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“Yes. That’s a funny story. His sister Katherine also got sick at the last minute and couldn’t come so she sent her brother to walk us through the ceremony. Wasn’t that nice of her?”
“Is he going to perform the ceremony?” I asked, dreading the answer.
“No. He can’t because he’s already busy that day, but he said not to worry, Katherine will be here for the wedding.”
More like his religious beliefs. Works for me. Now I don’t have to worry about seeing him again.
“That’s good. Are you sure you want to cancel the party tonight?” I asked.
She nodded. “I appreciate everything you did, but for Lori, I think we need to. Besides, I am terrible at painting.”
“How did you know?” I asked, not able to hide my shock. I thought I did a good job of keeping it a secret. Never even told the rest of the bridal party.
Ellen said, “I’m friends with the woman you booked the party with. And what were you thinking, having a live model there for us to paint? I can’t even color within the lines.”
“Sorry, I forgot. I guess with Lori being an art major throughout college, I figured some of her talent rubbed off on you,” I said.
“Only her bad habits have, like eating ice cream before bed every night,” she snickered. “But we can do it another time, maybe after we get back from our honeymoon.”
“That sounds good,” I replied, not sure we’d ever all have time to get together again. Ellen traveled so much as a flight attendant, and Lori hardly ever took time off from the hospital. She said there was a nurse shortage, and patients needed her. I was just worried they’d both burn themselves out and their marriage would pay the price. I was getting into dark thoughts territory again, so I took a deep breath, put on a smile, and said, “Okay. I guess I’ll just slip out the back so I don’t disrupt the rehearsal, which, by the way, you’d better get back to. I’m sorry again.”
“You can’t help it. You’re not feeling well.”
I was so angry with myself for feeling so rattled. Just because I recognized him after all these years didn’t mean he recognized me.
Ellen left the restroom first, and I waited another moment before making my exit. Ellen was great about letting me leave, but Lori would insist on checking to make sure there wasn’t anything seriously wrong with me. No one has ever died from embarrassment before.
When I was outside, I rushed over to my car and realized I didn’t have my purse. It was still inside with my jacket. Damn it. That wasn’t so bad. The coats were all hung not far from the door. All I needed to do was slip back inside and grab it. Easy peasy.
What was I thinking? Nothing is ever that easy for me.When I tried the door, it was locked. That didn’t prevent me from yanking on it harder and trying it again. To my surprise, it opened. My excitement faded as I saw who was on the other side.
“Are you looking for someone?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Just my coat and purse. I forgot them when I was leaving,” I said, avoiding his eyes.
“And you didn’t want to use the front door?” he asked, without stepping aside to let me in.
It did seem odd that someone would enter from the back door looking for a purse. I’d probably question them too. “I didn’t want to disturb the rehearsal,” I said.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, but it hasn’t started yet. The couple needed a moment to talk. I’m Father Bennett. And you are?”
Someone you obviously don’t remember. Good, I guess.
“I’m Danielle Clarkson.” That wasn’t my maiden name, so if he did know my name back then, he probably wouldn’t put the two together now.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Clarkson.”
“How do you know I’m not married?” I asked, puzzled.
“No ring,” he stated.
“Oh, that’s right. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my purse,” I said.
He still didn’t move. “And how do I know it is really your purse?” he asked.
“I thought a priest was trusting?” I asked.
He smiled. “I think you mean forgiving.”
