by Stacy Borel
He did. “Bye, ladies. Have a good night,” Turner called over my shoulder.
I walked him the rest of the way out the door. I expected him to keep going until he got to his Escalade, but for whatever reason he paused.
“Annabelle?”
I stood there waiting for him to say more.
“I apologize for my rude comment tonight. Call it foot in mouth disease.” He tried to laugh it off. “But you’re nothing like those girls back at that bar. I said the words before even realizing how they may have come across and that’s not what I meant at all.”
I crossed my arms over my chest protectively. “Then what did you mean?”
He looked down at his feet. Was I making him nervous? I bet he wasn’t grilled by many women. “It was just me being overconfident is all. Truly, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
I squinted my eyes at him, not sure how to respond. He was being sincere, but I didn’t really want to let him off that easy. I was having a good time. I’d allowed myself to relax a little, I’d let my guard down and accepted a drink from a man I hardly knew. That was so out of character for me. How quickly I let him have that little bit, and he had to blow it by saying something stupid. But I wasn’t going to make him suffer any longer. I understood what he was saying, and I just wanted him to go.
“Apology accepted.”
For what seemed like the millionth time tonight, Turner did something unexpected. He came towards me, pulled one of my hands away from my body, and lifted it to his lips. It was as soft as a brush of air, but I felt the warmth of the kiss all the way to my toes. No doubt my cheeks were red.
When he released my hand, he seared me with his blue eyes. “Goodnight, Annabelle.”
I swallowed, hard. “Night.”
I stood there unmoving as he hopped off the porch, and got into his vehicle. Even after his tail lights were out of sight, I still wasn’t heading into the house. Turner Brooks was shocking me left and right. The top of my hand was still tingling from his touch, and my mind was in a state of distress. When the motion sensor light that acted as my porch light shut off, I was blanketed in darkness. Letting it wrap around me, I closed my eyes and exhaled.
Indifference, Annabelle, indifference.
There was nothing special about that man besides his looks. He was not God’s gift to women, like every woman in a hundred mile radius made these Brooks boys believe. At least they weren’t anything that I found worth more of my time. Giving myself a couple more minutes, I shook off the edginess that was building inside me, and went back in the house. I sought the comfort of my friends, my surroundings, and of course my cat. Time to forget about my crazy night and be the babysitter I promised I’d be.
“Who needs Tylenol?” I said, stepping inside and wondering who was going to be up first to take me to get my car.
Chapter Three
Turner
“WHERE THE FUCK DID he put the ring?” I grumbled as I patted down Camden’s tuxedo jacket. I swear that kid would have lost his brain had it not been encased in his skull.
“What are you doing, man?” Camden stepped up beside me. “I said it was in my pant’s pocket. They’re over there.” He pointed at a pair of jeans strung haphazardly over the side of a chair. I walked over to them and plucked out the dainty, diamond wedding band that I was supposed to hold until the preacher asked me for it.
“Really, Cam? This could have fallen out. Ever heard of a ring box?”
“Relax, I’ve got this.” My little brother tipped his head back and took a shot of straight Jack from a flask. I could see the nerves settling in.
Instead of giving him a hard time on his day, I gripped his shoulder and asked, “You good?”
Despite the whiskey on his breath, the smile he gave me let me know he was good. “Yeah. I get to marry my girl today. I don’t think life gets much better than this.”
I gave him a slight squeeze and let go. I wouldn’t know. Truthfully, I’d never felt the way that he was feeling right now. Unless being in love felt the same as driving a race car, sky diving, or resetting a bone that has popped out of place, I had no clue what it felt like. Not sure I ever cared to feel that way either. But I did care that Cam seemed ridiculously happy, and for today, that’s all that mattered.
“Hey, asshole, you sure you want to do this?” Wrigley asked as he tried to snatch the flask out of Camden’s hand.
I slapped the back of his head, causing his perfectly combed hair to shift out of place. “Knock it off. He doesn’t need all the guys in here yanking his chain when he’s about to get hitched. And quit trying to drink, you’re not old enough.”
Camden shook his head and grinned. He definitely had a little buzz going, but I was certain he’d sober up the moment he laid eyes on Keegan. “Couldn’t be more sure about anything in my life.”
“You’re such a sap. At least my soon to be sister-in-law is nice to look at.” Wrigley wagged his eyebrows.
Camden scowled. I stepped in front of him and patted his cheek. “Ignore the baby of the family. He was the last born and got the shit end of the stick with looks and brains.” I heard grumbling but ignored it.
“Oh, hey, man, could you do me a favor?” Camden asked.
“Anything.”
Reaching forward he grabbed a small gift bag that had been perched on the end of the bar. He held it out to me and I took it from him. “Would you mind giving this to Keegan? The girl’s room is just down the hall. I had a little something made for her.”
My brother, the sap. “Sure, no problem. Want me to tell her anything?”
“Nah. There’s a note in there.”
Stepping out of the room, I made my way down a long hallway. Passing several doors that were marked Men, Women, and the pastoral office, my nose tickled from all the floral scents in the air. We were a few miles outside of Athens, in the country, in a chapel that apparently had been named one of the top venues to get married in Georgia in 2015. My mother and Keegan worked like a well oiled machine ensuring that every single detail of this wedding was covered. My mother had impatiently been waiting for one of her boys to get hitched. Granted, none of us ever suspected Camden would have been the first, but Keegan was a good match for him. She was nothing like the other girls he used to chase after, thank God, and she fit in our family as if she’d always been a part of it.
Getting to the end of the hall I saw a door that had a small plaque reading, “Bridal Suite.” I heard female voices on the other side. This must be it. Reaching my hand up, I knocked loudly. The door was cracked open and an eye appeared on the other side. It looked around then opened the rest of the way. Macie stood front and center in a short black dress looking stunning.
“He’s not out there, is he?” Keegan called from a back room.
“No, it’s just Turner,” Macie replied.
I snickered. “Gee thanks.”
She winked at me and shifted out of the way so I could move past her. “Welcome, cupcake. Boy, you clean up nice.”
Stepping forward, I came inside and looked around. There were clothes, make-up, hair pins, brushes, and any other female product you could imagine strung all over the counters that lined the far wall. Two girls that I vaguely remember from the bar were dressed the same. Must be bridesmaids. To the right, my mother was opening a door and out stepped Keegan. She was decked out head to toe in white and looked beautiful. If she wasn’t marrying my brother, I’d probably consider dating her. But she was his match, and he deserved happiness.
“Ladies,” I said in greeting.
They all smiled at me as I made my way further into the room. Approaching the bride, I leaned forward and kissed Keegan on the cheek.
“If all you boys look like this, I’m in for a treat,” she cooed sweetly.
“Careful, I’ll steal you away from my brother. And speaking of, he sent me down here to give you something.” I lifted my hand, the gift bag dangling on my index finger.
A sweet little gasp came from her mouth, and s
he tentatively took it from me. “That sneaky little . . . I told him no gifts.” I couldn’t wipe the smile off her face right now even if I tried. She was beaming.
“I raised my boy’s right,” my mom replied.
Keegan leaned into her and kissed her cheek. “Yes, ma’am, you did.”
“Don’t speak too soon, Momma, Camden is the only one putting a ring on it today,” I taunted her.
She beamed at me and slapped at my chest. “Oh you, hush.”
Keegan, set the bag atop a sofa and started pulling out pieces of tissue paper. Every female in the room, took a step forward to try and get a better look at the prize inside, while I took a step back. This was their moment. Girls lived for this stuff. When she got to the bottom, she pulled out a little black box. Lifting the lid, she immediately brought her hand to her mouth and tears welled in her eyes. My mother pulled out the item and held it so everyone could see.
“Awe.” Was the collective sound throughout the room.
“Oh my gosh, I didn’t even realize that he knew . . .” Keegan’s stunned words trailed off.
It was a delicate silver bracelet that had two pearls on either side of a small charm. The charm was an infinity symbol. My mom wrapped it around Keegan’s small wrist and clasped it. The girls started asking questions about the meaning.
“Every night when we go to sleep, I rub Camden’s back.” She paused to wipe at a tear on her cheek. “I always thought he was already passed out when I’d start drawing infinity symbols on him. It was just a thing I did, I guess. He never even indicated that he knew what I was doing, or that he was still awake.” She was staring at the piece of jewelry with wonder.
I’d have to let my brother know he hit it out of the park with this one. I have to admit, it was pretty clever. Who knew I might be asking for notes from my little brother’s play book? I was considering this my cue to leave, but before I could the door flew open.
“Okay, I was able to track down double sided tape, but you may be SOL with the vinegar.” The girls all stopped their little chatter and every eye was on a very frazzled looking Annabelle. She blew her bangs out of her face and then asked, “What? What’d I miss?”
It was in that moment that she locked eyes with mine, and even if someone was answering her question, neither one of us was listening. Oh this girl, there was something so very intriguing about her. I had to admit, I wasn’t one to keep after someone that would turn me down, but Annabelle made the game of chase a little more interesting. The day of the graduation when she’d said no, I could see it written all over her. She was curious but wouldn’t budge. That next week when I’d gone into work, I’d casually asked around about her to see if someone knew if she was dating anyone, but people either didn’t know who she was, or they said she kept to herself. Since then, I’d run across her in the hospital, but I got the impression she was avoiding me. I let her. ‘Until the other night of course.
“Annabelle,” I greeted her.
“Hi,” she said breathily.
“Vinegar?” I asked.
Her mouth moved but nothing came out. She watched me like a scared cat that just ran into a vicious dog. Did I frighten her? “Huh?”
I smiled at her to try and ease her discomfort. “You said you’re SOL with the vinegar.”
She shook her head. “Oh, right. Yeah, Donna wanted vinegar to see if she could rub out a stain on Keegan’s mom’s dress.”
These women and their little tricks. “Does someone need me to run to the store and get some?”
Tilting her head to the side, I don’t think she was anticipating that answer. “No, I’m sure they will find something else that will work. But thank you.”
We stood there unmoving for a few more beats until one of the girls stepped in between us and took some items out of Annabelle’s hand. “Alrighty, well, I’ll be seeing you girls in a bit.” I looked at Keegan. “And you, look absolutely stunning. My brother is a lucky man.”
She beamed at me. “Thank you. And tell your brother I’m going to kick his ass for making me cry . . . but I love him.”
I saluted. “Will do.”
I would have said something to Annabelle before leaving, but she had effectively turned away from me and struck up conversation with someone else. Oh yes, this girl definitely fascinated me.
***
Annabelle
Holy hell in a handbasket, I was not expecting to run into Turner at that very moment. I knew I’d be seeing him at some point today, but not then, and not when I’d been running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Pretty sure I was sweaty too.
Ewww.
“Okay, ladies, it’s time to line up. Everyone is seated,” Donna said from the door.
Keegan shook her hands out, and took her bouquet of white peonies and pink lilies, and marched toward the door like a girl on a mission.
When we were all in our places, Keegan made sure to say something to us all. “Words can’t express what you girls mean to me. That you all have chosen to take part in a day that I know I’ll never forget. I’m beyond grateful, and I love each and every one of you.”
“Stop it, or I’m going to cry,” Macie said. “I love you, but I’m going to be pissed if you turn me into a sap before the vows are even said.”
The two best friends embraced and they said something quietly to each other that only they could hear. Macie was Keegan’s rock for several years before I’d met them, and their bond was special. I loved that about them.
Pachelbel’s Canon started playing loud enough for us to hear, and Donna and Rowan were escorted in to be seated. Next the bridesmaids were brought in, forming a line, but spacing us out every ten or so feet. As I got closer to the front of the church, I glanced at Camden who stood completely still, with his hands clasped in front of him, as he was anxiously waiting on his bride. There wasn’t a single person in this room that was going to distract him from the moment she stepped foot inside. Next to Camden was a very dashing looking Turner, whom was dressed in a classic black and white tuxedo. The whole theme to this wedding was classic, but rustic, country. It was the best of both the bride and the groom. I did everything I could to keep my eyes off of Turner as I passed and stepped into my spot in front. It didn’t help that I could feel his eyes on me though. I really wish he’d stop watching me.
When Sarah, the flower girl, came down the aisle, the music shifted to “Here Comes the Bride” and every person in the church rose. The doors in the back opened, and Keegan stood in her white dress, looking every bit the blushing bride. She had chosen to walk by herself because of her own family situation, but it didn’t seem to phase her in the least. Her eyes were locked on Camden and one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed passed between them. I hated weddings. I really did. If we could skip all the ceremonial stuff, and everything else leading up to it, it would be perfect. Because this right here was the only part that made me go soft. When the groom sees the bride. The look on his face is pure love. The look on her face is full of pride and adoration. This was where you knew they loved each other and this would be something that would last a lifetime. As Keegan made her way up the aisle, I kept my emotions in check, and smiled as I partook in their happiness.
If only it would have stayed that way. Unfortunately I made the colossal mistake of turning toward Camden to watch his face and I saw Turner just over his shoulder. In this light, his blue eyes looked like the Caribbean Sea. They were unique and beautiful. That same pull from the club captured me, and held me. His perfectly angular jaw, and lips that were shaped similar to a heart. He looked every bit the business man, but I knew hidden under all of that was a man that would push me to the edge. He scared me. He made me curious. I didn’t want to be curious. Turner didn’t belong in my bubble of safety. He was the opposite of safe. He was someone that would turn me upside down like a snow globe and shake me until I couldn’t see past the flurries in front of me.
Look away, Annabelle. I scolded myself.
“
May I have the rings?” the pastor asked.
Turner was the one that cut the invisible line between us. He reached into his coat pocket and placed the ring on the pastor’s palm. Macie did the same.
The whole ceremony went by quicker than I’d expected it to. Neither Camden or Keegan were super religious, so they’d chosen to cut out a lot of the stuff you’d find in a more traditional wedding. They exchanged the rings, said vows they’d written for each other, kissed and then that was it.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Camden Brooks.”
There was some cheering and whooping in the audience. I was ready to get out of there and get some fresh air. I was certain the damn air conditioning was broken. The happy couple strode out of the church hand in hand while the rest of us filed out in couples. Thankfully, Macie was paired with Turner, and I walked with Dodger. He was eyeing her up and down as we made our way to the foyer where we’d greet everyone. I knew they used to be a couple, but I didn’t know how long they’d been together or how serious it’d been.
“It’s a good ass, isn’t it?” I spoke out randomly.
He looked down at me. “Excuse me?”
“Well, I just noticed you checking out Macie, so I was making a remark about how great her ass was.” I wasn’t one to try and embarrass people but I got the impression, he was the type that could take it.
He smirked, seeming shocked by my straightforwardness. I could see why the girls were so attracted to him—baby blue eyes, and that quirky crooked smile would melt the socks off of anyone. “Busted. Yeah, it’s a mighty fine ass.”
I giggled. At least it lightened the mood both he and I seemed to be in. “Sorry, just giving you a hard time.”
He nudged me with his elbow that I was holding on to. “Eh, no worries.”
We both stopped as soon as we got into the foyer and met up with Camden, Keegan, Turner, and Macie. Turner was glaring at his brother, his eyes shooting to where I was still holding on.