by K. Aybara
I owed this girl big. I didn’t know how I could ever repay her. She had done so much for me, she has kept me from turning into Bridezilla, not to mention kept me from making some horrible choices. “I’m gonna find a way to repay you, Amber. I don’t know how, but I will one of these days.”
“That is enough with the sappy stuff. Let’s get back to the good stuff already. I am still waiting to see if Liz owes me some money or not. The look on your face when that stripper let it all hang out, was that the first time you had ever seen a dick, I mean in person? Cause let me tell you, it was nice, and it was big, but your eyes; they were huge!”
“Really, Celeste, how is it any of your business. No, it was not the first time I have seen a penis, I just wasn’t expecting it to be, well, I didn’t think he would put it right up in my face like that. I thought maybe he would, you know, give me some personal space.”
“Ha, you’re funny. We paid him well to make sure you didn’t have any personal space. And just so you know, seeing a picture doesn’t count. So Liz, looks like you are paying up.”
The rest of the morning went just like that. They teased me about the bachelorette party; gave me advice for tonight, and so on. I was so worked up, I made them change the subject to talk about the wedding, and made sure everything was in place. They knew why I kept changing the subject, and each time I did they switched back to the tormenting and teasing quicker and it was more extreme. It’s like having a bunch of older sisters and they saved all of it up for today. I wouldn’t change anything today. It is going to be perfect!
I WALKED INTO THE DINER and grabbed my normal seat in Cindy’s area. She was almost like the mother I no longer had. I’d been coming in here and sitting at that same booth every Saturday since I had gotten back from deployment. She knew everything that had happened to me overseas, she knew the story of Cailyn and me inside and out, and she knew today was the big day.
“Hey there, mister, today’s the day. Guess that means I won’t be seeing you in here that much anymore, huh?”
“Yep, today is it, but you know I will still be stopping in to say hello every once in a while. It may not be every weekend or anything, but I’m not going to forget about you. Heck, give me a year or two and I will have to bring the grandkids to see you.”
Cindy’s eyes lit up, but a tear was sitting on the edge of her eyelash. I thought the whole reason we had formed this bond was we both know all too well how hard it was to lose someone. Years ago, when I first started coming in here, I would come in around noon, moping. I would sit down and order a coffee and food for sustenance. She was here to do her job and that was about it. She left me alone and let me eat, so I always made sure to sit in her section instead of the other girl who was just too chipper and bubbly.
One day Cindy wasn’t here, I asked about her and the other waitress told me that she had called in. The following week, I asked Cindy if everything was okay. That was the first time I saw her cry, but it wouldn’t be the last. She told me that it had been the anniversary of when she found out her son wasn’t going to come home from overseas. After that, we really opened up to each other and helped each other through those dark times. If Cindy hadn’t been there to get me out of my funk, I don’t think I would have been in the place to make things work with Cailyn.
“I really would like that. I can’t wait to see them, but I sure hope they take after their momma. We don’t need any more walking around looking like you. I’m going to love them as if they were Ben’s.”
“Good, then that means you will be babysitting, changing diapers, giving us some time to get out and away for a bit. Yep, I will definitely be stopping by every once and a while. I won’t forget your promise. ”
Cindy wiped the tear away from her eye and smiled. “Thanks, kiddo, I needed that this morning. You know that date is coming up, and he is always on my mind. I know you can’t replace him, but sometimes it’s like he was sitting up in Heaven and picked you; like he came down and asked you to look after me.”
“You know sometimes I wonder if he did. I still don’t know why I chose to walk in here that first time. As soon as I walk through those doors, I feel like I have something extra that I am carrying with me, but instead of weighing me down, it lifts me up.”
“Enough of that, I’m going to get you your regular, and it’s on me today. No, no, you are not going to argue with me, young man. This is my treat to you on your special day.”
“Yes, ma’am. I really wish you were able to make it today. I’m going to miss having you there. You’d finally get to meet Zane too, but then again, it might be a good thing you are going to miss that experience.”
As Cindy walked off to place my order, I busied myself making a checklist of things to do. Cleaning that needed done, a few more things I needed to pack, and so on. Before I knew it, she was bringing my plate to me with an extra side of bacon and a slice of country ham that I didn’t normally get but she knew I loved.
“Cindy, you didn’t have to do that.” She may be telling me that she was going to pay for my meal, but she couldn’t stop me from leaving her a tip.
“Hush now and eat your food. You have a long day, and a long night ahead of you.” Grinning sarcastically at me, she walked away to refill coffee for the other customers.
Sitting there eating my breakfast, it hit me that this would probably be the last time that I did this alone. I realized that after today, my life would not be the same ever again. The last time I had a change like this it was me joining the Army. That changed my world completely and turned me right-side up and placed me on a path that could lead somewhere. This was the place it ultimately led, I am afraid it was going to turn me upside down. Not in a bad way or anything, but I am not going to know up from down for a while.
I haven’t had anyone in bed next to me for so long I don’t remember how it felt, or the simple thing like how to share the covers. Things like her taking all the hot water in the morning before I could get in the shower, having to start putting the toilet seat down all the time, and not just when she was coming over. I was sure there were so many things where I was going to have to adjust, and her as well, that would have been so much easier if we had lived together before the wedding.
I completely respected her wishes and beliefs though. She was a diamond in the rough. I couldn’t tell you how many guys passed her by because they weren’t willing to wait. Their loss, not mine. Of course, a few years earlier and I would have been one of those guys too. I may not have even taken no for an answer, and then I really would have been in for a rude awakening.
There were instances when I was with her I felt like I am back in time to a generation where life was happier. I dreamt about walking down the street, holding hands and talking about our future, opening the white picket fence for her and watching her walk through as she rubbed her pregnant belly.
“Well, don’t you look happy and content? Want some more coffee?”
“No, I think I’m good. I was just about to head out. I have some more cleaning and packing to do before I head to the church. Need to have things ready for when we get back from the honeymoon and it will help me keep my head on straight today, I hope.”
“Well, don’t be a stranger. I want to see both of you in here at least once a month. You hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll drag her in here kicking and screaming if I have to, just remember you are going on the babysitting list.” Cindy smiled and I knew she was thinking of Ben as she walked away. A couple years ago, thoughts like that would have thrown her into a deeper depression, but nowadays, she could enjoy the thought of him being there still. I got my wallet out and left enough money for a tip that it would cover the meal, the extras she gave me, and the usual tip.
As I walked out the door and round the corner to walk the few hundred yards home, I saw Zane’s car pull up. They were just getting into town and all the guys piled out of it. Being the cheap bastards they were, it looked like they would rather pile all five of them in one c
ar than to drive two. That had to be a very uncomfortable ride this morning, and it would be even worse on the way home tonight.
Zane saw me walking up and waved. “Hey, bro, where have you been?”
“Not that it matters, but I went for some food. I thought you all weren’t going to get here for a few more hours and you were going to meet me at the church.”
As Breck was stretching his back out I sympathized with him. It looked like he had the middle seat in the back, squished between Tucker and Ryan. “Luke, you know we can’t leave you unsupervised that long on this very special day of yours. What would your new bride do to us if we were to show up and something had happened to you? I am not going to be the one that finds out.”
“I guess I get that you are scared of a girl and all, but I’m a big boy. I’m capable of making sure I get there on time and in one piece.”
Zane popped the trunk about that time and each of the guys went to the back and grabbed a bag. “So, Luke, are you going to invite us in and show us where we can put our stuff or what?”
“What do you mean where you can put your stuff?”
“We were going to crash at your place tonight, wasn’t that the plan? You and Cailyn have that hotel room tonight before heading out in the morning, so why not let us stay?”
“Oh hell no! I am not letting you all crash here. I have been cleaning and packing this morning so that she can move her stuff in when we get back. I’m not going to have you all make a mess of everything while we are gone, throwing parties and doing whatever you want to my place, which would probably result in my eviction.”
“You wouldn’t want your brother and best friends to drive home tonight; wondering if we were able to make it there safely would you? You did say there was an open bar didn’t you?”
“Alright, fine, you all can crash tonight, but you are helping me clean today, and you are going to clean up before you leave tomorrow. Not the next day, tomorrow! Are we clear?”
“Sir, yes, sir. Crystal clear!”
“Alright, smart asses, come on. Follow me.”
We walked up the stairs and into the building. It’s still a little early and the guys were burning off some of the energy from being crammed into the car like sardines so I had to tell them to keep it down a bit. I opened my door and held it open for them to all pile in. I was sure my brother would probably claim my bed, and someone would grab the couch, but looked like three of these numb-nuts would be sleeping on the floor.
Standing in the middle of the small apartment, I grabbed their attention and start pointing. “Grand tour time. Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. No smoking. Please enjoy your stay with us and make sure it is cleaner than when I left it. Figure out where you are going to throw your stuff, grab some cleaning supplies, and get to it. Earn your stay.”
Ryan looked at me then around the room. “Luke, seriously? You’ve already got this place cleaner than any place I have ever seen you live. Not to mention, you want us to clean up before we leave. Why not have some fun, pop open a couple of cold ones, and we can enjoy the next couple of hours before you get that ball and chain attached to your ankle and we can’t hang out anymore.”
Tucker started heading straight for the fridge, “Hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere. Let’s have a few beers and give us something to need to clean up later.” He opened the fridge and realized that it was almost completely empty. “Luke, man, you have been robbed. How long were you at breakfast?”
“Tucker, I am going to be gone for a week. Why would I have a fully stocked fridge? Add to that the fact that I wasn’t expecting to have you all showing up early or crashing here, so why would I have beer?”
Ryan was the first to jump up. “Zane, keys? Luke, where is the closest store? You know I want them cold already so send me the right way.”
My brother tossed him the keys and I told him how to get to the store. Tucker decided to go with him while Breck and Jeremy went outside for a smoke.
My brother walked up to me and I could tell that he had something on his mind. “What’s up man? You look like something is eating away at you.”
“I don’t know, I just wish Mom could be here, ya know? I mean, she always did everything she could for us. She worked her ass off, put in more hours than you would think possible. And what did it get her? Fuck cancer!
“You know I tried to reach out to the shitbag that calls himself our father a couple weeks ago and he didn’t even remember me? He had no idea who he was talking to, he was so damn drunk. I don’t know why I would think he would have come, or even that you would want him here, I just thought it would be nice to have family on your side or something.”
“Zane, hey, it’s okay. I will have family there. You are going to be standing there right by my side the whole time. That’s all that matters. And mom will be there. We may not be able to see her, but she will be there, smiling down on both of us. I know it. Why don’t you help me finish packing for the trip while the guys are gone?”
“You always were the last minute type guy. Did you bother keeping out the stuff you need for the trip, or is it all packed away in those boxes for storage?”
“Haha, very funny. Actually, come to think of it, some of it may be packed in the boxes. Umm, damn. Maybe I will need one of those beers. They better hurry up and get back.”
“Where is your suitcase? Can we at least start with that?”
“Yeah, it’s in the closet. Grab it and I’m going to go get the stuff I need out of the bathroom.”
As I walked into the bathroom to grab my razor, toothbrush, and all the other toiletries one needs over a week, I heard Zane plop the suitcase down on the bed and unzip it. “Bro, seriously? When you said help you finish packing; that usually implies that you have started.”
“What do you mean? I’ve started. I’ve got my socks and underwear packed in there. And I think I even got the swimming trunks packed too. Oh, and my sandals are in the zipper section on the outside.”
“I feel so sorry for Cailyn all of a sudden. I mean really? What about the nice clothes? Aren’t you going to take her out while you are down there? Show her off? Or were you just planning on keeping her naked the whole time?”
“Well, the thought did cross my mind. I mean, I might let her put some clothes on, but I don’t think she is going to be able to walk. Maybe I can take her horseback riding and no one will notice that she is a little bow-legged.”
“You are funny. I see why she is marrying you now. I’ve been trying to figure that one out for quite some time now.”
“Yeah, well why you try and figure that one out, we all know why no one is marrying you.”
We heard the front door open and the guys coming back in. “Hey, where are you guys at?”
“Back here in the bedroom, bring us some beer.”
I heard Tucker laughing. “We don’t want to see any of that. If you want a beer, you come out here and get it. And you better be dressed.”
Walking out of the bedroom, I saw him covering his eyes and holding out a beer. Smacking him upside the head with one hand, I took the beer from him with the other. “Keep that shit up, smart ass and you will be the last one of the group to get married.”
I popped the top off the beer and took a swig. I looked back at Zane as he was going through my closet and pulling out clothes. I walked back into the bedroom with another beer in my hand. “Here, you take this and enjoy. While you are at it, finish packing my stuff since I don’t do a good job anyway. Make sure I have everything I need. Thanks, I’m gonna go hang out with the guys for a bit and chill before I get all nervous later and have a meltdown or pass out while standing at the altar. Wouldn’t want you to think I need mouth to mouth or anything.”
“Yeah, I don’t mind doing this for you, all the work, while you sit in there and prop your feet up as long as I don’t have to give you mouth to mouth. Good thing I didn’t buy you a wedding gift, this can be it. Thanks for the beer though. I’ll make sure to pack your ‘best’ stuff.”
> “Eh, pack whatever you want. I’ll be naked the majority of the time anyway, and whatever I am wearing she is just going to rip off of me.”
“Just a little confident there, are we? I may have to talk with her tonight before you all leave.”
Walking out of the room, I looked over my shoulder. “Whatever. Now get back to work and pack my crap.”
Heading out to lounge in my recliner, I wondered if Cailyn was going to let me keep it or not. This thing has been through some rough times with me and there was nothing more comforting than sitting back and enjoying a cold one in it. She hated it though. It’s old, torn, patched up, and well, even I would admit it is an eye sore. I’d hate to get rid of it. It took so much time to get a new one to fit just right. The impression in the cushion of my ass sitting at just the right angle, finding that angle to begin with…it took so much to get it just the way I wanted it. I was afraid women just didn’t get it at times and I wondered how many discussions we were going to have over silly things like that. In the end, it didn’t matter about a stupid recliner. As long as I had her to pull into my lap, I would sit on the floor if need be.
The guys started throwing their beer tops at me. “Luke, snap out of it. Earth to Luke. You there man?”
“What, sorry. Just thinking about all the things that are going to be changing after today.”
Jeremy laughed at me. “Luke, we don’t want to hear about all that. Let’s talk about the good times, like the bachelor party. You know, the kind of fun you are never going to have again. I hope she learns quickly because you are going to be stuck with her.”
“Hey, it’s not all about the sex you know. I love Cailyn to death. She has so much going for her that I don’t care what the sex is like. I love her for her.”
Ryan sat up, leaning towards me a little. “Whoa, did I just hear you right? I think those blue balls are starting to cut off circulation to the rest of your body. Are you losing it man? Tuck, see if he has a fever.”
“A fever? I’m starting to wonder if he even has his balls anymore. It sounds like she has already castrated the man and made him her bitch.”