Page 60 of The Ex Effect
Olivia gripped her stepfather’s arm as he shuffled next to her. “Ready, Papa?”
Her stepfather nodded, steadied himself with his wooden cane, and dabbed at his eyes with his handkerchief. Once they stepped into the barn, I circled outside and slipped into a side door to make sure the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch.
No matter how many weddings I attended, watching the bride or groom walk down the aisle always gave me flutters. Olivia’s cousin had pulled through on makeshift DJ duties, and the speakers blasted the wedding song without feedback. I assumed that Olivia and Tommy would choose “Wedding March” or “Canon in D,” or something similar to walk down the aisle. Instead, they chose a country song that would normally not be my style, but the lyrics about stars aligning and fate bringing them together struck me and I blinked back tears. I peeked at Frankie—her cheeks dewy, her expression serious and determined while capturing photos—and thanked the stars for realigning us again.
After the ceremony, I guided the guests outside for a quick cleanup of the scattered flowers and so the caterers could get set up. “This way please. Wine, lemonade, hors d’oeuvres behind the barn.” I really hoped people didn’t wander too much, because if they stepped fifty feet farther than they were supposed to, they’d see piles of junk.
Soon, the property sprung alive. Guests tossed bean bags into the “Mr. and Mrs.” corn hole game, kids chased each other while screeching, and a long line of folks lined up to congratulate the bride and groom.
I stretched my neck, looking behind the guests and caught Frankie’s eye.God, she’s spectacular.Frankie pointed thecamera at me and snapped a few pics, and when she lowered the camera, she gave me a wink. Yep, flutters yet again. This entire day my stomach was ready to take off in flight.
The chicken Kiev and grilled asparagus dinner looked as good as it smelled, and without question, Zoey’s chocolate and raspberry cake made my mouth water. Really, would anyone know if I took a little slice before the couple? As the guests returned, the space warmed again. A few people fanned themselves with wedding programs, but overall the shade and fans staved off most of the heat. With the guests happily munching on their dinner, I slipped behind the bar area and took a few bites of food.
Frankie stepped behind me and rested her chin on my shoulder. “Can I have a quick bite?” She grabbed my fork without waiting for a response, swallowed back some chicken, and give me a quick love pat on the side of my leg.
Melting. I’m positively melting.
The maid of honor, best man, and parent speeches were beautiful. Everyone, including me, teared up when the stepfather spoke about being at peace after watching Olivia find her happiness with Tommy. The guests raised their glasses in cheers and the couple kissed under a round of hoots and hollers.
Then the maid of honor/designated party starter/definite former sorority sister grabbed the microphone and said, “Let’s dance!” and dragged a couple of very reluctant groomsmen on the floor with her. Laughter, chatting, and clapping soon filled the space along with the music.
Among the clicking of glasses and silverware tapping the plates, and good old ’80s pop rock playing in the background, I floated around the room checking tables, answering questions from the caterers, and pointing people to the bathrooms outside. I lifted a water bottle to my mouth when a woman approached me from the side.
“Hey, there. I’m one of Olivia’s classmates.” She shook myhand. “You did amazing here and Olivia damn near sung your praises from the rooftop. Not sure what your schedule looks like, but I just got engaged last month and I’d love to talk to you next week about hiring you for my wedding next summer.”
Relief washed over me. I handed the woman a business card and said I’d be thrilled to help. More time passed. With music thumping in the background, the caterers silently cleared dishes, the bartender kept busy with filling glasses with wine, and Frankie continued working the crowd like a pro. I took a moment of reprieve, stepped out behind the building, and kicked off my heels. The sun warmed my chest, the grass cooled my feet, and the evening filled my heart.
Back inside, the mother of the bride crossed the room toward me, her perfectly smooth bob not moving while she walked. “This wasstunning. I cannot begin to imagine what you had to go through to get this place ready with such short notice.” She laid a hand across her pearl necklace. “Now is not the time for details, but could we have lunch maybe Wednesday or Thursday? We’re planning a major spring event for a charity auction in Minneapolis. The company I hired have been incompetent and uncommunicative, and I would love to bring you on instead.”
Swear to God, I almost turned around to make sure she wasn’t talking to someone behind me. I nodded way too vigorously and pushed my arms into my sides to refrain from hugging her. “I would love to!” were the only words I could form.
By the end of the evening, three things happened. I had given out at least twenty business cards, booked three appointments, and for the first time in two years, felt that my company—and myself—would be okay.
Yawns from some, drunken laughter from others, and hefty whines from a very, very cranky flower girl filled the room as the crowd trickled down. The music shifted from allthe “YMCA,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Bye Bye Bye” songs, into a ballad.
Frankie lowered her camera and crossed the room to me. “May I have this dance?” She bowed and held out her hand.
“Such a gentleman.” I grinned and set my palm in Frankie’s. “Don’t you need to capture this on film?”
Frankie swung the camera hanging from her neck to her side and tucked it under her arm. “I’m on break.”
Her hands gripped the small of my waist and she tugged me into her chest.Oh, wow, guess so. I rested my head against Frankie and felt her heartbeat pulse against my ear. I exhaled, breathing out the chaotic day, the even more chaotic summer, and softened into Frankie’s touch.
Now that the wedding was over, and the summer’s end approached, I knew Frankie and I would have to address all the unknowns. Living in a fantasy world was pretty amazing, but reality was going to set in soon. But for this moment, with the hardwood squeaking under my heels, the room warm and steamy, I closed my eyes and melted into Frankie’s arms.
When the next song started, Frankie kissed the top of my head and the warmth spread to my toes. Frankie’s head buried into my shoulder, and I snugged her tighter. Whatever would happen, we’d figure it out. I let Frankie go once. I wasn’t sure I could do it again.
Moisture hit my neck.What was… Oh. Frankie’s tears glided down me. I sighed and pulled her tighter. Whatever was happening inside her, I wanted to take it away, to squeeze it from her. Maybe if I held her long enough, reality wouldn’t set it, and we could live in this moment forever. I stroked her neck as the tears from her continued. All the unspoken words were loud now. Frankie was as scared of the future as me.
I lifted my head and swiped her cheeks with my thumbs. My heart ached. I lifted my mouth to Frankie’s ear. “I love you.”I didn’t need to hear it back, but I needed to say it, get it out in the open, and whatever happened after this was meant to be.
Frankie didn’t move her head but squeezed me a little tighter. Moments passed, the end of the song nearing, the swaying almost complete. Finally, Frankie leaned into my ear. “I never stopped loving you.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
FRANKIE
I slithered out of bed and tiptoed from the room. Morgan was still sleeping, exhausted after the wedding the previous evening. Thankfully, last week she finally listened to reason and hired a cleanup crew so we could leave at a decent time, but we were still there until after midnight. At the door, I took another helping of bliss… A naked, pink-cheeked Morgan lying on her stomach, her back rising with each soft breath, her blonde hair matted against the pillowcase.
