Page 58 of The Leaves In Autumn
“I wasn’t about to wait.”
CHAPTER 19
Aargon
This big white tent is decorated from chandelier to dance floor. How did they get the huge flower arrangement up there? It hangs upside-down, under the center lighting, giving the room kind of a magical feel. The scent of flowers rises up in the air.
Good thing we didn’t have to sit at one of those long tables that wedding parties sometimes do. Who started that awful tradition? What person found it thrilling to be on display, like a monkey in a zoo? The guests meanwhile are having a good time at round tables, completely ignoring the captive audience that looks bored out of their minds.
Not that I would be bored today. But it is better for Barbra and me to have other people around. For distraction. I don’t know what would happen if we were alone. I might make a fool of myself and she might tell me to fuck off. I wouldn’t blame her.
As the DJ transitions, the smooth sounds of Silk Sonic begin. Van rises and takes his bride’s hand.
“Let’s dance, babe.”
They float off in their bubble of happiness. Barbra leans over.
“My feet are killing me. Do you think going barefoot would be acceptable?”
“My father just changed into his Uggs, so I think you’re safe.”
Her chuckle is…I like it. I am losing adjectives to describe her appeal. They are never good enough.
Nobel and Dove leave the table and head for the dance floor.
“Dance with me!”
Scarlett giggles at Parrish, and he follows her order.
We are alone.
“Oh no,” she says.
I almost agree, until her eyes focus behind me.
“My mom’s going to “dance.” Air-quotes. “This is going to be bad.”
I turn to see the couple I met two hours ago making themselvesat home. Putting on a show. Actually, it’s Abby doing the showing. The guy just bounces along to the rhythm, with a stupid look on his face, letting his woman take center-ring. She has one of the dahlias in her teeth that was pulled from an arrangement. There is ameant to be eroticroll of the hips, while calling her man forward with wiggling fingers. Her mouth is in a pucker. Oh shit! She almost fell. It isn’t good. I feel for Barbra. And the bride. But they’re across the room. Good.
“She’s drunk. She gets mean when she drinks.”
Barbra’s voice cracks and it kills me.
“Come on,” I say, pulling her up. “I have an idea.”
“What?”
Walking onto the dance floor, I share the plan.
“You dance with Xavier. I’m going to cut in with your mother. We can control this. Just follow my lead.”
She nods and we get in position. She’s in my arms.
“Good thing I’ll be able to dance slow to this,” I say, moving closer to the shit show.
“Oh God. I’m so embarrassed. It was the free alcohol.”
“Stop it. It’s alright.”
