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She glides down the aisle, her eyes sparkling with tears, both hands wrapped around a bouquet of enormous white roses so fragrant their aroma wafts my way before she’s anywhere close to me. She hands me the bouquet and, strictly for show, leans down to kiss my cheek before taking James’s hand—he’s handsome as always, beaming at his bride.
It’s a very nice ceremony, pretty heartfelt. Mom only breaks down crying twice, giving James the opportunity to give her his handkerchief so everyone in attendance can swoon a little. I know she must be loving this. She’ll be riding this high for ages.
It’s a short event, at least, and before I know it, James and Mom are kissing, and Mom is outstretching a hand to take her bouquet back. I clap along with the rest of the guests as they pass, though unfortunately, my gaze brushes against Colt’s, and an icy chill runs through me, thanks to his knowing sneer.
There’s no escaping them when we head upstairs for the reception, either, even though I try to lose myself in the crowd. The seats have already been assigned, and I have the misfortune of sitting with my family, of course. Meaning I have to sit with the girls, too.
“You’re here alone, Leni?” Deborah asks with an edge to her voice. “Wow, I’m so surprised. You’re usually so popular.”
I ignore her, taking my seat across from where she’s sitting. This won’t last forever. It’s only a few hours. And so many people are around. What’s the worst she could do to me? All right, maybe I don’t need to ask myself that question.
“Congratulations! Your father looked so happy.” I don’t know the person standing next to Colt’s chair, but she’s gushing like she’s never been to a wedding before.
“Thanks, it’s been a great day,” he replies with an easy smile.
“Is this your girlfriend?” she asks, gesturing toward Piper. Her cheeks flush, and she lowers her gaze, giggling. “So pretty. You make a beautiful couple.”
“What about us?” Nix slings an arm around Deborah’s shoulders, and she laughs uproariously while leaning against him.
“I’m blinded by the beauty at this table.” The woman shields her eyes, and everybody laughs at their shared joke. Then she glances my way, frowns, and walks off. Mom hasn’t taken her seat beside me yet, so maybe it’s not clear who I am, but still. How rude.
Now that I think about it, does anybody here know who I am? Did anybody bother learning about the bride and her family? More importantly, did Mom bother to tell anybody she has a daughter? Deborah shoots me an evil look from across the table, and I pointedly look away, glad to see waitstaff coming out with trays full of food. If we’re eating, we are one step closer to this being over. Mom and James take their seats, having been busy getting their pictures taken.
Though, even as everybody’s dining, there’s no end to the visits from other guests. Everybody gushes over the guys, how grown up they are, the sort of small talk people make at events like this when they don’t know what else to say. Since nobody knows who I am and none of my family goes out of their way to introduce me, I sit silent, eating my food and minding my business.
A hush falls over the room when someone gets on a microphone and announces the first dance is about to begin. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the bride and groom to share their special moment.” Immediately, dozens of cameras are lifted into the air so everybody can capture this.
There’s so much happiness all around me, so many smiles, even a few tears as James expertly guides my mother across the dance floor. She’s beaming, obviously in heaven. I want to be happy for her. I really do. Maybe once she’s happy and feeling secure now that she’s Mrs. Alistair, she’ll ease up on me a little. There won’t be as much of an excuse to resent me. I find myself welling up with hopeful tears by the time the song’s over, and James treats Mom to a deep dip that leaves the crowd gasping and applauding in appreciation. It’s a perfect moment, like something out of a movie. I know she’s living it up.
Now that that’s over, the floor is open for anybody who wants to dance. The plates are being cleared away, and many of the guests are getting up to enjoy the open bar. I can’t help but sigh in relief when Colt and Nix take their dates to get drinks, even though we’re all underage. Things like that just don’t matter when you’re in their position, I guess.
“Sitting here all alone?” James is smiling as he approaches, one hand extended. “That hardly seems fair.”
Yikes. As nice as he is for offering, I don’t know if I want the attention. “I’m not much of a dancer,” I admit, even though the DJ chose another slow song. That can’t be too difficult, swaying back and forth.
