Page 77 of Not that Sea-Rious
The women beside Marissa exchanged glances.No doubt feeling pity for her about being so hung up on a guy she barely knew.In her defense, they were responsible for her irrational attachment.If they hadn’t been championing it, she might not have caught feelings for him.
Shaking her head, she shifted her attention to the bride as she took photos with her husband.They looked so happy.Marissa forced a smile.It was the least she could do.Today was her happy day.Regardless of the war raging within Marissa, today wasn’t about her.It was about Carolyn and Erich.She could wallow in self-pity tomorrow.
Gathering her massive skirts, Carolyn strolled away from her groom, family, and the photographer.“That’s a wrap.Let’s go.I’m hungry.”
And with that, they were off to the reception.
Beau
Staying out of sight for the cocktail hour was easy.Beau was able to get a drink, have some delicious food, and not worry about being seen.The bridal party showed up for the last fifteen minutes.
Though hiding from Marissa seemed to be the antithesis of his purpose.Then again, it was all part of the plan.Timing was key.For maximum impact and to show her he was serious, he had to wait and surprise her.No matter how eager he was to run to her, grab her, and tell her everything, he had to be patient.
Nodding to himself, he stuffed a crab cake into his mouth.Patience.He summoned every ounce he could muster.Not much longer.They were headed to the big ballroom, where the reception would go into full swing.If he could pull this off, it would be epic.
48
Marissa
WhydidMarissakeepscanning the crowd?She knew better.He wasn’t there.Yet every chance she got, she searched for him.It didn’t matter that she was listening to Carolyn’s mom tell the story about how she argued with the florist for the centerpieces.God help Marissa if someone asked her Erich’s mother’s name, because Marissa was too busy looking over the woman’s shoulder when they were introduced.
She was too distracted to be a functioning guest—let alone an effective bridesmaid.Ugh, why was she like this?Pathetic and desperate.
With shoulders slumped and her gaze locked on her plate, Marissa pushed the leafy greens around on her plate.She wasn’t hungry.It was a delicious salad.She’d gone with Carolyn to sample the food the other day.She just wasn’t interested in it.
“Come with me,” Joyce whispered as she got up.
Furrowing her brows, Marissa glanced around.“Where?”
“I should take Ava to the bathroom, and I need someone to watch her while I go.Ted had to wrestle me into the Spanx this morning, and I haven’t a clue how long it’s going to take me to stuff myself back into them.Last time I brought Ava into a public restroom, she opened the door on me, and the entire world got a show.I donotwant a repeat of that.”
Glancing at the little girl squirming against her mother, Marissa chuckled.“Okay.”
As they made their way over the dance floor, the DJ asked everyone to clear it.
They’d already done the dances, so it must be time to toss the bouquet.Marissa wanted no part of that.She already felt sad.There was no reason for her to join Carolyn’s teenage cousins as the only single women at the wedding.
“Thank you,” she murmured to Joyce.
Opening the bathroom door, Joyce peered at her.“For what?”
“Giving me an excuse to avoid all that hoopla.”Marissa gestured behind her.
Once Ava had gone tinkle, Marissa helped her wash her hands and entertained her by dancing in the bathroom to the music coming from the reception hall.Twirling and showing off their tap dance moves, they waited for Joyce.
They had really gotten into it busting a move when Joyce finally exited, muttering to herself about girdles.“Can you zip me?”she asked, approaching the sink.
Pausing the wiggles, Marissa stepped to her friend and dutifully fixed her dress.
“Calling single ladies,” the DJ announced from the other room.
“I thought they did that already,” Marissa groaned.
“Apparently not,” Joyce said as she scrubbed her hands.“But Carolyn will kill you if she doesn’t see you out there.”
Resigned to her fate, Marissa had no other choice.It was still the bride’s day, and as her maid, she had to do what Carolyn wanted.Turning toward Ava, Marissa extended her hand.“Want to join me on the dance floor?”
“Yeah,” the little girl said as she took Marissa’s offering.
