Page 43 of Passion and Privilege

“Good. Shall we go find seats and watch this shitshow?”

She giggled again. “Let’s do it.”

We started toward the tent where the ceremony was being held.

“Catherine?”

I felt her stiffen and reach for my hand. I looked at the man that I guess was the groom, given the tuxedo.

“Scott,” Catherine said, nodding.

“I didn’t know you were going to come,” he said. “I’m glad you could make it.”

Scott looked at me, sizing me up. He was much shorter than I was. I saw him realize that Catherine and I were together. Something came over me. I felt the need to stake my claim. I lifted our joined hands and brushed my lips across her knuckles while keeping eye contact with him.

“I need to take my place. I’m glad you’re here, Catherine. No hard feelings, right?”

“Not at all,” Catherine replied.

Scott walked up to take his place at the arch. Catherine and I found two seats. Scott watched our every move. I wrapped my arm around her and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. Scott’s scowl almost made me burst into laughter.

Just then, the bridal procession started. Scott was still scowling. I heard the whispers as people noticed the groom’s expression, and a deep satisfaction filled me.

Chapter Nineteen

Catherine

I FELT A BALL OF ANXIETY in my chest as Scott turned away from us. I loved the scowl and then the attempt at a smile as the bride began her aisle walk. He looked like a man who was preparing for his walk on death row.

I loved it.

I found myself drawn to Timothy’s strength, leaning into him and the comfort he offered. I watched Scott’s back, noting the stiffness of his posture. A wave of something between relief and satisfaction washed over me. He wasn’t as indifferent as he pretended.

“Deep breaths,” Timothy whispered in my ear, his voice steady and soothing. His arm was firm around my shoulders, his presence an anchor.

The bride finally made it to the altar, a vision of beauty in her white lace dress. She looked at Scott, her eyes filled with love and trust. A pang of sympathy rushed through me. I knew that trust was misplaced.

The ceremony started. Vows were exchanged in the soft light of the setting sun, words of love and commitment that were tragically hollow, at least on Scott’s part. I had no idea what he whispered to his bride, but her face exuded pure happiness and love.

While she was lost in her perfect fairytale moment, Scott’s eyes flickered over to us every so often. It was a strange to see the jealousy in his eyes as he stood at the altar with another woman. It was as if he was questioning his actions, his choices, all too late though.

After they were announced as husband and wife and made their way down the aisle past us, Scott looked at me. I smiled, hoping he was going to enjoy the bed he made. I knew there was no happily ever after in that woman’s future. I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her. She knew I was with Scott when she sank her teeth into him. I had zero sympathy for her.

“Do you want to stay for the reception?” Timothy asked, his voice low and steady. I could tell he was ready to whisk me away at a moment’s notice, given my approval.

I thought about it. “Just for a few minutes. I don’t want him to think he’s run me off.”

He chuckled. “Good girl.”

As Timothy and I settled down at a random table, surrounded by chattering guests, I couldn’t help but be amazed at his ability to effortlessly engage in conversation. He blended in no matter what group we found ourselves in. He had an uncanny knack for putting those around us at ease, while subsequently making me feel like the center of his universe. It was a feeling I never thought was possible. Scott had certainly never treated me like that.

He was constantly touching me. It was subtle but effective. His arm was around my shoulders once again. I found solace in his touch. He would occasionally run his thumb up and down my shoulder. It was very soothing and grounded me.

“Would you like to dance?” Timothy asked.

“Sure,” I said, smiling.

Before we could get up from our seats, Scott and his new wife approached. It shouldn’t have bothered me, but it was weird to see them together. I wasn’t jealous, but it was awkward. His wife looked at me, her eyes flashing with a smugness I didn’t appreciate. It was comical to think she thought she had won. As far as I was concerned, she got the door prize.