by Zrinka Jelic
The song seemed to be coming to the end, but Eilla started to sing. Who knew the woman had such angelic voice? After her short interlude, the rest of musicians brought the song nicely to a finish.
Another round of applause, though a bit less enthusiastic this time as the ladies seem too keen to dig into their salads. His mother cleared her throat intent to go for more answers from him, but at Neri’s approach, she picked up her fork and smiled. “That was marvelous. I didn’t know you were a virtuoso.”
Neri took her seat between him and his mom. “Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying the music, Mrs. War—um, Izzy. I wouldn’t call myself a virtuoso just yet.”
“Honey,” Kelli piped in, dabbing the napkin on her lips. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re amazing.”
“Thank you, um…?” Neri shot a puzzled look at Mark.
“Sorry, I forgot to introduce the two of you.” He turned to Neri. “Kelli is Allen’s wife.”
“Oh, we missed you two weeks ago at Mark’s parents.” Neri reached across the table to shake Kelli’s hand. “I’ve met your husband, an interesting man.”
Kelli put her fork down and rose slightly from her chair to grasp Neri’s extended hand. “Yes, he told me all about it. You made an impression on him and he’s not easily impressed. I was intrigued to meet you today.”
The rest of the group members took the remaining chairs at the table. Their appetizers waited. Eilla pulled the notebook from her tote and dissected the salad, writing down the ingredients. “I have so many recipes, maybe one day I’ll actually make one of the dishes.”
Chris chuckled and kissed her cheek. “If you ever get out of the bed before noon.”
“How many more songs are you going to preform?” Mark asked hoping to divert the conversation around the table away from the bedroom.
Vince finished chewing his mouthful. “Two more on the program, but we left some time for requests.” He pointed at Izzy. “As a gracious hostess, you get to pick a song you’d like us to do just for you.”
Mom blushed, and touched the bottom of her manicured bob fringe. “Oh my, you’re complimenting me. Let me think about a song, there are so many.”
A main course was served, followed by a dessert, which Neri declined, but Eilla snatched.
Mark exchanged a silent smile and a wink with Neri. She didn’t need a decadent chocolate mousse. He would serve much better delight tonight.
The musicians returned to their spots on the stage.
Neri got up to leave, but he seized her wrist and pulled her to him for a kiss.
She touched her lips and her cheeks reddened. “They are watching us.”
“So let them watch.” Mark planted another kiss on her lips. “Feast for their eyes.” Then he patted her lower back, wishing he could place his hand on her behind, but he would never put her on spot by displaying such behavior toward her in public. Their little kinky plays were better if kept private.
The music filled the hall once again, with Michael Jackson’s hit. Mark tapped his foot against the chair leg and scanned the crowd. Everyone’s eyes were glued on the stage as Neri led the group from one melody into the next, creating a medley of M. J.’s songs.
His mom leaned closer to him. “She’s a lovely girl. You’re lucky to find her.”
“She makes me happy, Mom. I haven’t been this content in love, ever before.” In love? Yes, he loved Neri, but couldn’t say it to her or to his mom. Neri wasn’t a typical girl whose only ambition in life was to snatch a rich husband. If that were her objective, he wouldn’t fit the profile. While he was doing okay financially, he wouldn’t place himself among the wealthy. His family on the other hand, could, and although he could tap into that well of money, he would rather stayed away from it.
“If you love her…” Mom clapped as the song ended. “Then you need to tell her. Sooner rather than later.”
He should, and he would. Tonight. Would she say she loved him too? She was independent and a free spirit, not likely wanting to settle down, but he could work around that as long as they stayed together. The piece of paper called marriage certificate meant nothing nowadays. Couples divorced and remarried so fast, he couldn’t keep track who was married to whom anymore.
Then something in his mom’s tone caused his hairs to stand on end. “Why sooner?”
“For one, you’re not getting any younger, and neither am I.”
Okay, she itched for a grandchild. Mark scratched that nervous itch above his eyebrow. There had to be more to it. “Shouldn’t Allen be the first one who’d make you a grandma?”
Corners of Kelli’s lips dipped and she shook her head. “Don’t you be looking at me.”
“Please, we both know your brother and his wife are career animals. They would never tie themselves down with kids.” Mom smiled, patting his forearm. “The honors fall on you, I’m afraid.”
Great. No pressure at all. Still, the warning in Mom’s voice caused him a sense of unease. He leaned closer. “What you’re not telling me?”
Mom’s sharp breath confirmed it. “Brook came by the other day.”
“What?” Stones dropped to the pit of his guts. “Why?”
“To talk sense into me since you wouldn’t listen.” Mom fiddled with the napkin on her crossed knees.
He shook his head. Some audacity Brook had. “What sense?”
“That’s what I asked her. I didn’t even let her in, just talked to her at the front door. Told her she can’t keep doing this, coming back only to leave you shortly after. You’re happy with your new girlfriend and to let you be,” Mom’s words flew out as if she was talking to Brook all over again.
Mark smiled and kissed her cheek. His always dependable mom, he knew she’d be on his side no matter what. Knowing Brook, she didn’t take rejection well and while she’d appeared to have complied with his mom’s request, he doubted this would be the last any of them had seen of her. “Thank you.”
“Now, we’ll take requests for any songs you would like to hear, but Mrs. Warren has the first pick.” Milos turned to her. “Have you decided on a song?”
“Yes, how about All of Me by John Legend?”
Wow, Mom! She knew this modern song? Including the title and the name of the singer? Mark stared at her, his lips hovering somewhere between a smirk and a frown.
She must’ve read his expression and she tilted her head, the corners of her lips curled up. “How can I not know of the song? It’s played to death on every radio station.”
Well, true enough. The melody pierced his heart as he remembered the lyrics. Every part of him loved all of Neri, her curves and imperfections she hated so much that made her what she was, a woman of his heart.
After another requested song, a theme from the Titanic, the group took a final bow to loud standing ovations. Neri packed her violin and they all met up by the table.
“I have a check for you. Who should I make it out to?” His mother announced, her pen poised over the signature line.
“I can’t take your money.” Neri’s worried glance traveled between him and his mother.
“I’m sure your cousins and friends wouldn’t mind. After all, they came all the way from Toronto. This is a small token to cover their expenses.” Mom tweaked an eyebrow at Neri.
“Sure, they can split my portion among themselves.” Neri nodded.
“I—we weren’t expecting any payment.” Vince scratched the back of his head. “We’ll be a family soon.” He smiled at Mark and Neri. “In more than one way.”
“Don’t mention it.” Izzy tore the check of her book and handed it to Vince. “Well, that’s it then. Next time I’ll see you, would be at the wedding in a week’s time.”
Neri’s jaw dropped and a deep crease appeared between her eyes. “A week? No, no that can’t be right. We have at least two more.”
Mark rubbed her bare arm. Damn that dress was doing all kinds of things to him. He should hurry home and have his way with her. No amount of sex would convince he
r that their time together would not come to an end, the day after the wedding.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Neri grabbed the church flyer neatly tucked inside the hymnal holder at the back of the pew. She fanned her face with the folded leaflet. The cathedral’s air-conditioning might be going at the full blast, but with more people cramming in, she didn’t feel a lick of cool air. If only everyone would stop pacing up and down the aisle. When would the show start? Knowing her cousin, Sandi wouldn’t make it on time even to her own wedding.
Neri shifted in her seat, the hard wood bench numbing her behind. Now she envied those ladies, she’d snickered at for bringing in the cushions. She blew out her frustrated breath and sped up her hand, but flapping the brochure did nothing to calm her.
Mark’s hand on hers had a reassuring effect. “Don’t you wish we stayed in bed for the rest of the day? I had some grand plans for your pleasure.”
She harrumphed. Another minute of his persuasion and she would’ve caved in to his suggestion, but she couldn’t let him know that. Unbelievable, she was sweating buckets in her ball gown. He appeared to be unheated in his three-piece suit that made him handsome as the devil, no matter how long he’d grumbled this morning while getting into his Sunday’s best. Getting the knot on his tie just right had taken several trials.
“It’s so god damn hot in here and my mom keeps turning toward us.”
“Hey!” He shook his head and pointed at the larger than life crucifix above the altar. Facing her, he gave her one of his insides melting grins. “Not in His house.”
“He understands.” She glanced at the cross. Forgive me for swearing under your roof, she felt asking for forgiveness was fitting despite nature being her religion. Why had Sandi chosen to marry in the church, she hadn’t a religious bone in her and never attended a single mass? White chrysanthemums tucked in pew bows decorated every row. While peonies, variegated bush ivy, and double tulips sprouted from grand stone urns on the altar. It was all pomp and show off of her daddy’s money. Neri adjusted her lacy shrug she wore mostly to cover her shoulders since a woman’s bare skin was frowned upon, despite the fact she wasn’t a member of the congregation.
“No wonder you’re hot. That dress has yards of fabric.” Mark brushed his thumb over her hand. “Next time your mom gawks at us, lets grin and wave to her.”
More people squeezed into their pew, making them slide down toward the edge and forcing Mark closer to her. At least they moved out of her mom’s sight and toward the vent on the floor under the stained glass window. Cool air reached her and she sigh in relief.
Neri lowered her voice so the people around her wouldn’t hear. “Did you know that marriage was made a holy union after the fall of Roman Empire in the fifth century?”
“Yes, I read it someplace.” He squirmed, trying to increase the distance between him and a robust lady who seemed to have a need to stretch. “It’s getting tight here. How many guests are they expecting?”
“Apparently, my aunt sent over one hundred and fifty invites, and that’s just on the bride’s side.” Neri scanned over the church’s interior. Almost every pew was filled to the brim. The ceremony better start soon or the happy couple would have to get married without her. Not that she’d be missed by anyone. Oh, her band would notice her absence. Poor Chris and Eilla ended up stuck with setting up at the banquet hall while she and the rest of the band got roped in attending the church. Damned relations.
She returned the flyer into the holder and lifted her hair to swipe the back of her neck as she continued the conversation, “First marriages weren’t based on love. In fact, love was considered too fragile for such serious matter. Church should never get involved in the affairs between two people. Ancient Romans had it right, couples should remain in civil affairs.”
“You nervous rambling.” He pouted. “I take it you don’t want to get married then.”
“I do, but not like this with all the fanfare. I half expect angels to descend from these high ceilings. No, my wedding would take place on the sandy beach at sunset.” Oops, she blurted out way too much. Experience told her, guys get squeamish at talks of tying a knot. Oh well, he asked and she answered.
“Hmm, wanna sink your toes in the sand, eh. Good to know. Then Tag can attend too. I’m making the mental note.” He tapped his fingers on his temple and winked.
A sudden fuzziness surrounded her heart. Although, he hadn’t spoken the three most desired words yet, since his mom’s tea party, he’d stared at her as if the words got stuck on his tongue. Unless Neri misread his expression and different words were on his mind, something along the lines of ‘we had some fun, but we’re over now.’ “Kidding, my mom would suffer a massive coronary if I got married on a beach.” The conversation was entering a dangerous territory. She needed a distraction.
“That’s okay, I know a good cardiologist,” Mark’s last words came out as a whisper as the hubbub quieted.
Shrill bells sounded and a plump woman in the lavender dress and matching round hat sat on the bench at the organ on the left side of the pulpit. Everyone’s attention turned to her.
Neri blew her breath through her puckered lips. Phew, saved by church bells, literally.
The double door at the end of the church opened with a loud thud and music echoed through. Neri smiled recognizing the piece, Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Cousin Sandi must’ve had a wedding coordinator to pull this all together or the entourage would march down to Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven’s deepest, darkest piece that should never be played at weddings.
The photographer rushed down the aisle, the camera bouncing on his shoulder. He turned backward and snapped several pictures of the first bridesmaid and groomsman making their way on the red carpet, the girl’s hand looped around the guy’s elbow. The videographer by the front pew smiled, keeping her gaze at the small screen at the top of the recording device.
After the last of the bridesmaids in their bright red dresses passed down the aisle, a moment of silence followed the intro of Here Comes The Bride. Attendees got up in unison and turned toward the wide opened door. A Flower girl took awkward steps, dropping red rose petals on the floor. With each step, her almost flattened curls bounced on her thin shoulders. The bride took her position, a long veil covering her face, her slim figure accentuated in the mermaid dress, a bouquet of white roses in her hands. The bride’s father stood to the left of her, guiding her. Uncle Roger had aged in the last three years since Neri last saw him.
Under that headdress, Sandi most likely couldn’t see a thing. The bride and her dad passed Neri and Mark’s pew.
Mark turned to her and whispered, “I hope your cousin realizes she’s marrying a total prick.”
Neri snorted. “I hope your cousin realizes he’s marrying a total psycho bitch.”
A slow smile bloomed on Mark’s face. “Well then, it’s karma. I’m glad we came.”
She turned to face the altar. The groom at the bottom of the steps, had a sheepish grin on his face, that bordered with worried. He must’ve come in through the side doors. Though he seemed a bit wobbly on his feet, he steadied himself by holding onto another man’s shoulder, most likely the best man. Neri studied the soon to be wedded man, but couldn’t spot any resemblance to Mark. However, his cousin was a watered down version of a French guy Sandi hooked up with on the beach in Croatia while visiting her ill grandma. Visiting? Doubtful she stepped a foot inside grandma’s sick room. No, the proper term would be she accompanied her mom because she heard that the special hospital for asthmatics was on an island where wild summer parties abounded. Well, that fling hadn’t lasted. He’d left her heartbroken, because by Sandi’s bitter complaints, he had a woman in every city.
Mark leaned backward and whispered in her ear, “The poor schmuck is hungover.”
Neri shook her head in disbelief. This was not what their grandma had envisioned for her princess. Any man would drink himself into an alcoholic coma if they were about to marry Sandi. Everyone remained stand
ing while the priest mumbled something from the altar while drawing strange symbols in the air.
For the next hour, she got up along the rest of the attendees when asked to please stand up for one reason or the other. Finally, they said their wows and I do’s, the groom was told that he may kiss his bride. It took him some time to flip the veil over Sandi’s head, to reveal her face and plant a mere peck on her lips. The meager applause prompted him to do better, and he leaned in for a real kiss with a bit of tongue action. That seemed to please the crowd and they broke into an enthusiastic clapping.
The newlyweds were dismissed from the altar. The groom led the bride down the aisle, followed by their entourage of six bridesmaids and groomsmen. People poured into the aisle, only to get stuck at the exit, blocked by the crowd bent on leaving right behind the wedding party.
“Look at the idiots. There’s more than one way out.” Mark took Neri’s hand and left through the side door, giving her mom and dad a wide berth.
Once inside the car, he turned the engine and cranked the air to the max. Holding his hand over the vent, he wiggled his fingers. “Cold air should kick in shortly.”
“So what did you think of the wedding?” Neri rolled down the window to expel the hot air out of the car, but as he said, coolness poured in from the vents.
“Same old. I’ve attended so many, they start to blend together. I wished for something different just so I can distinguish this wedding from all others.” The seat buckle snapped into place. “Hang in there, we have to survive the reception and then we’re home free.” He shifted gears, and took her hand, as always. “Let’s do this.”
She smiled, looking at their laced fingers. So, this was how it would be between them during the car rides. He seemed to need the physical contact at all times, and so did she. “I stayed away from weddings and most of the family’s affairs. In fact, the last get together I got roped into attending was some cousin’s wife’s baby shower.”
“I hear ya. Our family tends to go out of their way to gather, but after they exchange pleasantries, they have nothing much to say.” He raised their joined hands and kissed hers. “Ready for your big performance?”