AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Now let’s go.’
The honour of delivering the first speech of the night fell upon the best man. Anthony’s uncle read from a piece of hotel stationery. His speech was designed to gloss over his family’s role in the couple’s chaotic journey to the altar. Next Gregory Thomas spoke up, extending a warm T&T welcome to everyone. Naomi’s Aunt Donna offered the newlyweds life advice. Anthony’s mother was invited to say a few words. She had the good sense to keep it short and sweet, but then was followed by a long-winded local politician. It was basically open mic.
Samantha managed to applaud at all the right times and keep a pleasant smile pasted on her face while stealing glances at Roman, who could no longer hide his impatience. At one point, he lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. Finally, Anthony rose to say a few words, signalling the end was near.
‘People … Can I just say … This is the happiest day of my life. My heart is so full. You all look beautiful. Thank you for being here to help us celebrate. We may not know each other very well, but trust me that’ll change before the end of the night. We’re going to be best friends.’
Anthony rambled for a good while. Naomi, a gifted public speaker, was awash with admiration for her incoherent husband, a true testament of love if ever there was one.
‘My family is here,’ Anthony continued. ‘We’re a small, mighty bunch. We party hard. We get loud. Get used to it.’
‘Woop! Woop!’ his uncle called out, provoking a bout of nervous laughter in the room.
Samantha slipped out her phone and typed from under the table. It’s quite possible the groom is drunk.
Roman: Think so?
Samantha: He’s waffling.
Roman: We had a couple of tequila shots earlier to take the edge off. The man’s a lightweight. He hasn’t had anything stronger than vegan beer these past five years.
Samantha: What if he never stops talking?
Roman: I’ll tackle him.
‘Amelia and Gregory, you’re stuck with me now. Maya, have fun tonight, but come tomorrow I expect you to start counting your steps. The family that trains together sticks together. Am I right? Seriously, though, I love you guys.’
Samantha: Would you, please?
Roman: Anything for you. And the public good. This can’t go on.
Samantha: Isn’t it customary for guests to give speeches in Tobago?
Roman: And it’s customary for me to grab a bottle and duck out with friends.
Samantha: That sounds like fun.
Roman: Say the word. I’ll grab a bottle and meet you at the door.
‘Now, to our friends who spent the week with us, what can I say? You guys are the best.’
Samantha: Oops! We can’t go now.
‘It was amazing to get to know you all better. All those memories we made … I swear, it was magic. I love you to death.’
‘Love you, too, man!’ Hugo called out, much to Anthony’s delight.
‘Ride or die!’ Anthony cried out in response, at which point Naomi’s eyebrows crept upwards, betraying her rising concern.
Roman: You really want to stay for this?
Samantha: It’s sweet.
Roman: It’s stupid.
‘Before I wrap this up, I have one more person to thank … Roman Carver. Dude, I love you like a brother.’
Samantha: You gave him the tequila. You brought this on yourself.
