Page 87 of The Suite Life
‘Sorry, I just had to take a work call,’ he says as he steps outside. ‘All good?’
‘Yep, all good,’ I reply – but it’s not all good, is it? ‘I’ll see you at the wedding – I’ve got to go help Lucy get ready.’
‘Okay, see you there,’ Donnie calls after me.
As I make my way to the resort, I can’t help but shake my head. He was definitely talking about me, and he’s definitely hiding something.
They really are all the same, aren’t they?
41
I was worried, for a hot minute, that it wouldn’t happen, but it’s official: Rick and Lucy are husband and wife.
They tied the knot in a beach ceremony, which is something I always thought might be one of those things that looked good in the movies, but wasn’t practical in real life, but the moment I step onto the beach for Lucy and Rick’s wedding ceremony, I couldn’t get over how perfect it all looked.
Lucy looked so beautiful in her wedding gown – you would never know what a panic we had on, trying to sort her hair and make-up, after the strange start to the day.
The sun was shining, the breeze was just right, and everything went down without a hitch. Lucy and Rick swapped vows, surrounded by the natural beauty of the beach, and everyone who loves them. I am so relieved because, after the night of worry they must have had, they really deserve it.
And then there was Donnie, whose beautiful guitar playing gently accompanied the ceremony. He did a really great job – he was probably better than the person who was supposed to be playing too, so all is well that ends well. Apart from, you know, for me.
If I hadn’t overheard Donnie on the phone earlier, I would probably be on top of the world right now. It’s not that I’m not happy, or that I’m not having a good time, it’s just that – as naive as it sounds – I was really hoping that I might actually get a win this time. Just a straightforward, easy day with not only lots to celebrate, but lots to be excited about too.
The marquee, where the reception is taking place, is so elegantly decorated. Fairy lights twinkle like stars, casting a warm glow over the tables adorned with white tablecloths, vases of vibrant flowers, and candles ready for the night to properly draw in.
I’m at the top table, front and centre, where I can see everything – well, just about, because this marquee is packed with more flowers than a botanic garden.
It also means I haven’t really spoken with Donnie since earlier, as he’s sitting at one of the guest tables. I’ve been watching him, though – I haven’t been able to help myself. He’s sitting with Sunshine, and the two of them are chatting away like old friends, now that calm has seemingly been restored.
Nathan is currently centre stage, microphone in hand, in the middle of his best man speech. So far he has been delivering the usual crowd-pleasing combination of jokes and embarrassing stories. I can’t say I’m a fan, but tradition is tradition.
‘The wedding almost didn’t happen,’ he continues. ‘These two lovebirds managed to get themselves locked in a beach hut. I mean, why not use the room they paid a small fortune for, right?’
Everyone laughs – even Lucy and Rick can see the funny side of it now.
But then Nathan’s tone shifts, and his face takes on a more serious expression.
‘But, if I’m allowed to be serious for a moment,’ he says. ‘I stand here as the best man today, but to be honest with you all, I haven’t always been the best man in life. I’ve stumbled, mademistakes, and I’ve hurt people. But Rick makes me want to be better.’
He gazes at the newly-weds with a genuine warmth in his eyes.
‘Seeing what Rick has with Lucy, it’s not just a celebration of their love, it’s a reminder of what’s possible. Rick, you inspire me, mate. You inspire me to be a better man every single day.’
A hushed silence falls over the crowd as everyone sits with Nathan’s words.
‘Okay, mood ruined,’ Nathan says with a laugh. ‘Insert a joke here about how he’s going to be too drunk to get it up tonight.’
And just like that, the room is laughing again.
‘So, let’s raise our glasses,’ Nathan declares, lifting his own. ‘To Rick and Lucy, who’ve shown us that love is not just a word – it’s a journey, an adventure, and sometimes, a sneaky shag in a beach hut. Cheers!’
Everyone laughs, claps, cheers and clinks their glasses. Nathan returns to his seat, smiling happily, pleased with his performance.
Lucy stands up, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and the room falls into a curious hush.
‘I wasn’t going to say anything – in fact, I was relieved that I didn’t have to make a speech,’ Lucy quips, her words drawing chuckles from the crowd. ‘But I would like to say a few words. Things have been rocky, for all sorts of reasons, but I would like to raise a toast to the two people who deserve extra thanks, for making today go ahead without a hitch, and that is my amazing sister, Gigi, and our new friend Donnie. To Gigi and Donnie!’
Another cheer ripples across the room as glasses are raised and clinked for a final time.
