ She began.
Eugene bit back his lip, his ice blue eyes squinted as he took in her beauty.
‘For those who don’t know me, I’m Emily’s best friend, and of course today I’m her maid of honour.’ She giggled. ‘I had a speech all planned out, but tore it up this morning.’ She laughed.
Light laughter travelled around the room.
‘I guess I wanted to speak from the heart. It felt better.’ She looked at her friend again. ‘I’ve known Emily since we were eleven. She’s been my rock and my everything. She’s been with me through thick and thin, and I often wonder why she isn’t marrying me.’ she laughed.
They audience laughed on cue.
‘I mean she’s been with me through thick and thin and I love her very much.’ She fanned away the threatening tears. ‘When she introduced me to Myles, three years ago, I knew he was the one.’ She blew him a kiss, he smiled shyly. ‘She’d been through so many boyfriends, I’d begun to wonder if she would ever find the one. But then Myles came along and everything changed. He was the one guy who didn’t want to change her. He never kept her waiting for a phone call, she was never wondering whether he loved her or not. We didn’t have to hang out and figure out what his emails or texts meant. There was none of that with Myles. Myles was straight forward, no head games, no silent treatment and definitely no texts. He called. He called when he said he would, and I’ve never seen my best friend happier.’ Again she looked at them. ‘Guys, I’m so happy for you, I’m so happy that you both found true love, and I know you guys will be together for a lifetime.’
Emily aaahed and touched her chest. The crowd applauded while Sahara walked back to their table and gave her friend a hug.
‘I’m just goin
g to go out and get some air, okay,’ said Sahara.
‘What number?’
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘I can’t not worry.’
‘I’m okay. Just a bit tired.’
‘Please, what number are you?’ Emily bit her lip, pushing down the urge to ask a different question, a question she’d been forbidden to ask a long time ago.
‘Six. But I’ll be fine, I promise.’
‘If you go below five, call me.’
‘I promise.’ She squeezed her hand, and then made her way out through the French doors out onto the balcony.
That was his cue. Eugene stood up about to make his way to the bride and grooms table.
‘Where do you think you’re going?’ Lisa caught him by surprise.
She’d left her table of boring relatives in search of some fun.
‘Going to have a quick chat with my friend, if you don’t mind.’ He left her before she could draw him into conversation.
He walked over to the table as quickly as he could, and headed for Myles. He smiled and congratulated Emily, then asked to see Myles in private. Myles looked at Emily as if to ask for permission. She nodded, not willingly, but could tell Eugene had something on his mind.
Myles pushed back his seat and they moved out of the room and into the hall that seemed a lot less busy.
‘What is it?’ asked Myles.
‘I need to ask you something.’
Myles had known Eugene a long time to know that his questions usually involved a woman.
‘First of all, I probably won’t be able to help you. This is my wedding day, I’m not setting you up with anyone.’
Eugene laughed. ‘It’s not like I need help with that. Do I?’
‘Probably not, but am I wrong in thinking that this involves a woman.’
‘Not entirely.’
‘I thought so.’
‘I just wanted a little information on that pretty maid of honour.’
‘Oh no you don’t!’ Myles was serious. ‘This one is not just any woman, she’s not another notch in your bed post.’
‘Blimey! It almost sounds like you like her yourself.’
‘It’s not what you think. She’s very important to the woman I love, and I won’t let you near her.’
‘Won’t let me?’ He laughed.
‘Yes, I won’t let you!’
‘I don’t need your permission.’
‘Well then, you don’t need my help.’ He was about to walk away.
‘Okay wait, just hear me out.’
‘She’s not just any woman. You can’t just walk into her life and walk out like you do.’
‘I’m not going to do that.’
‘I mean it Eugene. I’m your friend, but Emily means more to me.’
‘Wow! You have changed!’
‘I have, I’m a man now. A responsible one.’
‘And I’m not?’
‘I…listen, let’s just get back to the reception.’
‘Not until you tell me her name.’
‘Ask her yourself!’ Myles was a little put off. It had always been this way with Eugene, and he never expected him to change.
‘Maybe I will…oh and thanks for nothing.’ He started to walk off.
‘Hey man. Just leave this one alone. Please.’ He begged.
Eugene turned towards his friend with his hands in his suit pockets, and pursed his lips.
‘Just leave her alone.’
‘I think I’ll let her make that decision,’ he said and walked away.
Myles shook his head, watched as his friend walked away and head for the balcony.
‘Some things never change,’ said Myles under his breath.
****
Sahara was looking out into the beautiful hotel garden when Eugene stepped out.
‘Hi,’ he said.
‘Oh, you scared me.’ She held onto her chest as she turned to see who had spoken.
The man was strikingly handsome! The first thing she noticed was his eyes. She smiled faintly then whirled back to the beautiful scene ahead.
‘It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’ He took a step closer to the edge of the balcony where she stood.
‘Yes it is,’ she replied.
‘Warm today isn’t it? I mean it’s quite lucky Myles and Emily got this weather.’
‘Yes, very lucky.’ Sahara wasn’t really in the mood for small talk, she just wanted some fresh air, away from the crowd.
‘I’m Eugene by the way.’ He held out his hand and waited.
‘Sahara.’ She turned and met his hand with hers.
‘Nice to meet you Sahara, nice name.’
‘Thanks, it’s nice to meet you too.’ She turned back to the garden and tried to focus.
‘How do you know Emily and Myles?’
‘Emily and I have been friends for a long time.’
‘Strange how we’ve never crossed paths.’
‘Not really.’ Sahara understood why. ‘I don’t meet many people really. I guess this will be one of the biggest crowds I’ve been in. One of the reasons I need some air.’ She took in a deep breath.
Just then Felicity stepped out to check on Sahara.
‘Hey, Emily asked me to check and see if you’re – ’
‘Tell her I’m a seven now, there’s no need to worry.’ She waved her off. ‘I’ll be back in, in a second.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes, of course I’m sure.’ She shooed her away.
Felicity took one look at the handsome stranger, and then left them.
‘What was that all about?’ He couldn’t help himself.
‘You’re a bit nosey Mister- ’
‘Gallagher, but please call me Eugene…I insist.’
She looked at the overly confident man and nodded.
‘I am a bit nosey, but for good reason.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes.’
‘What reason is that?’
‘Well, this might sound corny, but from the moment you stepped into the church, I just couldn’t stop looking at you.’
She giggled.
‘It’s true.’
‘Do you say that to all the women you chat up?’
‘No I don’t. I’m being honest. There was something about you that drew me to you.’
She watched him curiously.
‘It’s true, but for now, why don’t you tell me what you meant when you said you’re a seven.’
‘Oh that, that’s just something between us girls.’
‘Care to share?’
‘Nope!’
‘Okay.’
Sahara was proving to be different. She wasn’t all opened and willing to give him everything, like most women did when he walked into their lives.
‘May I ask why not?’
‘Because it’s none of your business.’
‘Okay.’ He liked her already.
‘If you will excuse me, I’ll have to get back in before they call a search party.’
‘Could I at least get your number?’ he asked.
She stopped a moment and thought about it. It would be nice, the man was amazingly hot, how could any woman say no to him. But she knew she wasn’t ready to let a man in.
‘Nope.’ She turned.
‘Really?’ He followed.
‘Yes, really.’
‘At least tell me why, and then I won’t feel so rejected.’
She stopped and turned a moment. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t give out my number to strangers.’
‘I’m hardly a stranger. I’ve been friends with Myles for years.’
‘But you are a stranger to me.’
Music began to play inside and Emily and Myles stood up for their first dance of the day.’
‘Okay, could I at least try and not be. Could you give me some time to get to know you?’
She stopped at the entrance and watched her best friend with the man she loved. It was all over Emily, from the way s
he looked at him to the way they held each other. Sahara could see the love. Love she knew that she might never experience, but loved to experience it through other people. The floor was soon opened to everyone else.
‘Can we dance?’ he asked.
A little page boy rushed over to Sahara and tugged on her dress.
‘Can I have this dance?’ asked the little boy.
‘Well, yes of course.’ She giggled and looked over her shoulder at Eugene. ‘I guess you’ll have to wait your turn.’
‘Oh, I’ll wait. I’ll wait for as long as it takes.’
He watched as she gave her attention to the little boy. He wanted to know everything about her. He wanted to be next to her, and he didn’t even know why.
Sahara danced with the little boy as best she could. He seemed happy enough.
‘Would you like to dance?’ Lisa caught him off guard.
‘Urm…I’m okay, I’m just waiting in line to have a dance with Sahara.’
Lisa looked over at Sahara and nodded.
‘I see, good luck with that.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘She’s not into men. Sometimes I think she’s a lesbian. The way she clings to Emily amazes me.’
‘Nah, that can’t be it.’
‘Well I don’t spend enough time around them to know what’s going on. All I know is that she’s never really dated.’
‘So you don’t spend enough time around them and yet you know she’s never dated. A bit contradictory, don’t you think.’
Lisa knew why Sahara didn’t date, but she wasn’t going to share it with him. Telling him would only make him want her more, or not, but Lisa wasn’t going to risk it. She’d had him first.
‘Maybe, but whatever the reason, you don’t stand a chance. Now, would you like to dance?’
‘You want to bet?’ He started in the direction of the dance floor and stopped beside Sahara and the little boy. ‘Excuse me young man. Do you mind if I have a dance with this beautiful young lady?’ he asked.
‘It depends,’ said the little boy cleverly.
‘On what?’
‘If she wants to.’ The little boy looked up at her. He’d been instructed to be a decoy each time some man tried to either ask her to dance or do anything else. So far he’d done a great job.
‘It’s okay Russell, you’ve done a great job.’ She winked.
Russell nodded and stepped back.