Page 79 of Hero Hair
Chapter Twenty-Three
Teala
“Deep breaths, Teala. Everything is going to be okay,” Dr. Rhodes whispers, leaning over.
I’d take his hand in mine for comfort, but he says it’s not appropriate to have any physical contact, so I focus on my breathing and keep my face turned toward the large tree. I chose this chair specifically because it was so near the front of the flower altar, there was less chance he would sit in front of me and force me to look at him. Avoiding him completely is out of the question, but Dr. Rhodes even agreed limiting contact with Macs would probably be best.
It’s a small wedding, only several white folding chairs on each side of the aisle and a podium covered by flowers for the officiant. I know the wedding will be quick, too. Carina and Smith decided to surprise everyone and hold it in Balboa Park last minute. After the success of Carina’s novel and consecutive movie deal forNever Forever,there was a frenzy over their real life relationship and reconnection. A wedding that is fast and dirty and unpermitted was how they were doing it.
I can’t help the pang of jealousy that creeps in when I think of how happy my friend is. Their love seems so effortless even if I know for a fact it was also traumatic. What love is easy these days? I asked Dr. Rhodes to come to this thing with me because I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t self destruct. Macs probably has a date here as does most everyone else, including Charlotte. Dr. Rhodes comments on my friends, some funny anecdote that makes me forget why I’m nervous to begin with. He makes me laugh. He’s safe.
My hair has finally grown out. It brushes my shoulders and is one length instead of fifty. I’m sleeping again, in part because I started taking the medicine prescribed to me, and because I started to become…happy. With the support of my mom and without any vices. When you’re messed up to begin with relationships are a bad idea. My subconscious knew that even if I didn’t. Add in the terror attacks, falling in love, and losing Macs to the unknown, and it was a recipe of disaster formulated just for me. What luck?
The wedding ceremony makes me cry and I’m a blubbering mess as it concludes. Carina and Smith are this picture of stunning love simplified and magnified at the same time. She hugs me tightly in greeting as they make their rounds. There are already people bustling around, folding the chairs and putting them away.
Carina pulls back to look at me and says, “I’m so happy.” Her words are watered down now, too. How can you choose the proper words at a time when mere words aren’t enough?
I nod and sniffle. “I want to be happy,” I whisper in reply.
“Then be it,” she says. Carina nods hello to Dr. Rhodes and finds Smith standing next to his friends. She links her arm through his and leans her head to rest on his shoulder.
I know Macs is over there just from the sheer size of the men in the group.
I turn back to my date. “Everyone is heading to the restaurant for dinner. I think I would rather go home,” I explain.
“Would or should?” he asks.
I smile. “I’m not paying you right now. You’re my friend! Don’t ask me vague introspective questions.”
He laughs, and his eyes crinkle in the corner. The sight makes me smile. I’m finally okay. This is okay. Even if I have to see Macs, I’ll live.
A male clears their throat behind me. I read it on Dr. Rhodes face. He knows who it is. His smile fades, but it doesn’t vanish completely. His eyes narrow as he studies Macs. Perhaps he’s finally sticking every story I’ve ever told him to the person it belongs with. It’s fun to watch, but I know what I need to do.
“Teala,” Macs says.
My name is all it takes for my body to respond. Every hair on my skin stands on end, and flutters invade my stomach—like little storm troopers readying for a battle no one wins.
I smile at the Dr., give him a wink to let him know I can handle this without hysterics, and spin to face Macs. His smile doesn’t mirror mine. Not even close. “Well, if it isn’t Macallister Newstead? How are you? It’s been so long,” I exclaim, keeping my posture relaxed and my smile wide.
His neck works as he swallows and his eyes flick the side. “Oh, I’m so rude. This is…” my voice waivers. Do I admit I brought my shrink as my date? How crazy would that look?
Dr. Rhodes strides forward and extends his hand toward Macs. “I’m Salvatore,” Dr. Rhodes says, saving me from any and all embarrassment. “It’s so good to meet you.”
I knew his first name by proxy of the bills I finally looked at, but I have never referred to him that casually. I owe this man a lot. Macs grabs his hand, and they shake, Macs eyeing him up and down more than once.
“Nice to meet you,” Macs replies as they’re separating. “I’m Macs,” he adds as an afterthought.
“Teala, I’ll go get the car, okay?” Salvatore says, smiling.
He doesn’t shrink away from the massive bulk of Macs even though he’s probably half his size. Confidence comes in all shapes, I muse. Nodding, I mouth a quick thank you out of sight of everyone else. I watch as Dr. Rhodes runs up the grassy hill toward the parking lot. A light breeze picks up my hair as I turn to face him.
“New boyfriend?” Macs asks.
I shrug. “Someone I talk to from time to time,” I reply, twisting my hands in front of me. “You look good.”
The excuse I’ve needed to let my gaze flick from his from head to toe. He’s dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and dark navy dress slacks. He’s so handsome he makes my mouth water. I wish I could take a photo so I could look at him longer than is socially acceptable in person.
Macs shoves his hands in his pockets and looks to the left. “Thanks,” he mutters. He looks tired, his face a little more weathered than the last time I saw him. “I’m glad you’re doing well.”
