Page 75 of The Facilitator: Part 2
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Cars queuedalong the drive to Mrs. Collingsworth’s house. Valets were rushing between the parking area and the queues. Occupants of the cars posed for photographs in their posh frocks as they stood on the impressive steps to the front door. When it was our turn, we stood—Mackenzie made a point to pull me close—he kissed my temple as the camera clicked, and we took a card with a number on it. I assumed that would allow us to see our photo. The house had been decorated in silvers and blues, and flowers adorned every available surface. Waitresses mingled with trays of champagne and we were encouraged to walk through the house to thegarden.
I stood at the French doors and just looked. Bowls of fire lit a pathway to an open-sided marquee. There was a stage at one end, round tables at the other. We were greeted by a waiter, who consulted his clipboard, and instructed us we were to join the main party at the top table. Mackenzie took my hand and we walked down the fire lit path. We were stopped constantly by guests Mackenzie knew and he introduced me. Eventually we managed to make our way to a table where his father and Sandra sat. Mack rose, he pulled me into a hug, and held out his hand to Mackenzie. Mackenzie ignored his hand; instead, he pulled his father into his embrace. I was sure I saw a tear on Mack’scheek.
“We’re not sitting together but how about we catch up tomorrow?” Mackenziesaid.
“That would be nice. Maybe lunch?” Macksaid.
“Not unless it’s my choice and my treat. I’m not eating in that diner ever again,Dad.”
Mack laughed, “Deal. Nowhere fancy mind you. I only have this one suit and you can bet your ass food is going to bespilled.”
We swapped our empty glasses for fullones.
“I’ve told my future daughter-in-law you need to get your ass in gear. I want to be around for the wedding,” headded.
Mackenzie choked on his champagne. He coughed and I patted his back. “I think your dad is just kidding,” I said. Mack’s expression said otherwise, but he had the grace to not sayanymore.
“Lauren!” Iheard.
Gabriella strode towards me in the most revealing but amazing silk gown. Her makeup was perfect, her hair totally on point. She looked like she could have stepped off thecatwalk.
“My god, look at you! You look absolutely stunning, Gabriella,” I said, holding her at arm’slength.
“I’ve had the works done, been with Momma’s beauty team all day. I daren’t smile too much, there are a few layers of makeup on this skin. Don’t kiss me, I’m sure we’llstick.”
We laughed as we performed a very dramatic and Hollywood style air kiss. “Mackenzie just agreed to meet his father for lunch tomorrow. I think they might be making amends there,” Iwhispered.
“I’m pleased to hear that. He’s dying; who wants to leave the earth without making peace?” she said. I hoped she was talking aboutMack!
“Alex is completely overwhelmed, inundated by distant relatives, and terrified. He had instructed me that we would leave early in the morning, except we can’tnow.”
“Mackenzie told me. I can’t believe Daniel would do such a thing to your mother,” Isaid.
“Sadly, Lauren, I can. I loathe him, I honestly do, and I have since I was a child. You know that car Mackenzie was driving? Daniel worked on it and he wasn’t remotely qualified or experienced to do so. He caused that crash, I’m sure. I hope Mackenzie keeps that inmind.”
I hadn’t been aware of that element and, assuming Mackenzie knew, it would certainly add to his hatred of theman.
Alex found his way to us. “Lauren, do not leave my side. Us Brits need to take up arms, suit up in our armour to preserve our sanity here. I want a banner,I have never met the Queen, and I really haven’t, although I do believe we are distantly related,” heinsisted.
His theatrical statement had not only me laughing but Mackenzie as well. His father had returned to hisseat.
“They are going to call for us to sit soon, how about we make our way to our table?” Gabriellasaid.
Arm in arm, we weaved our way through the round tables to the one at the end. Mackenzie pulled out a chair for me. He was one side of me, Mrs. Collingsworth the other. Gabriella was to her other side and then it was Alex. She had forgone the usualboy-girl/boy-girlof the other tables. I was also very thankful not to have Daniel withus.
“Darlings, a toast. I’m disappointed I didn’t attend your wedding, my only daughter…” She gave Gabriella a wink before continuing. “But I’m thrilled to welcome you, Alex, to the family. Of course, I shall absolutely play on the fact my daughter married a lord.” She turned back to the table in general and raised her glass. “To my wonderful daughter and her newhusband.”
“Mother, toasting the favoured without me,” weheard.
I sighed, as did Gabriella. Daniel was clearly drunk already. He swayed while holding a bottle ofbeer.
“Go and sit down, Daniel,” Mrs. Collingsworthsaid.
Instead, he waved his bottle, sloshing his beer over my back. “Did I get you wet?” he said, and then laughed. “I saw Lauren in just her underwear earlier. Verynice.”
The screech of a chair, as Mackenzie stood, caused the diners on neighbouring tables to glance over. I watched as Alex slowly stood. He placed his hand on Mackenzie’s shoulder and whispered something into his ear. He walked around until he was next to Daniel and then leaned in close to his ear. Hewhispered.
