The song changed, but we didn’t stop dancing, just adjusted our movements to match the rhythm of the music.
“What do you mean?”
“Have you ever pictured getting married?”
Other than today and to you?I thought, but I would never say that aloud.
“I’ve never been in a serious relationship before.” Hopefully, the half answer would be enough to satisfy Grey.
“Never?”
“Let’s just say that I wanted to play the field when I went to college.” Thathadbeen my plan anyway. Until Grey.
“And how did that work out for you?”
Well, I’m currently dancing with my “just friend,” who I’m falling for more and more no matter how hard I fight it. And all I want to do is kiss you right now, but oh yeah, you’re dating someone who, for whatever reason, you won’t break up with despite the fact that you’ve said multiple times that you might be interested in me.
“It’s going phenomenal,” I lied. “Besides, I’m not sure I really believe in love.”
Thatsurprised Grey enough that he missed a step in our dance. He recovered quickly enough that I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I didn’t pay such close attention to everything he did.
“Seems like an odd thing to not believe in,” Grey mused. “I’m sure you’ve felt it.”
“I’velikedpeople, sure,” I said. “But after my parents split… I don’t know, I guess it doesn’t seem like there’s much longevity in love. Like it’s a temporary emotion and kind of pointless.”
“Pointless!” Grey said in mock indignation. “What else am I supposed to write songs about?”
“I mean, you’ve said it yourself in your own songs,” I pointed out. “Didn’t you write a song about love being just a game?”
“Fair point, but I like to think I’ve matured since then.” Grey laughed.
“So, other than Carina, have you had any serious relationships?” I asked. It was only fair, seeing as I’d just accidentally bared my deepest feelings on love.
“A couple,” Grey said. “But they all seem less serious now.”
“What changed?”
Before Grey could answer, the music stopped, and Meredith, the bride, walked up on stage. Grey and I stopped dancing to turn and watch her approach the microphone.
“Hey, everyone, first I want to say thank you all so much for coming out tonight,” she said to applause from the wedding guests. “I know that it’s starting to get late, but before we go, I wanted to take the opportunity to abuse my rights as a bride on her special day.”
Several people laughed in the crowd, including Grey.
“I wonder who her poor victim is,” he said.
“Most here know that my cousin Grey is in a band,” the bride continued, and the smile fell from Grey’s face. “And I was thinking, wouldn’t it be awesome if he sang us a song before the night is over!”
Loud applause followed, joined by a couple of high-pitched whistles from the crowd.
“What do you say, cuz?” Meredith asked. “It ismy special day.” She said the last part in a singsong voice that earned more cheers from the guests.
“I’m going to kill her,” Grey muttered, but he put on a huge smile and approached the stage.
Everyone cheered as he climbed the steps. He stopped near the band, and someone handed him a guitar before he approached his cousin. They spoke to each other in low voicesaway from the mic, shared a hug, then the bride spoke into the mic again. “Everyone, give it up for my cousin Grey!”
The crowd cheered, and I joined in, clapping along with everyone else. Meanwhile, Grey’s cousin ran offstage, and Grey stepped up to the mic.
“Um, I’m not really used to doing this without my band,” he said. “But I have been writing a new song that I haven’t played for anyone yet. Sorry, it’s not really a dancing song.”
