Page 11 of Scoring Chance
Four
The wedding was three minutes, tops.
Jameson hired a local last-minute photographer, straight out of high school to take the photos. “I’m about to make you rich and famous, kid,” he boasted to the young man who simply went by Sapphire.
After the minister officiated, with Sarah and Jameson choosing to use the standard vows instead of writing their own – Sarah felt they were good enough for the time being – everyone went out to dinner to Joël Robuchon. Flowing champagne, scrumptious dinner, and lots of laughter and well wishes filled the evening as Sapphire snapped up more pics.
“Here’s a list of everyone who should get those pictures along with e-mails,” Jameson handed him a list. “Peopleis getting them soon, followed by ESPN. Family gets the pics first or I’ll never hear the end of it from my sister.”
“You got it, man!” Sapphire smiled.
“And for your trouble,” Jameson pulled out a wad of hundred dollar bills and gave it to Sapphire. “And if the pictures turn out great, and I’m sure they will, you’ll get more and more business.” He patted him on the back. “Thanks, kid. We’ll be in touch!”
“Thank you! And congrats!” Sapphire waved goodbye.
Jameson turned back to Dean, who was standing on the side waiting for Sydney to finish speaking with Sarah. “You’re a married man,” Dean grinned. “Still unbelievable.”
“Hey, it had to happen sometime.” Jameson replied. “You got next.”
Dean sighed as he looked over at his girlfriend. He didn’t deserve her but he couldn’t see anyone else but her in his future. He had an insane amount of love for Sydney and would do anything just to see her smile. “I hope so.”
“Hey, whatever happens after she finds out is for the best. If she decides that’s it, you two were never meant to be. If she decides she wants to stay with you forever, you need to worship the ground she walks on.” Jameson advised. “You will never find woman that sublime.”
“I hear you,” Dean agreed.
“Dude,” Jameson became serious. “Sydney put up with a lot of shit regarding Rebecca. Rebecca stealing her art and claiming it’s hers? The picture you two took together after the fact? And the interview that never was? Sydney put up a lot. She’s not innocent herself but she also knows when to leave. Do right by her.”
Dean nodded. “I’m going to.” He glanced over at Sarah and Sydney, who were drunk laughing at whatever girls drunk laugh at. “Starting tonight.”
~~~~~
“What an amazing day,” Sydney entered the shared suite as Dean followed suit, “our friends are crazy.”
“Yeah, but they’re perfect for each other,” He removed his jacket and slipped out of his shoes, “they’re crazy but it works.”
“For real, though.” Sydney walked to her bag and rummaged through it to get her sleeping clothes. “I’m going to go freshen up unless you need the bathroom first.”
“Just one moment before you leave,” Dean pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of Sydney. “Now you can go.”
Sydney shyly smiled. “What was that for?”
“You looked so gorgeous and I wanted a personal pic,” he calmly replied, “that’s all.”
Sydney felt her stomach drop to the bottom of her feet. She blew out a small breath and maintained her composure as her heart pounded against her chest. “That’s all?”
Not really, Dean wanted to answer but remained silent. “That’s all. Go freshen up. I’ll pour our some champagne for us.”
“Good. Pick out a movie!” Sydney headed to the bathroom.
Dean went into the fridge, pulled out a chilled bottle of Moet, and poured two champagne flutes. He quickly removed his clothing and changed into lounge pants and a white tank top. As he waited for Sydney to return, Dean thought about what Jameson said.
They had been through a lot and it hadn’t even been a full year since they’ve known each other. He could admit they moved too fast and probably rushed head first into everything without checking to see if there was water at the bottom. But life was meant to live fast and hard, not to take it slow and do a wait and see approach.
He was 22 to her 24 and could admit they both had a lot of growing up to do. He could also admit he couldn’t see anyone else growing old with. He needed to make it right for him,for them.
He pushed all thoughts of Rebecca out of his mind once he saw Sydney return to the living room. That weekend was about them and nobody else.
~~~~~
