Page 38 of Love Rewritten

Once she’s had her share, Abby turns back to me and I ask, “Ready?”

“Nope,” she says with an odd cheerfulness before heading for the door, tugging me along with her.

The ceremony is held in a large, grand ballroom in the heart of town. The interior almost looks straight out of a fairytale castle. I didn’t know Oxly had such extravagant places. The foyer is wide open. A small circular table sits in the middle, with a large floral arrangement of white roses, peonies, and some greenery. A large sign stands next to it with a gold-embellished greeting for the event.

Abby and I walk hand in hand, Meredith trailing behind us, through the large, intricately carved wooden double doors. The high-ceilinged ballroom is already bustling with people dressed to the high heavens in suits and elegant dresses. Caterers wander the space with champagne and hors d'oeuvres placed carefully on gold trays. To the right sits a long glass bar top where a line of people stands, mingling amongst themselves.

On the left is a long line of tables with food in stainless steel trays, roasting over open flames. It’s buffet style. Good to know we can eat whenever and whatever we want. In the middle, circular tables scatter the space with white tablecloths. The middle of each table hosts a floral arrangement similar to the one out front. At the far back wall, a wooden stage stands about three feet above the polished wooden floor. A small orchestra plays a soft melody while everyone meanders about.

“I’m going to the bar,” Meredith says as she slips past us.

“Champagne?” a nearby server offers.

“God, yes, please,” Abby says, snatching one off the tray.

I fail to stifle my chuckle. “You’re a little out of your element, aren’t you?”

She sticks her tongue out at me before taking a drink from her flute of bubbling champagne. “I don’t do things like this, okay? I haven’t even been to a wedding since my sister got married six years ago. And that wasn’t even half as fancy as this. Have you?”

“Where do you think I got the suit?”

“I was afraid to ask in case you’d bought it just for this occasion.”

“I didn’t, but I would have.” I laugh a little when she gives me a coy smile. “I’ve been to my fair share of fancy events with my parents being so high up in the different systems they’re a part of.”

“Well, then give me some pointers because where I’m at right now, I think I might crawl into a hole.”

I take her arm and wrap it around mine. “All you have to do is keep looking pretty and sip that glass. Everything else will come easy. This is for you, you know. All these people, they’re here for you.”

She rolls her eyes. “Notjustme.”

“No, but it’s still partially for you. Enjoy it.”

“I hate the spotlight. You know that.”

“I do. And you know what else I know? That you’ll survive tonight, no matter what happens.”

She takes a deep breath and squeezes my arm tighter. “Okay.”

We make our way toward the bar for me to grab some water, and just as I turn around with my glass, my father’s face blocks my vision.Be nice,I try to remind myself.

“Abby. Dal. It’s good to see you.” He smiles and starts to hold his arms out like he’s coming in for a hug but second-guesses himself and pulls them back. “I’m glad you could make it.”

Abby squeezes my arm, a knowing sign of support, and maybe a bit of a plea to put on a happy face for the night. “Of course. I haven’t gotten to thank you yet. I am really grateful for what you did.”

“I’m honored to have you here. You are an amazing writer, Abby. You deserve every bit of praise you get for your work.”

Abby smiles and nods, almost a bow. Just as the awkward silence starts, Meredith comes back to us.

“Hi,” she beams. She extends a hand toward my father. “I’m Meredith, Abby’s best friend.”

He shakes it gently and responds, “It’s nice to meet you, Meredith. I’m Dr. Kraus.”

“So, you’re the one responsible for kicking this girl in the butt and getting her to actually do something with her writing. Genius. This man is a genius.” She points toward him with the drink in her hand and it almost sloshes over the rim.

He smiles politely. “Hardly. I’m just the support. Abby is the one with all the talent.”

I look at Abby and can tell she’s getting overwhelmed. All this praise is too much for her all at once. “Okay. I think we should find some food before the festivities start.”

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