Page 114 of Love Is an Art
Tom and Paisley are dating?
“How do you guys know each other?” I ask.
Paisley moves away from Tom. “We met recently through a friend.”
Not dating.
Paisley leans back in the chair and crosses her legs, her miniskirt revealing most of her super long and thin legs. I glance at Zeke. He doesn’t seem bothered. The vibe is less murky waters than last time. More melting arctic zone. I can’t believe Stuffed Shirt is here with Paisley.
“Shouldn’t you be sitting on the bride’s side?” Zeke asks.
She waves over at the crowded left side and then smiles at Zeke. “This seat has a better view.”
She definitely wants him back.
“You’re My Everything” plays, and the groom comes out with his parents, followed by the groomsmen. He takes his place at the front, smiling, and looks straight ahead, waiting.
The “Wedding March” swells up, and we all stand and turn to see the bride. She pats her dad’s hand and then, holding Dylan’s gaze, floats down the aisle. She reaches Dylan, kisses her father, and then faces her soon-to-be husband.
I do love weddings. And my favorite line is the vow.
“I, Dylan, take thee, Lindsay, to have and hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, ’til death do us part.”
Because that’s what love is all about. It’s going through the ups and downs together and getting stronger. I’ve seen it with my parents. And with my friendships.
But not yet with a guy.
Zeke reaches for my hand. Could Zeke be that guy?
And then the pastor says, “Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
I hope I’m not being used in some game between him and Paisley. He admitted he didn’t want to come unless he had a date. And he couldn’t stay at the same hotel. And she wants him back.
Please speak now if I’m a rebound.
Thankfully, we’re seated far away from Paisley and Stuffed Shirt. The MC announces the competition to catch the boutonniere. Dylan comes over and insists that the guys join. Zeke, Ben, and Sebastian stand.
Sebastian says, “I can’t believe Dylan is making me do this. Ben, you have to stand in front of me. It’d be just like Dylan to aim for me.”
The single men stand in a row, and Dylan tosses it.
It’s straight to Zeke, who catches it at the last minute.
The MC announces the bridal flower toss. And Paisley is first up on the floor, hugging Lindsay and giggling.
Zeke walks past her, straight toward me, frowning as he stares down at the boutonniere.
I have to catch the bouquet.If he didn’t want to be in the same hotel, he definitely doesn’t want to slow dance with her. And if I don’t try really hard, is that going to give some signal that we’re not serious and give Paisley an opening? I didn’t think this whole wedding appearance thing through.
Zeke comes up. “I definitely didn’t mean to catch this. Good luck.”
“Are you sure you want to wish me that?” I ask. He looks so grim.
Zeke’s glance catches mine and his face relaxes. “Maybe I should wish your competitors good luck. They’ll probably need it more.” He grins.
I laugh. “Probably.”
Zeke massages my shoulders as if I’m about to enter into a wrestling match. “I’m counting on you. You can do it.”
