The Wedding Report

by Daria White

  “Fine.” Then the music changed to a slow R&B song. Lance recognized the tune, “Slow Jam” by Usher and Monica. Grant motioned for him and Elise to dance. They walked to the street along with the other couples.

  Lance watched as Chantelle swayed. “You’re not expecting me to ask you, are you?”

  She shook her head. “I know how you feel about it so… no.” She gave a half a smile.

  Gesturing to the seat across from him, Chantelle took a seat. “How have you been?”

  “Okay, and you?” She asked.

  “Getting there.”

  Chantelle rubbed at her forearms. “I’m coming along with the article in case you’re wondering.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “Oh.” Her shoulders slacked.

  He leaned over the table. “I didn’t mean it like that.” Lance rubbed at his head. “A lot on my mind.”

  “Want to talk?”

  He saw her eyebrows draw together, and the way she tilted her head to make strong eye contact with him. Lance replied. “I put in my two weeks’ notice at work.”

  Her eyes bugged. “You didn’t?”

  “I did. Don’t mention that in the article.”

  “I won’t.” She paused and rested her hands on the table. “What are you going to do?”

  “I think I want to go full time with Amelia’s foundation. I have no clue how it’ll work, but I think I’ve found my passion. It’s either that or the community center.”

  “What about your dad?”

  “I only worked there to get his attention. He hasn’t been the same since losing my sister. Neither him nor my mother. I’m tired of pretending. I don’t think they know they still have a child left.” The words left his mouth before he could take them back. Yet, he didn’t feel the need to shield himself from her. Chantelle always listened. She never judged.

  She reached across the table. “I’m sorry, Lance.”

  The graze of her fingers made his breath hitch. He pulled back. “Thanks.”

  She drew in her bottom lip between her teeth. “Want the best seat in the house for the fireworks?”

  “You know a place?” He teased, glad she lightened the mood.

  She gestured for him to follow her, and they slipped away from the crowd. He followed Chantelle to her house, and through the fence to her mother’s backyard.

  “The tree house?” He asked.

  “Not scared, are you?” She grinned.

  He climbed up behind her, and they settled inside the doorway, with their legs dangling off the edge. She’d been right about the best seat in the house. The sun had just set, so the stars displayed against the velvet background. A few clouds blocked the moon. When the firecrackers went off, both he and Chantelle smiled. Various colors danced in the sky, sizzling as it dissipated.

  Sitting this close to her, warmth spread throughout Lance’s body. His hands rested on either side of him on the wooden planks. Was that her hand next to his? He couldn’t tell, but his hand shifted anyway. His pinky finger caught hers and for a moment his body went still. Then another one of his fingers latched onto hers. Before he knew it, their hands intertwined like a stranded cord.

  Why did it feel safe? Why did it feel like home? His lips parted to ask her what it meant, but she pulled away this time. Clearing her throat, she folded her arms. He should have known from the start. She felt nothing for him. Even if she did, it didn’t change the fact that he was marrying someone else.

  Lance released a heavy breath. He was a fool to think otherwise. Andrea was coming into town. He didn’t know which day, but she shouldn’t find him holding hands with his ex-wife.

  “I should go,” he said.

  “Yeah, I’ll see you at the dance rehearsal.”

  He bobbed his head, and without another word, he climbed down the nailed boards. He didn’t look back as he marched to his car. Whatever they had died a long time ago.

  ***

  Chantelle sat with her arms crossed over her stomach. Watching him leave stung like a frozen lash. He held her hand. The heat from his strong fingers singed her skin, and she didn’t want to let go.

  Why did she take his hand? Why did he reach for her? How her hand fit in his clasp. The world disappeared into the distance like a hazy sea. She heard the firecrackers in the background, along with the cheers of her friends and her mother’s neighbors. Still, all that mattered was him.

  Feeling his touch felt so familiar, yet exhilarating. It had been too long. The last time they touched led to a night that changed everything.

  Then she pulled away. It was a mistake, but why did she rub a palm over her heart. It shouldn’t have crossed her mind again, but it creeped in her mind like a snail. She said she’d never ask, but why didn’t he come after her?

  Chantelle shut her eyes. It was her fault. She didn’t give him a choice that night at the hospital. The sad thoughts came and went after hearing from the doctor she had miscarried. Then Lance told her it was best to split and end their brief marriage.

  Her stomach had burned.

  “Get out!” She had shouted. Her eyes swelled from crying. She didn’t want to look at herself in the mirror for days. As soon as she was well, she left for college. Leaving behind Delta Heights. Leaving behind Lance.

  He never called. He didn’t come after her. It never crossed her mind how he felt. He’d only lost his sister a year before. That loss was the catalyst for him finally opening up to her.

  Who did he run to when she left town? Grant didn’t tell her much. He never bashed Lance to her, despite him being disappointed in their choices. Chantelle groaned. The sooner she left town, the better.

  Then her cell rang, and she reached inside her pocket. Seeing it was Cameron, she answered. A pep talk from her friend was what she needed.

  “Hey how are you?” Did her voice waver? Chantelle wanted to remain calm.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She closed her eyes for a moment. “Nothing just doing my job.”

  “Why don’t I believe you?”

  She swallowed. “I’m being honest…”

  “It’s me, Chantelle. Talk.”

  “I’m… having a hard time keeping my personal feelings separate from my work,” she said.

  “Oh, wow.”

  “Yep.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I’ll do my job and come home.”

  “Don’t you think you need to tell him? Will it be worth it, to be honest?”

  “Not with his wedding around the corner.”

  “But you’re falling for the groom…”

  Her voice choked. “I can’t. We’ve been through this. We had our time, and it didn’t work.”

  “I’m sorry, Chantelle.”

  “I should get back before my mother sends a search party for me.”

  Cameron giggled. “What’s that popping noise?”

  Chantelle looked up at the colorful sky. “Fireworks. Town summer kickoff.”

  “Sounds like fun.” Her friend sighed. “Try to enjoy yourself. I’m here if you need me.”

  “I know. Thanks, Cam.”

  With that, she hung up with her friend and took her time climbing down the wooden ladder. She wrapped her arms around herself as she made her way back to the party, only to stop in her tracks when she spotted Javier. He smiled and jogged to meet her. Then he embraced her in a bear hug, and for a moment Chantelle closed her eyes.

  She clung to him tight, but it only made her wish he was someone else. Chantelle buried her face in his neck. Javier didn’t rush her but stroked her back. Why couldn’t she feel for him the way he did for her?

  “Everything okay?” He broke their embrace. “I guess you needed that.”

  “I did. Thank you.”

  His eyes sparkled. “Anytime.” Then he touched her cheek.

  Chantelle swallowed as he inched closer to her face. Her heart hammered inside her chest. Javier’s other hand embraced her waist. His fresh cologne tickled her nose. He’
d been the perfect gentleman since they reconnected. She tilted her head, but only turned to face the other direction. Javier sighed and kissed her cheek instead.

  “Too soon?” He asked.

  She couldn’t tell him about Lance. Not now. All she wanted to do was forget it. Chantelle nodded.

  “I understand. No pressure,” he said.

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m a patient man, Chantelle. You let me know when you’re ready. Or... if you’re not.”

  Her lips parted. Could he tell her heart was somewhere else? She forced a smile. “I appreciate that and...” She touched a hand to his chest. “I’ll let you know. I promise.”

  Javier kissed her palm. Chantelle smiled easier and stared behind him at the crowd on the street. “Are they serving dessert yet?”

  “Follow me.” He took her hand and led her to the dessert table. Though mint chip ice cream couldn’t solve her problems, she still indulged in one of her favorite treats.

  Chapter 21

  The dance studio had high walls with crown molding. Lance paced the glossy hardwood floors, as classical music played in the background. Students chattered, waiting for the instructor.

  Dance lessons. Why did he agree to this? He sighed. To make Andrea happy. Wringing his hands together, it would be worth it to see her smile.

  Then Chantelle appeared in the arched entryway. Leaving her jacket behind, her eyes scanned the room. Why did the tier chandeliers glitter in soft light around her? She only wore leggings with a short-sleeved dress, but the coral colors accentuated her skin tone.

  She pulled her hair into a side ponytail, and she wore heels. They looked lower than her typical ones. He chuckled to himself. At least, she took precautions.

  Then their eyes met. Like a distant star glimmering steadily in the darkness, she out shined the lights. How long did he stare as she approached him? He turned away and diverted his gaze to the wall.

  Things were going too far. After leaving her in the tree house, he went home immediately and called Andrea. Her agent answered the phone stating that he would have Andrea call him back. She didn’t.

  Lance tugged at his collar. He shouldn’t have invited Chantelle to come with him. Correction. She invited herself. Why did he let her? Then again, she offered to help, knowing his reservations about dancing. He breathed deep despite the tightness inside his chest.

  “Hey.” Chantelle greeted.

  He pivoted to face her. Did she notice his tense shoulders? “Glad you could come.”

  Chantelle patted her stomach. “I’m still full from all that food last night.”

  He gave half a smile. His shoulders loosened, and he relaxed his body. “I had fun.”

  “Me too.”

  “Look… I wanted to ask you something.”

  “Yeah, I got caught up in the fireworks.” She gestured between them. “We’re friends, so I think we can forget that whatever happened is nothing major.”

  So she thought about it? Why did his heart palpitate at the notion? “I… I’m glad it doesn’t have to be awkward.”

  She bobbed her head, despite tucking in her upper lip. Was there something she wasn’t telling him?

  “Alright class.” The dancing instructor gestured for everyone to gather around. “My name is Carol and I’m excited about tonight.”

  Chantelle nudged his shoulder. “You ready?”

  Lance flexed his fingers. “Let’s hope so.”

  Carol clapped her hands. “Grab your partner, and we will begin with a simple waltz.”

  Chantelle turned to face Lance. He inched closer and embraced her waist with one hand. His other hand grasped hers. He caught a whiff of her hair. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact smell, but something with mint in it. Her hand was soft, just as it had been the other night. Lance licked his lips, refusing to look her in the eye.

  “Okay so far?” She asked. Was there shakiness in her voice?

  He wouldn’t ask. He cleared his throat. “I’m good.”

  The music played, and Lance prayed that he didn’t fall. Taking a step forward, he stumbled over his own feet.

  “Try again.” Chantelle whispered to him.

  Her breath tickled his ear, but he ignored the sensation. “I’d rather leave.” Lance whispered back.

  She touched his face with her hand. “Let go, Lance. Don’t think about getting it right. Feel the music.”

  “I can’t dance to this.”

  “You have something against music that’s not R&B?” She giggled and covered her mouth.

  He sighed and clasped her hand tighter. “Okay, I’ll try.”

  Carol changed the music. “We’re going to switch things up a bit. Have fun with this one. I’m just trying to get a feel of where everyone is. Consider this a freestyle.”

  Chantelle nodded at her and then looked back at him. “Imagine it’s you and Andrea on your wedding day. She’s in her gown and you’re in your tuxedo. You’ve proclaimed your love in front of friends and family. Now, it’s your first dance.”

  “Okay.” He stepped forward, this time keeping in sync with the beat of the song.

  “You’re doing great.” Chantelle encouraged him. “Just let it flow.”

  They glided across the dance floor just as the instructor played Anne Drury’s “One Step.” Chantelle’s eyes maintained eye contact with him. He twirled her around and brought her back to his chest. Then he dipped her, and he heard her breath hitch.

  “Nice move,” she said.

  He smiled.

  Then he stepped backwards, and she followed. Everything around them disappeared. He only saw Chantelle. The purest vision of light he had ever seen. His fingers laced with hers. She held it tight as he led her into the opposite direction. She flowed with his moves effortlessly.

  She told him to imagine Andrea. He didn’t. Chantelle was the woman who weakened his knees. After all these years. Heat traveled up his arm as he held her close. She fit into his embrace as if she always belonged.

  Was that a slight flush of her skin? Lance then moved closer to erase the distance between them. They swayed back and forth. Her eyes shined, becoming glossy and softening. A slow smile built on Lance’s face. He splayed one hand across her back as they slowed. The song ended.

  Then her expression turned pained. She released her grip to his hand and stepped away. Rubbing at her chest as if she were feeling pain, she marched towards the door.

  “Is there anything wrong?” Carol asked him. “You two were perfect together.”

  “I’ll go check.” Just as Lance approached the front door, a familiar face beamed at him.

  “Hi, Honey.” Andrea smiled. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

  His mouth fell open. He held back his gasp but stroked her back. She held him tighter. Lance broke their embrace and moved further into the foyer.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you’d be here?” He asked.

  She didn’t reply but kissed his lips. She tasted sweet as honey, and Lance almost forgot the affect she had over him. He kissed her back, glad to see her, but pulled back. “Andrea?”

  “I wanted to surprise you,” she said. Then she cupped his face. “Are you happy to see me?”

  Her words tugged at his heartstrings. Lance kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  She took his hand, lacing her manicured fingers with his. “We’re in this together.”

  Lance pulled her into another embrace. If only he didn’t make eye contact with Chantelle. She stood outside the glass doors as her shoulders slumped. She dropped her head for a moment, but then reentered the building. Lance commended her on her boldness, especially after their dance together.

  Chantelle said, “You must be Andrea Williams.”

  Andrea smiled. “Yes, I am. And you are?”

  She extended her hand. “Chantelle Woods from The Wedding Report.”

  Lance watched as the two women in his life shook hands. If only he could disappear.

  “
I’m so glad you could make it. I was about to contact your agent to see about a Skype interview.” Chantelle added.

  Andrea giggled. “I know. I’ve been all over the world. Tell you what, why don’t we meet up tomorrow. That way you can talk to Lance and me both.” She beamed as she snuggled into him.

  Lance’s stomach hardened.

  “That will be perfect. I would love to ask you some individual questions. Will that be alright?” Chantelle asked.

  “That will be perfect.” Andrea agreed.

  Lance glanced around.

  Chantelle cleared her throat. “Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. I was only standing in tonight with the dance lessons. Plus, it’s more material for the article. I’m sure Lance will love to continue with you.”

  “I love the waltz, Babe,” Andrea said to him. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

  He took her hand. “Well, let’s get to it.” His eyes landed to Chantelle. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Will lunch at the house work?”

  “That would be great,” she said.

  “I can’t wait. It was a pleasure to meet you, Chantelle,” Andrea said.

  “Same to you. Goodnight to you both.” Chantelle grabbed her jacket and walked out the door. Andrea intertwined her fingers with Lance, but it only made his chest tighten.

  ***

  Lance set Andrea’s bags on the full-sized bed of Delta’s Heights’ Bed and Breakfast. Her eyes roamed the room. Though it wasn’t a luxury hotel, guests who stayed at Mr. and Mrs. Duncan’s place never complained. They gave quality service along with home-cooked meals, receiving five star reviews from guests.

  Andrea sat on the full-size bed. “This place is... different.”

  “Not what you’re used to in New York and LA,” he said, hoping she didn’t hear the bite in his voice. Could he handle Chantelle being in the same room with Andrea?

  “Are you okay?” She took off her blazer. “You’ve been quiet.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I only wish I knew what time you were coming.”

  She folded her arms. “I thought you wanted me here. You look disappointed.”

  “I’m not.”

  “I mean you begged me to come.”