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CHAPTER 25
WHITE WEDDING
Saturday, December 8th – Weekend Ten
On the drive home last Sunday morning, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Dorian had left just after sunrise to fly to Vancouver. He had to get back to filming. It was the first time I noticed that I had dark circles under my eyes. But I guess that was my fault for not getting rest these days.
Dorian took me to his room last night and I fulfilled his bet with Avery. This entire weekend had been an exhausting ordeal, and to make matters worse, Maya’s wedding invitation was waiting for me in my Paramore dorm room accompanied by the bachelorette party invite. She must have figured I would have gotten into Paramore early and would have opened it, but I never got to my room. I spent the whole weekend in a locked cell, then in Dorian’s room. Watching from above wasn’t the same thing as being there. Dorian stopped by to pay his respects, but he never let me get close enough to congratulate them. Next weekend was Maya’s wedding, but not even Dorian could keep me away from there. I had to make it up to Maya and Sara for missing everything last night.
I tried to talk to Avery before I left and I was very disappointed when he was too busy to see me. I had to give him some more time. I couldn’t push him. I knew that. But it still hurt that he paid me to be Dorian’s housegirl. I was feeling dejected, I got no sleep last night, and I started my period this morning. Yippee. And I couldn’t help but feel like the closer I got to home, the worse reality crept in. I was miserable and my anxiety was starting to build again. I didn’t need another panic attack right now. I needed to get some rest.
As I struggled to keep my anxiety from overwhelming me, I reached for my phone and read the text that just came through.
“You and Avery have a fight after I left? I bet he’s in a foul mood today since you stayed the night with me.”
“I don’t want to talk about it. What’s up?” I answered.
“All I can think of is that tight body of yours. Send me a photo?”
“I’m not really feeling it right now, maybe later,” I texted back. Yes, I know I’m not supposed to text and drive but I’m sitting at a stop sign. Then my phone rang, startling me as I started down the road again.
“What’s wrong, Luv?” Dorian’s British twang echoed through my cell.
“I feel like the whole world is against me right now, that’s all,” I said.
“I wish your naked body was against me right now,” he answered.
“You’re an insufferable asshole,” I said as a soft grin cascaded over my lips.
“Take this week off and come to Vancouver. I could get you a flight,” he said.
“It’s tempting, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much company, besides Maya’s wedding is this weekend and I have to be there, I can’t miss it, not this time,” I said.
“I’m sorry for making you miss last night, Luv. The life of a housegirl isn’t always easy, but let me make it up to you. I know the owner of a little salon near Cleveland. I will have my assistant set up a salon day for you on Thursday. Just go and spoil yourself. Get a makeover. Do you want to take Sara with you?” he asked.
“No, she’s staying at Paramore all week with Colt. They are getting ready for the wedding,” I answered.
“Okay, Luv, just a makeover for one then. I will also have a nice dress sent to you so you have something fantastic to wear to the wedding,” he said.
“You don’t have to do that,” I answered.
“It’s no trouble, Luv. Besides, it’s our last weekend together and I want you to look sexy for me.” I frowned slightly. I didn’t realize it was our last weekend together. I thought I would be with Avery this weekend, after all, it wasn’t a Paramore event. It was Maya’s wedding. I wondered if he told Avery he was claiming me this weekend.
“See you on Saturday?” he said in a sultry British accent.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” I feigned.
Avery wasn’t going to be happy about this. Last time I spoke to Avery he planned on being my date.
“See you soon, lover,” his voice sizzled. I ended the call as I pulled into the driveway. I think I could really use a salon day right about now.
*****
I sat in my car staring at the Manor through my wide sunglasses trying to get the courage to walk in. Security was tighter than ever as they stiffly marched around in the freshly fallen snow ever on the watch for rogue paparazzi photographers that had been trying to break in.
Everything had gotten so complicated these days. Three photographers were detained last week after being caught climbing the fence and getting on the grounds. One even parachuted in but was immediately apprehended. The media was starving for every piece of information they could get on Dorian Macallan’s sex palace. Avery wanted this partnership with Dorian to bring him publicity, but he never counted on all of this. It was amazing how Avery was limiting the flow of information to the outside world as it was. Very little was still known of this place in spite of the press leaks. I suppose that was what fed the press’ hunger.
I was very late and it was almost time for the ceremony to start when I sucked in a breath and got out as Pierce stepped to my car.
“Aria? What the fuck did you do? You’re blonde!” Pierce stuttered. “Avery is going to really freak out!” he said as his eyes danced over me.
I smiled weakly and pushed my new platinum blonde strands back behind my ear. I was quickly losing my nerve. Apparently, when Dorian made my appointment he gave specific instructions to the stylist. I now looked like Caitlyn’s little sister.
“And you’re not supposed to wear white to a wedding unless it’s yours,” Pierce added.
I shrugged and rolled my eyes to the ground. I was wearing a short mini-dress by Atelier Versace. It was ivory with black lace trim.
It was elegant but still extremely sexy. Yes, it was kind of bridal looking; and yes, this might have been a bad idea, but I loved this dress.
“Well, I…ah... I’m sorry,” I muttered. “It’s what Dorian sent me to wear. I didn’t know.” He frowned slightly in discernment as my body suddenly fought me to move toward the Manor.
“They’ll be starting any second. We’ve got to go,” Pierce said, shaking his head as he held out his hand for me to take and then rushed me inside.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” I said hesitantly. Avery and I hadn’t talked all week. There were no texts from either of us. No phone calls. No sexy chats. I didn’t have the chance to tell him that Dorian wanted me blonde.
Pierce frowned. “We need to get in there.” I pulled my lips into a thin line. Pierce sighed and put his arm around me.
“Come on,” he said. “We’re here to celebrate Maya and Travis’s wedding. I’m sure Avery will understand that this came from Dorian. Try to have some fun tonight and relax,” he said, leading me up the steps to the front door. I don’t know if it had anything to do with my new look but it felt strange to be here. I had known this world for three months and I still felt like an outsider. This was to be Dorian’s last weekend with me. Could I really move on from him? Could I confront Avery about paying me to do this? Will Avery be mad that Dorian plans on being my date for the wedding?
I gasped when I stepped through the atrium. The scent of black orchids and blood red roses bloomed all throughout the room. Elias took my coat and then Pierce quickly steered me over to the bar where Kim had a shot of Jameson waiting for me. As I approached, Pierce reached into his pocket and pulled out a small oblong grayish pill.
“Here, it’s a Xanax. It’ll calm you down. Just try and relax. I can feel the stress pouring off of you.”
I swallowed the pill then chased it with the shot of Jameson. Xanax and whiskey, what could go wrong?
We made our way into one of the small ballrooms that was down the hall from the main floor ballroom. Soft lighting and black tulle that cascaded and bowed from the dimly lit chandelier made the ballroom feel dark and intima
te. Maya loved gothic ambience. She was hardcore and loved it. As I got closer, I noticed the wedding decorations had a Victorian flavor to it.
Daegan was seated at the piano and played a beautiful piece of music as I readied myself to go in. The room was filled with about thirty people.
Everyone was seated as Travis and the groomsmen held their positions at the head of the room. Avery was the best man. Colt and Sean were groomsmen. Maya was almost ready to make her entrance.
I walked in and quickly scanned the room to find a seat. My heart clenched when Avery looked up at me. He stopped speaking to Travis for a moment. His eyes expanded then his lips thinned. His disapproving body language was loud and clear but he was so handsome in his black tuxedo with a black shirt, vest, and bowtie that I didn’t care.
I could feel stunned eyes on me as I made my way down the aisle. The entire room’s hopeful composure slipped slightly. Was being blonde and wearing white to a wedding ceremony really that extreme?
Avery cleared his throat and recomposed himself. My breathing was rushed and my heart pounded hard in my chest as I tried to keep my knees from buckling on my way to my seat. My eyes quickly darted around the room and settled on Dorian as I walked.
“Looky, looky. Dorian’s got a new Barbie doll,” Genevieve whispered loudly enough for me to hear. Jezebel snickered and I visibly shrank. As much as I despised her, she was right. I had just turned into everything that I used to mock Caitlyn for. But now I saw her beauty. She was a good friend of mine. I really hope she wasn’t the one who took my phone. Fuck, I forgot to turn in it again since I was running late. Elias took my coat with it still in my pocket.
Dorian was waiting for me at the end of the aisle, smirking with approval. He took my elbow and escorted me to a row of chairs near the middle beside Ethan. I could hear several audible whispers from behind me. Oh, why couldn’t we have sat in back?
Wren sat beside Ethan and they both stared at me, dumbfounded, as I sat down. I breathed a sigh of relief that I had my friends here with me. The whispers and stares were becoming more pronounced by the time I took my seat. Ethan pointed to his eyes, reminding me that I still had on my sunglasses, which I quickly removed as my eyes, caught Avery staring me, and then he looked away.
The organ began a wedding march and everyone turned towards the back of the room. I looked to my right to see Caitlyn sitting next to Jenna in the row across from us. They both grinned admiringly and nodded their approval.
Nadia Dreygan shuffled in at the last minute and sat next to Wren. He put his hand on her knee and she leaned into him. What was this?
I felt like I didn’t know what was going on in any of my friends’ lives. I had been so wrapped up in my own world that I didn’t even know that they hooked up. Maybe I was a lousy friend? I wonder how Wren got her away from Diego Gaines since she was his housegirl.
Sara was the first bridesmaid to go down the aisle. Her black with red trim satin full-length Victorian gown was stunning. The top was a halter sweetheart neckline embedded with crimson ruffled beads that accented her hourglass frame.
When she got to me, I could see she didn’t recognize me at first. After she realized it was me she stumbled but caught herself on a nearby chair She straightened up then continued to her spot at the front.
Sienna followed and did a double take as she passed me. I don’t think her eyes could grow any larger.
Next, Maya’s younger sister Melanie walked by. Sara had mentioned once that Maya shared everything with Melanie so I was sure she knew all about Paramore.
Maya appeared at the end of the aisle in a fabulous crimson and black strapless ball gown that was short in the front and long in the back. It had a sweetheart neckline that was adorned with lace appliques, crystal beading and handmade flowers that created a flattering multi-dimensional effect. Sara had done an amazing job. Maya was vibrant, colorful, and looked retro-futuristic.
The guests stood as Daegan began the traditional wedding song. I couldn’t help but to stare at Avery. There was nothing like a wedding to make a guilty heart feel awful and make me miss what I wanted the most. Maya’s eye’s lit up as she passed me. I could see momentary confusion grip her as she lost focus on Travis. She quickly regained herself and continued. She locked eyes with Sara who was still wearing a frown in my honor. This was not good. I could feel more eyes on me than the bride…fuck.
Ethan bumped my knee to get my attention. My eyes moved to his for a moment then back to the ceremony just as Maya made it to the altar.
Travis wore a black slim tuxedo, black shirt with black tie. His dark shaggy hair was cut clean and short. His eyes filled with love as he took Maya’s hand.
My eyes shifted to Avery. He looked happy for his friend but I could see the tightness in his smile. He was doing his best not to stare at me.
He was hurting just as much as I was. Just as he turned towards the happy couple, Avery glanced at me with sadness and regret. I felt the betrayal slash me across my subconscious. I clenched my stomach, trying to stay in control of my breathing.
We were in one of the most beautiful palaces on earth. Avery had built an elegant retreat here that brought out bonds of friendship in so many wonderful ways that I wondered why Avery and I couldn’t be happy together.
The light sparkled off of the magnificent crystal chandelier above us. Close friends all gathered to hear Maya and Travis pledge their love to one another. And I was sitting here with my heart split in two. Sara was right. I was selfish.
I forced myself to stop thinking and tried for moment to be happy for the beautiful bride and groom.
The Officiate began to speak:
“Welcome one and all, and witness this day of Travis and Maya as they pledge their dedication to walk the night together. For the night may come, and the night may go, but you will both forever be blessed to never walk in the moonlight alone. It is a beautiful thing when two souls come together to walk in love everlasting, and we, your friends, are honored to bear witness when your two souls become one. Maya you may begin.”
Maya took the ring from Melanie, slipped it on Travis’s finger, and began to speak, as tears welled up in her eyes:
“Travis Bailey Whittacre,
I take you as my partner in this life and the eternal,
I promise hereafter, to live in truth with you, and in peace with you,
To always communicate fully with you and to fearlessly remain steadfast by your side.
I give you my hand, my heart, and my spirit,
In this sanctuary of warmth and kindness,
I pledge my love, my devotion, my faith, and my honor to you,
As I join my life to yours, forever and ever.”
The Officiate turned to Travis and nodded. Travis turned, accepted the ring from Avery, turned back towards Maya, slipped it on her finger, and began to speak:
“Maya Nicole Pennington.
I take you as my partner in this life and the eternal,
I promise hereafter to live in truth with you, and in peace with you,
Although our adventure together began only a short time ago,
Its memory is something I will forever cherish.
A magical journey has led me to you,
I’ve found a love that transcends both time and space,
I will always worship you in complete harmony with the sun, the moon, and all the spirits of the earth.
I give you my hand, my heart, and my soul,
Our life and passion will remain forever as the fuel of our spirit,
It is ours to burn for eternity,
As I join my life to yours, forever and ever.”
They both stepped to a podium where two Victorian red candlesticks sat ablaze in an antique silver candelabrum. They each picked one up and moved to a large bone white pillar candle in the shape of two snakes swirling around each other until the heads fused together at the apex. Then they spoke in unison.
“Together, forever, and always.” They lit the massive snake cand
le as the red wax from their candles dripped like blood down over its eyes. It was very striking. Then they moved together and put the candlesticks back into their holders. They moved back to the front, joined hands, and faced each other.
The Officiate looked at Travis and Maya and began to speak again: “On this day, no one may oppose the beating of two hearts as one. You may now kiss the bride.”
He looked over at Travis as he concluded. The room erupted in cheers and applause. My smile was genuine. I could see Avery beaming at our friends as Travis kissed her passionately. I was so happy for them.
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CHAPTER 26
COME UNDONE
Saturday Evening, December 8th – Weekend Ten
The reception was immediately following out in the main room. After the bride and wedding party walked out into the small ballroom, Dorian and I exited. Avery walked out, thanking the Officiate who looked up to see what had interrupted Avery’s thoughts. Avery gave me a forced smile then he looked back at the man and continued their conversation.
My stomach rolled in nervousness. Feeling like we were miles apart, I bit the inside of my lip. How was I going to do this? And I thought I was beginning to feel relaxed thanks to Pierce, but not quite yet.
“Let’s get a drink,” Dorian urged me towards the bar.
“There’s trouble,” Wren said, stepping up next to me. I leaned in to give him a hug and then pulled away. He kissed my cheek and lingered longer than usual. “You’re killing me, Aria. Now you can fulfill both my fantasies as a brunette and a blonde. Why can’t there be two of you,” he growled in my ear. I smiled widely, remembering our naughty sexcapades a few months ago.
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