Page 34 of The River in Spring
Nobel gestures to the couple sitting at the island, champagne flutes in their hands.
“That’s my sister, Scarlett and her fiancé, Parish.”
They welcome me with their eyes and right away I feel the whisper of a connection. Oh. That was strong.
“Hi,” I say. “So nice to meet you. And congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Parish says.
A chuckle slips from Scarlett. “Welcome. It’s good to meet the woman who broke down the castle walls.”
Nobel holds back a smile. But he doesn’t deny his sister’s assessment.
“What can I make you to drink, Dove?” Gaston asks. “Nobel? What about you?”
I point to the bubbly. “Is that champagne I see?”
“We are sampling a few for Scarlett and Parish’s wedding. Help us!” Aurora adds.
“I’ll take a whiskey,” Nobel says, rejecting the lighter stuff without pause.
“Can I have another tequila?” Velvet asks, suddenly animated.
The drinks are poured, and passed to us as we take seats next to the about to be newlyweds.
I raise my glass in their direction. “Here’s to love. Yours.”
Charlotte is pleased with the gesture and lifts her flute. “Chin chin!”
The champagne testers take a sip and I see a few sour faces. It isn’t that bad.
“This one sucks,” Van says.
“Should have had the Patron.” Velvet’s contribution lands with a thud.
Van could not care less. Don’t think he’s interested in her palate. I would bet it’s the enormous boobs that whet his appetite. For her, it’s probably his bedroom skills. Nobel did say fucking was Van’s favorite pastime. Maybe she likes him for the same reason he likes her. And why not? They could be perfectly matched.
“Have we met before?” I ask Scarlett. “I recognize both of you from somewhere.”
“Yes! I can’t believe you’d remember. Parish and I were at one of your performances at McCandy’s. We spoke to you after the show. Love your music.”
“I thought I’d seen you! And thanks.”
Gaston gathers the rejected samples of champagne. “Let’s get rid of these. I’ve got another I think you’ll like more.”
The evening unfolds like all good gatherings do. Organically. With the ease that comes from a shared happy experience spent with people who like to talk to each other and be together. That’s what I notice. It is not love alone that lives within this family. They like each other. Can’t get better than that. My family had it too.
About two hours in, when the wedding champagne has been chosen and the dinner eaten, we start the dancing. Gaston and Aurora kick it off. Extending a hand he pulls her into the middle of the room, as Marvin Gaye begins to sing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”. Van and Aargon move the large coffee table to the side, making ample room for the featured dancers.
They come together with a smoothness born of years dancing together. She melts into his arms at first, then he swings her out and the real dance begins. Wow. They can move. Gaston is light on his feet, and the fact he is a big man with a belly doesn’t factor in his ability to have great rhythm. They both do.
“Come on, kids!” he says, calling us onto the floor.
Nobel takes my hand but remains sitting. He leans in. “I don’t really dance.”
I watch Scarlett and Parish leave their seats and join in. Van and Velvet too. Only Aargon stays where he is, and he has an excuse. Nobel watches my face for signs of agreement. But that isn’t going to happen.
“Are you injured?”
