“Dude, something’s going on with you. You’re never this quiet.”
“I don’t want to talk about it because I have no input in the matter. I’m not in a good mood because of something I have no control over. I am not going to share because it doesn’t concern you. It’s my problem to deal with in my way. Please, just drop the subject.” Skylar’s obviously had enough of my questioning since he’s walking to his bedroom, slamming the door when he enters.
The rest of the week goes pretty much the same, other than we both go to work. I check in with Mira on Monday to see if she went to the University Alumni Services. She did and she has a few potential employers to send resumes to.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I end up working late, not leaving much time to deal with Skylar and his internal drama. I place a call to the dry cleaner to make sure that my suit will be ready for pickup on Friday afternoon. I know people said that life after college is no cake walk, but I didn’t expect it to be this monotonous. I literally do the same thing every day. I really am looking forward to the weekend; I need to let loose a little.
I call Mira on Friday morning to find out what color dress she’s wearing. We haven’t really discussed going to the party together; but then again we haven’t talked much this week. There have been a few texts here and there, but that’s about it.
I pick up my suit from the cleaner and stop by the mall to pick up a button up that will match Mira’s dress. Walking to my car, my phone starts ringing. Glancing at the caller ID while fumbling with my keys, I see it’s Melissa. My stomach does a little flip and all of a sudden I’m smiling like a mad man.
Why does this girl get me so excited?
“Hey, you.” I answer, having to stop myself from screaming. I really have missed her.
“What’s cookin’, good lookin’?”
“Ha, that’s awesome. Just leaving the mall, what’s going on?”
“Oh you know, just being amazing. Wanna meet me for coffee? I’m about ten minutes from the mall now.”
“I don’t know. Mira will probably lose her shit if she finds out.”
“Oh come on, we’re friends, we can hang out. Want me to call her?”
This girl is too much, but in a good way. “Calm down, tiger. Meet me at the Starbucks in the food court? I just gotta take my stuff to the car.”
“Ohhh, what’d ya buy?”
“Nothing exciting, just a shirt to wear with my suit. Skylar, Mira, Mira’s best friend Kylee and I have an engagement party tomorrow for an old college friend.”
“Ohh wee, sounds fancy. Okay, meet you soon. Bye.”
I unlock the car, lay my suit across the back seat and put the bag with the shirt on the floorboard. In the front seat I find a bottle of cologne I keep on hand for emergencies. I consider this one of those occasions. With a few sprays from the blue bottle in the shape of a man, I’m heading back inside to meet Melissa.
I’m parked on the opposite end of the mall from the food court, so the journey takes me a lot longer. As I’m surveying the area for an open table, two small hands cover my eyes and I hear a whisper in my ear.
“Guess who?” The owner of the hands says in a raspy voice, sending a shock straight to my groin.
“Jenna Jamison?” I joke.
“Close, but no cigar. Try again.”
“Hmm, I just can’t place anyone.” With my eyes covered, losing one of my senses, the others kick into high gear. Her touch is gentle and electric, she smells like warm vanilla and every time she talks my cock twitches.
“Hey, you’re no fun,” she pouts, removing her hands. Melissa has her bottom lip stuck out like a child, but God is she beautiful.
“Oh, stop. I knew it was you, I was just playin’.”
“I know, I got you back.” Melissa bounces on the balls of her feet, excited that she thinks she pulled one over on me. She grabs my arm and pulls me toward the line to order our coffee. It’s like déjà vu. This is the same way I met her; standing in a coffee line.
“I owe you one. What’s it going to be?” Melissa asks when we reach the cashier. I don’t even have to look at the menu; I always get the same thing. I tell her just a coffee with two creams and two sugars.
“Nope, sorry Danny. You’re stepping outside your comfort zone today,” Melissa tells me, turning back to the cashier, “I’ll have a grande non fat, with whip, white mocha with an extra shot and this handsome fella is gonna have a grande java chip frappuccino.”
“I don’t even know what that means,” I whisper in her ear, catching the scent of her hair.
“Yours is frozen coffee. It’s good. You’ll like it.” Melissa smiles and walks to the other end of the counter.
“Can I get a name for the order?” the cashier hollers over the sounds of the espresso and latte machines.
Melissa looks at me, her light green eyes shimmering with something devious before she turns back to the cashier, “The white mocha is for Donna and the frappuccino is for David.”
I just look at her puzzled. Why not just say our names? What’s with the fake ones?
“Oh, don’t look like you’re too young to remember. Donna and David from 90210? Please tell me it rings a bell?”
I laugh, probably a little too loud. Can she be anymore adorable? One of the most infamous couples in sitcom history and she labels our coffee as such. Wait, didn’t David and Donna get married? Hell.
Melissa and I start talking like we’ve been friends for years. We catch up about her grandfather, who’s still not getting any better and it’s down to days before he passes. He’s comfortable because of the hospice and she’s taking it really well, telling me her philosophy on the situation.
“You know, I’m going to be sad when he dies, but he’s lived an amazing life. He married the only person that God created just for him; he had four children and thirteen grandchildren. He’s been living without my grandma for three years and I can see how lonely he is. So if I have to lose him so he can be with her, I’m okay with that.”
Melissa is smart, beautiful and a romantic. I really am lucky to have a friend that’s so positive, especially with all of Skylar’s negativity lately. It gets consuming when you’re surrounded by negative thoughts so often, you almost forget to look for the good in things and forget that everything happens for a reason.
I tell her about the current Mira situation, even down to neither one of us being able to finish the act. Melissa doesn’t seem surprised and again her wisdom comes out to shine.
“I know I don’t know Mira that well, but maybe you guys aren’t meant to be. As you grow up and mature, so do your needs and wants. College was convenient for you guys but now being real grownups and moving on in life, maybe moving on in your heart isn’t a bad idea. If she has feelings for Skylar she must be looking for something different.”
“I know what you mean, but Mira and I always had a great relationship. The last few weeks before the accident were kind of rocky, but we were all so stressed. I just don’t think I’m ready to give up yet. She’s my first love and I’m hers. That has to mean something.”
“Danny, that means everything. First loves are always precious. As a girl, I know very well that you never forget the first boy who steals your heart. Ray stole my heart my senior year of high school. We dated for a few years but grew apart. I love him to this day, and he loves me. We’re just not meant to be. Not many people end up with their first loves. The first person you give your heart to teaches you how to love and how to be in a relationship. A lot of times it’s to prepare you for when you meet the one who’s going to steal yours forever.”
I know Melissa’s only a year older than I am, but her soul is so much older. She’s lived a lifetime in her short twenty three years and I’m in awe of her.
Our short coffee date turns into two hours and more coffee than I’ve ever consumed in one sitting… ever. As I’m getting ready to stand to say goodbye, a sudden pang of sadness comes over me. I really enjoyed my time with Melissa; conversatio
n with her is easy and she’s fun to be around. I wish I didn’t have to leave.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a redhead, looking something fierce, storming my way with a scowl on her face. Before I know it, she’s sitting at my table casually, as if she belongs here.
“Danny ,hey. Funny seeing you here,” Kylee glares at me then turns to Melissa, sticking out her hand, “Oh I’m so sorry. I’m Kylee, Mira’s best friend. And you are?” Sarcasm is rolling off Kylee’s tongue with every word spoken.
“Hi, Kylee. I’m Danny’s friend, Melissa. It’s nice to meet you.” Melissa is being very polite regardless of the intrusion and Kylee’s apparent attitude. Melissa puts out her hand for a shake and Kylee just stares at her.
“Kylee, what are you doing here?” I’m trying not to show my anger and frustration but Kylee’s making it hard; she looks like she ate a sour piece of candy.
“I’m just running to pick up something to wear tomorrow,” Kylee answers my question and turning back to Melissa, she continues, “We’re all going to an engagement party tomorrow for one of our friends. Mira’s dress is absolutely beautiful and I need to try to look half as good as her. It’s hard to compete for attention with that one. She’s gorgeous. Isn’t that right, Danny?” Kylee’s eyes never leave Melissa. This is turning into a girl pissing contest and I’m about over it.
“Yes, she’s stunningly beautiful,” I grit through my teeth, wishing Kylee would just say what she wants to say and stop playing these games.
“Well, I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Danny, don’t forget you’re picking Mira and me up at noon tomorrow. It was nice to meet you, Miranda.”
“It’s Melissa,” Melissa says, still keeping her composure. I’m shocked. I’ve watched many girls, and guys, if I’m being honest, buckle under the pressure that is Kylee Anderson. Melissa isn’t concerned at all, and if she is, I can’t tell.
“It doesn’t matter,” Kylee throws over her shoulder as she heads back to Victoria’s Secret. What a bitch.
I exhale slowly and Melissa laughs. She finds this amusing.
“Don’t even worry about it. I’m used to girls like her. She doesn’t bother me one bit. She’s just being a good friend and looking out for Mira. If anything comes out of this, I’ll talk to Mira.” Melissa is beyond amazing; she’s a breath of fresh air. She didn’t fall into Kylee’s trap and she understands why she came to our table.
“I don’t think that would help, but thanks for the offer. I better get going before we get anymore unwanted visitors. I’ll call you soon,” I promise as I pull Melissa in for a hug. She’s soft and warm and I don’t want to let go.
“Soon sounds good.” Melissa walks toward the exit that’s closest to the food court while I head the long way out. Kylee leaves my mind as I think about the wonderful evening I just spent with Melissa. And then I dread having to try to fall asleep with all the caffeine running through my body.
I eventually find sleep and my dreams are filled with Melissa and vanilla scented candles.
I wake up late the next day and rush around to get myself together. Of course, I’m not the only one who’s behind. I run out to the car to get my suit and shirt; I forgot to bring them in last night. As I’m walking back into the house, Skylar is just rolling out of bed and walking to the shower half asleep. Thankfully, we’re both guys and can get shower and get ready in less than twenty minutes.
It’s a quarter after eleven and we’re out the door, on our way to pick up the girls. I text Mira on the way, letting her know that we’re running behind and to please be ready. Amazingly, the girls were already up, dressed and waiting for us to arrive. As soon as we pull into the parking lot, the girls come walking out the door. Excellent timing.
The drive to the venue isn’t far, maybe ten minutes, and I know we’re all a little anxious. Trevor was always the notorious playboy; never one to settle down. Now, here he is, getting married and only a few months since we’ve seen him last. Could it be true? The playboy has met his match?
I watch Mira walk in front of me and it’s true what I said yesterday; she’s stunningly beautiful. The light green dress, which makes the emerald color of her eyes pop, stops just above her knee, and shows off her long lean legs that are tanned and toned. The neck line is cut just low enough for her to show a good amount of cleavage, and she’s wearing a black sweater over top.
The venue itself is really nice. It’s a medium sized clubhouse on a private golf course. White Christmas lights line the ceiling and there is deep red carpeting on the floors. Outside of the private dining room we find the seating chart and find our names. Locating our table, near the head table at the front of the room, we take our seats.
Within a few moments the entire room is full of people that I don’t recognize. We must be the only people Trevor invited from school. Trevor and his bride to be, Amy, greet us at our table. Amy looks like the kind of girl that could break good old Trevor. She’s beautiful, articulate and genuine. I see exactly what the lure to her is and I couldn’t be happier for my friend.
During the cocktail hour, finger foods are passed around by waiters in black suits and flutes are filled with champagne and orange juice. Everything is beautiful but I’m feeling a little sad. I wonder if Mira and I will ever have an engagement party. Will our friends get to come to celebrate our love with us?
At the head table, Trevor takes his knife to his glass, making a clinking sound. Everyone’s attention turns in his direction. He reaches for Amy’s hand, asking her to stand with him.
“I want to start by thanking everyone for coming out, especially on short notice. Amy and I are so happy you could all join us. Amy always wanted a Christmas wedding and we don’t see a point in waiting a whole year to get married. What can I say, we’re in love.” The crowd laughs as Trevor places a kiss on the top of Amy’s head. She snuggles closer into his side and hugs him around the waist.
“Anyway, we would like to ask some of our friends to join us on our day. Amy has already asked her girlfriends to stand in the wedding but I haven’t had a chance to ask my best friends to join me at my side.” Trevor looks in our direction and smiles. “Danny Thomas and Skylar McBride, you guys are my closest friends and I would really like if you would be my best men. I know it’s not traditional, but you guys are all I have.”
There’s no question that I’ll be a part of Trevor’s day. I know Skylar feels the same. We all grew up together and there’s really nobody else that I would have stand with me.
“You don’t even have to ask, man, we’re happy to be a part of your day,” Skylar says before I get a chance to open my mouth.
“Well, since that’s settled, I think Amy has something to say.” Trevor hands the microphone over to Amy who immediately starts to blush.
“Okay, I know that toasts are usually saved for the wedding, but I really want to say something right now, if you don’t mind.”
The attendees start chanting “speech speech speech” and Amy’s blush turns from a light pink to a deep red. Trevor pushes a strand of Amy’s hair behind her ear and kisses her on the forehead. Amy looks up at him and smiles.
“Okay, so Trevor and I have only been dating for a little while but when I met him I knew he was the one. He’s amazing, loyal and kind. He’s everything I ever dreamed of in a husband and I couldn’t be luckier. When I met Trevor, we were interning our senior year of college at a law firm. He was my closest friend. He helped me learn the ropes and kept me going when I thought I would give up. He’s now my very best friend. When we started dating, it seemed like we were just friends hanging out until we realized those feelings weren’t just friendly. Over time, we fell in love. I love this man more than I can even put into words and I can’t wait to get the best Christmas present I’ll ever receive.” Amy looks up to Trevor and she has tears in her eyes.
“Trevor, I just want to thank you for loving me. Loving me through my faults and my triumphs. For being my best friend. Thank you even more for making my dreams c
ome true.”
When the couple moves to sit back in their seats, I turn and notice Mira looking at Skylar, almost dreamy. I try to let it go, thinking that maybe she’s sentimental about the speech, until Skylar turns back toward the table and catches Mira’s eyes. They share just a brief moment of longing before breaking eye contact; both of them now staring at their plates.
It’s then that I know all the answers to the questions plaguing my mind.
I’ve lost her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Mira
God that speech hits home… hard. Her dream come true. That’s what Skylar would be for me; a wish upon a star that I’m granted. I can’t help but stare at him, thinking of a future that will never be. I have tried to push aside my feelings for Skylar and focus on my relationship with Danny, but it’s not working. I know where my heart is and I know where it belongs; with my dream.
I know Danny sees me looking at Skylar and then notices Skylar and I having a silent conversation. I know it hurts him, and I feel terrible for that. I’m growing and my heart isn’t where it used to be. I think he’s known that for some time but is finally coming to the realization that I won’t hurt him but I also won’t be whole. Skylar owns the other half of my soul and I can’t steal it back; I don’t think he would give it up without a fight, either.
The rest of the party goes beautifully. I am amazed at how in love Trevor and Amy ar;, it’s like they were made for one another. Seeing their passion and connection makes me yearn for that of my own. I know that happily ever afters, white picket fences, two point five kids and sitting on a porch swing with the man of my dreams isn’t always the rule in life. I can’t help but want to be the exception to that rule; at least get as close to it as I can.
While Kylee, Skylar and Danny are catching up before we leave, I think it’s a good time for some fresh air and possibly some clarity. I know I can’t go on living this way. Danny deserves more. Fuck it, I deserve more. I deserve to be wanted, needed, lusted after and loved beyond measure. After Kylee told me about seeing Danny yesterday with Melissa, I think that Danny feels the same. Melissa might be his forever while I was just his first.
Awakening (Book 2) (The Destined Series) Page 12