Page 3 of Resolutions

I ventured another look at Cameron, who looked utterly uncomfortable as the dancers held him hostage behind their line. Part of me felt I should stand with him, but another part wanted him to endure it all. Michael had been his best friend since kindergarten—back then, just two little boys who liked trucks and jungle gyms. Now their friendship seemed more habit than anything else. Like keeping an old sock with a hole in the heel just because you'd always had it, even though wearing it left you annoyed and pissed off. I thought Cameron kept Michael around because he was that sock—always there, too familiar to throw away despite the discomfort.

“Honestly, I don't know why they're still friends,” Debbie said, clear disdain in her voice.

“Cameron feels responsible for Michael. He thinks Michael got a raw deal when his mom ran off, leaving him with that horrible excuse for a father. Cameron's always looked out for him,” Carson explained. “At school he'd even get in trouble for Michael, voluntarily taking the heat to protect him. Drove Mom and Dad crazy.”

“Well, he's going to have a wife soon. He needs to shift his priorities,” Connie said firmly. “This isn't grade school anymore. He can stand on his own—and God knows he can afford to hire help if he gets in trouble now.”

“Mel's always been a priority over Michael. That's why they don't get along. Michael doesn't like playing second fiddle. And if you ask me, I think Michael has a romantic thing for Cameron,” Debbie said, her voice lowered conspiratorially.

Just as quickly as it started, the music ended. Several people shook their heads or pulled on their earlobes. I heard sighs of relief from our guests.

“Happy bachelor party, bro!” Michael bear-hugged Cameron before releasing him. “Thank you, ladies. You had the desired effect I was looking for. You're all beautiful. Now, please get back on the bus.” Everyone's eyes turned to me at his words.

Desired effect my ass! I could tell they all thought that comment was a dig at me. Too bad I wasn't giving him the reaction he wanted.

I stood watching Michael kiss each girl's cheek as they passed, wishing Cameron things like how sorry they were he was getting married and to call if it didn't work out.

“I've never seen so much bare ass at one time in my life. And I'm a doctor,” Colton stated, followed by, “Ouch! What? It's true!” He rubbed his arm where Debbie must have slugged him.

Noticing our guests standing around awkwardly while Michael continued his performance, I stepped forward.

“Well, now that the pre-party entertainment is over, why don't we head inside to the real party? I promise it won't be nearly as exciting, but it will be substantially quieter.” A few people clapped, someone said “thank goodness,” and everyone began moving toward the house.

I joined them, heading inside but side-stepping to the garage door that led to the kitchen. Connie and the rest of the family followed me.

“Well said, Mel.” Colton put his arm around my shoulders supportively.

“Well said indeed.” Carson planted a kiss on my cheek.

“Such an ass. Couldn't let you two have the party you wanted. He always has to be the center of attention,” Debbie said, disgust clear in her voice. “And could someone please tell him that greased hair is disgusting?”

“It's over now. Let it go, hon.” Colton, a foot taller than his wife, leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

“I'm starving,” Carson announced, and everyone agreed enthusiastically.

“The snacks are out. They're on your house map or just wander and find them. Downstairs are the poker tables with the hot items,” I told them. Both couples headed for the stairs.

Hearing the garage door open again, I knew Cameron and Michael had used that entrance, too.

“Of course, Mel isn't mad at me. She knows a man of my caliber has to make an entrance.” Michael enveloped me in an unwanted hug as soon as they entered. My hands hung stiffly at my sides as I glared at Cameron over Michael's shoulder.

“That's what it was, alright. An entrance.” I pushed back, breaking his grip. Michael was always looking for reasons to hug me. It drove me crazy, and even though I'd asked him to stop countless times and talked to Cameron about it until I was bluein the face, nothing changed. I was just told it was “just Michael's way.”

“I'm going to check on our guests.” I turned on my heel and headed out.

“Dude, let's get the poker going,” Michael announced as I rounded the corner. “I wore this suit because I'm going to dominate the cards.”

Walking into the living room, I saw three bridesmaids huddled together around the cheese and cracker station. I started toward them when someone grabbed my hand and spun me around. I wobbled, landing against Cameron's chest as he.

I wobbled, landing against Cameron's chest as he pulled me close.

“I didn't know he was going to do that. I promise, I was just as shocked as you were.”

“Oh babe,” I whispered back, “I very much doubt that.”

“No, really. It was inappropriate for this event. For any event. It's just, you know, how Michael is.”

“So, I've heard. You know, someday you're going to have to stop making excuses for him. Now if you'll please let me go, I have guests to make comfortable after that,” I pointed to the window, “whatever you want to call it.” Cameron opened his arms and released me with a kiss on the cheek.

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