The Wedding Date

by Zrinka Jelic

  “Oh, shoot.” Neri rushed back into the bathroom and worked the comb through her almost dry hair. “You’re dressing casually. I thought this was a black tie affair.”

  “If memory serves, never been before, just bunch of ladies getting together for a tea.”

  “All right, I’ll take your word for it.” She pulled a pair of ripped white jeans and a silky, loose fitting red top with a low cut v-neckline front and back, a wide, black belt around her hips accentuated her outfit. Still, she couldn’t help but feel she might be underdressed.

  “Ready?” Mark stepped toward her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You look great. Let’s go.”

  “You know, you wouldn’t have to rush me if you let me shower after the first dessert.” She grabbed the leather neckless from her purse and draped it over her head. Good thing she rarely bothered with makeup and in summer heat mascara would only run and give her racoon eyes.

  “Ah, but love, you were so ripe for another one, and so was I.” He lowered his hand to the small of her back and winked. “I love it when you nag.”

  That was true. They’d carried on like animals in rutting season with total disregard for time. Finding the truth about Eilla, churned her stomach and chased the butterflies that rose at Mark’s low voice. If his mother and her ladies weren’t expecting her, she’d fake sudden illness and stay under the covers with him. Knowing Mrs. Warren, she’d show up with a bowl of chicken soup or something. The woman lived to please.

  Mark already waited for her in the car. She grabbed her music sheets and violin then stepped out. The solid wall of heat hit her as she crossed the walkway to the passenger’s side of his Jeep. The cold air poured out from the vents. Thank all deities for the air-conditioning. Her phone chimed before she could buckle up. She clasped the seat belt and pulled the cell from her purse. Eilla’s name flashed on the screen. Neri groaned then tapped answer button.

  “Hi honey.” Eilla’s face filled up the screen. She’d gotten rid of her red dreadlocks and multiple piercings, and her hair was pulled back in a neat bun, her makeup was classy and minimal. It was strange to see her in her almost natural state. She cleaned up nice. “We’re on our way, be there soon. Hey, I’m bringing that dress I told you about. It’s a vintage piece. You’ll love it.”

  “All her clothes are vintage.” Chris’ voice cut through.

  Eilla disappeared from the screen, but her laughter cracked through the speaker. “Hey, what’s wrong with vintage clothes?”

  A fancy name for second hand clothes, but Neri would indulge her friend and try the dress on. Chances were it wouldn’t fit. Yeah, she toned up in Mark’s boot camp, but her weight loss was minimal. Apparently, creating good habits was more important than concentrating on weight loss. She couldn’t decide if he was good or bad habit. “Are you positive it would fit me? Especially over my chest.”

  Eilla pulled a compact mirror from her purse and inspected her face. “Hon, I know I’m a member of itty-bitty-titty-committee, but not so long ago I too, was bigger. Plus, the dress is pretty roomy and the fabric is stretchy.”

  Mark snorted and bit on his lips, but laugher shook his chest and shoulders.

  “All right, I do hope it fits.”

  “You worry too much. We’re pulling into the parking lot.” Eilla’s voice chirped. “Oh, Neri, honey, it’s beautiful here. How far away are you guys?”

  Neri turned her head toward Mark.

  “About fifteen or twenty minutes,” Mark yelled into the phone still suppressing laughter.

  “Start setting up where they tell you.” Neri smiled, hoping Eilla wouldn’t detect her nervousness and if she did, she’d prescribe it to stage freight.

  “Sure thing, sweetie, see you soon. Can’t wait. Mark, put the pedal to the metal.” Eilla blew a kiss at her and disconnected call.

  The moment Neri put the phone down, Mark cackled. “Only a member? No, she’s also a president.”

  It took Neri a few seconds too long to figure out he referred to Eilla’s rack or rather lack of one. “Oh, you’re bad boy.”

  “Yes, but I’m your bad boy.” He took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her palm. For the remainder of the drive their hands stayed clasped together resting in his lap, his thumb gliding over her knuckles.

  Neri loved it when they drove like that, separated by the car’s console, holding hands was his way to show her he craved her touch. “You don’t need to speed because of her.” Neri buried her head in her free hand. “This is not happening. What am I going to do?”

  “Play dumb, it’s possible she pulled a fast one on me and she just wants to be a friend.” His continuous brushing of his thumb on her skin calmed her nerves.

  “That is why I should clear the air between us. Or this could cause some awkwardness.” Hopefully, Eilla wouldn’t be upset. The two of them hit it off on a friendship level and that was where the mutual attraction would stay. The rest of the ride was spent in silence and Neri used it to secure her hair in a thick braid scooped over her right shoulder, so that strands wouldn’t catch under the bow.

  Mark pulled into the parking lot of Galt golf and country club. Eilla told the truth, the landscaped front and gardens were truly beautiful. The explosion of colors from the flowers in their full bloom was a feast for the eyes. In this heat, the sprinklers must be going non-stop to keep the plants from wilting.

  She got out of the car and tried to catch up with Mark’s strides. They entered the spacious foyer. The overhead lights reflected on the polished floor.

  Mrs. Warren, engaged in a conversation with a few blue haired ladies, nodded to her companions and rushed over to Mark. Her simple yet beautiful lavender fitted dress reflected the epitome of class and status. “Glad you made it.”

  “We’re sorry for coming in late, Mrs. Warren.” Neri squeezed the violin case under her arm.

  Mrs. Warren embraced her in a hug. “For the last time, Neri, call me Izzy, everyone else does. Mrs. Warren makes me feel so old.”

  Mark snickered. “You want to be a grandma. Won’t that make you feel older?”

  Neri rolled her eyes. Between his and her mom waiting on her to make them grandmas, how would she stay sane?

  “But I’m not a grandma yet.” She tapped his nose, and turned to Neri. “Anyways, you’re not late. Knowing Mark operates on his own time zone I always tell him to arrive half hour before the actual event. At least I know he’d make it in the last few seconds.”

  Mark snickered, hugging his mom. “Is that the case?”

  “The only time in your life you arrived early was your birth, and now you’re making up for that by being late everywhere else.” Mrs. Warren or Izzy straightened the collar of his polo shirt. “Your friends are here. They are setting up on the stage. We planned to have the party in the garden, but it’s unbearably hot, so we opted for the indoor hall.”

  Thank God for that, Neri’s shirt already stuck to her back. As they entered the banquet hall, the soft piano melody drifted from the small stage at the far wall. Her cousin Simon played opening cords from Jurassic Park. The ladies seated at the round tables commented on a lovely music. She suppressed her chuckles, ladies obviously hadn’t recognized the piece from the gory motion picture. Simon knew how to turn any tune into something one would hear in a concert hall.

  Eilla plucked at the cello’s strings and tuned the keys.

  Neri walked up to the group that dressed for the occasion. In fact, she was the only one in jeans and ripped at that. At least they were white.

  A set of hands covered her eyes. “Guess who.”

  She didn’t have to, she recognized Kassandra’s voice. Taking the hold of her hands, she pulled them off her eyes and faced her student. “So you’re joining us?”

  “Yes, mom let me.” Kassandra beamed. “I can hardly wait.”

  Neri squeezed her hand and turned to the group. “Everyone, this is my student. She’ll be joining us today.”

  “Welcome.” Vince raised his hand in
high-five salute. “Do you have your music sheets?”

  “I do, and I practiced all of the songs on the repertoire.”

  “That’s great. Let’s hear ya.” Eilla winked at Kassandra.

  “Do the solo?” Kassandra’s face reddened.

  “I’ll back you up.” Eilla glided the bow over the cello’s strings. “What would you like to play?”

  “Um—I-I don’t know.” Kassandra gripped the case of her violin.

  Neri placed her hand on Kassandra’s shoulder. “Do some warm up like we practice in class.” She turned to Eilla. “Everyone is dressed for the occasion except me. I think I want to try that dress.”

  “Oh, sure.” Eilla leaned her cello on the floor and tapped Neri’s shoulder. “Follow me. It’s in the car.”

  “I’ll wait for you in the bathroom.” Neri pointed at the restroom sign.

  A few moments later, Eilla stepped inside the ladies’ room, unzipped the wardrobe bag and pulled the dress out.

  “Eilla, this is too beautiful.” Neri inspected the black, silk gown. The tiny black roses sewn on the vine of the bodice were a true work of art. “I can’t wear this, as much as I want to.”

  “Nonsense. Why not?”

  “You don’t know me. I’m a magnet for stains, and if I don’t get one on by myself, someone else will.” The dry-cleaning would be astronomical and chances were the stain wouldn’t come out.

  “That’s funny, but no one can be that much of a klutz. Come on, strip your clothes off.” Eilla reached for Neri’s belt.

  Neri gripped Eilla’s wrist. “What are you doing?”

  Eilla stared at her as if Neri had just dropped her brain. “This is Victorian dress. Ladies of high social standing had all kinds of help getting into their attire.”

  Neri snatched the gown from Eilla’s hand and headed for the bathroom stall. “This is twenty first century, and I’m a working stiff.”

  She closed the door and quickly stripped her clothes then stepped into the dress. “The good news is, it fits, but do you think it’s appropriate for a wedding? I mean you not supposed to wear black and white is reserved for a bride.”

  “Oh, pfft,” Eilla snorted from behind the door. “If we still subscribed to those rules, how many brides would marry in white dress?”

  “Wouldn’t it be great to come up with a fabric that would change color if the bride’s not as pure as she claims to be?” Neri hiked the bodice as high as it would go, but without lacing the back, there was no way of telling if the coverage would be ample.

  “I thought of it too. Can’t believe how much the two of us are alike.” Eilla knocked on the wood. “Let me see you, step out.”

  Neri swallowed and unlocked the door. Time to face Eilla and if she tried another pass on her, she’d have to be blunt about her sexual orientation. It could make or break their friendship, but at least she would know where she stood. “I guess, I can’t do up the dress all by myself, after all.”

  Eilla pointed at the sink counter. “Hold fast. I’ll give you a waist you never knew you had. Please relax, as much as I want you to be my girlfriend, I also know I’m making you uncomfortable. I’m sorry, I’ll stop.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Mark tapped his fingers on the table, keeping his gaze fixed at the dining hall entrance. What on Earth could Neri and Eilla be doing in the ladies’ room? They’d disappeared in there almost twenty minutes ago. How long did it take to get into a dress? Vintage or otherwise. He should go in there, just to make sure everything was cool. No, stupid idea. Checking out the girls’ bathroom would make him look like a creep, not to mention make Neri think he suspected her of liking Eilla more than just a friend. He believed her.

  After a few more minutes and still no sign of Neri or Eilla, he tried to concentrate on Neri’s student playing up a storm on the stage while Simon followed her on his keyboard.

  Mark glanced toward the dining room double door. He couldn’t send his mom to check on Neri. If she were to walk in on them in the middle—oh, God, Mom would drop dead. Damn it, he needed a stiff drink, but some weak teas and super sweet, ice wine was all he could get at this venue. He put his napkin on the plate setting and shot to his feet. Creepy or suspicious, he didn’t care anymore, he was going in for an inspection.

  Eilla appeared at the door, followed by Neri. The black dress she changed into was a perfect fit, though her ample bosom seemed nicely contained in the tight corset. The chiffon fringe at the top of the sweetheart neckline reached the swells of her breast and served to tease.

  Both girls stopped in front of him. Eilla spun Neri. “And she fretted the dress wouldn’t fit her.”

  Neri flashed a shy smile. “Do you like it?”

  “Love it,” he said in a husky tone, lowering his gaze to her narrow waist. “Wow, like it was made for you.”

  “I gave her that waistline.” Eilla beamed, then pointed at the laces on the back of the corset. “It took us a bit to get this just right. I needed her to hold her breath while I pulled on these as tight as they’d go.”

  “That must be uncomfortable.” He placed his hand on Neri’s abdomen. “Can you breathe?”

  “Yes, but the torture of getting into this dress was enough to make me appreciate women’s emancipation that much more. Though, it’s quiet a comfy gown, as long as I stay upright. Let’s hope I won’t have to bend over.”

  The image of him bending her over the bed tonight in that dress stretched his lips in a snarky smile. Thank God, Eilla left for the stage or she would read his expression. “So is everything sorted out between you two?”

  “Yeah, we’re cool. Just friends. To Eilla’s regret, but she can live with it.” Neri bounced on her feet, a sure sign she was excited. “Can’t wait to start this show. Must be the dress that’s making me impatient and nervous at once.”

  “If I can have everyone’s attention.” His mother’s voice came thorough the speakers.

  The hub of voices hushed and all eyes turned to his mom.

  She opened a piece of paper in her hand and perched her glasses at the top of her nose. “Thank you all for attending our annual fund raising tea party. This year is my turn to host and I chose this venue. Sadly, due to the unbearable heat, we have to move the event indoors, but we have a special treat for you. My…”She paused and turned to the stage behind her. “Neri, where are you? Come stand next to me.” She spotted her and motioned for her to join her at the mic. “You too, Mark.”

  “Oh boy.” Neri blew out her breath.

  “I’m right here with you.” He took her hand and laced his fingers with hers. “Always and forever. Let’s go.”

  They approached, and his mom squeezed between them. “You all know my youngest son, Mark, and this is his girlfriend, Neri. She’s a violinist and with her here is her group to entertain us. They already let us taste a bit of their repertoire. Let’s give them all a big, welcoming round of applause.”

  Oohs and aahs echoed throughout the hall with his mom’s announcement which made it official in this social circle that he had a girlfriend. No doubt the news would spread. That should stop overzealous moms from introducing him to their daughters, nieces, cousins, friends of a friend or someone’s single girl.

  At the long and loud clapping, Neri’s face flushed, but Mark forced a smile on. He would gladly take her nervousness upon himself in if he could to ease her. Though he knew she would be fine after the first few notes, if she didn’t make a mistake.

  She gave a small bow to the crowd and took her spot in front of the band. Simon fitted her with the clip on mic for her violin. Eilla opened up with the song’s intro, while Neri and her student waited with their bows poised over the strings and joined in together in the classical piece he couldn’t place. The weepy melody yanked on his heartstrings.

  “This is Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission movie.” His mom took her seat next to him and Allen’s wife, Kelli sat on the other side. “I’ve only heard this preformed with the entire orchestra. How are they a
ble to bring it to life in its full glory with only two violins and a cello?”

  “Hi, Kelli, didn’t see you earlier.” Mark scanned the musicians on the stage. Simon’s hands moved slowly over the keys. “I think the piano guy’s contributing too.”

  “I was busy in the back with some last minute stuff.” Kelli leaned closer and whispered, “She is lovely, a real beauty, Mark.”

  Pride filled him and he puffed his chest. Kelli was not the one to pay compliments and not much impressed her.

  The song slowly came to an end, the musicians lowered their bows and the audience stood in a total silence. By the ladies hanging mouths and eyes glazed over, he concluded they were in awe. Mark put his hands together and clapped first, the rest joined in and Neri called others from her band to step forward. They embraced each other standing abreast and took a collective bow.

  Vince stepped to the mic. “Thank you all. We’ll do another slow piece while your lunch is being served.”

  A waiter plopped a plate of salad in front of Mark at the same time Neri opened up with a new song, that sounded familiar but he couldn’t name it.

  His mom passed him a copy of the program printed on the glossy paper with flowery border. “I have to admit, when Neri sent me the list of songs, I was sceptical. I thought you said violin was her hobby, I’d say it’s more than that.”

  “Yeah, imagine my surprise.” He scanned over the songs’ titles and recognized the tune the group was currently preforming as Lord of the Rings medley. Had it been that long since he’d seen the movies that he’d forgotten the melody? More likely, he never paid much attention to the music only the epic battle scenes.

  “What?” His mother stared at him through her narrowed eyes.

  Oh shit, she only made that face when she caught him in lie, but one lie led to another. Good thing Kelli had focused her full attention on the musicians and not the conversation at the table. “I meant to say, I was surprised when Neri quit her day job, which she hated by the way, but she had once in a life opportunity to become a violin teacher.”