Page 42 of Four Weddings to Fall in Love
In truth, I don’t understand the appeal.I much prefer the elliptical machine.The last time I went on a hike, I got eaten alive by mosquitos.(Yes, I wore insect repellent.It didn’t help.)
But rather than interrupting to set the record straight, I stay quiet.I’m not sure what my mother’s trying to prove.That I’m in good shape?That I’m well-rounded and have many diverse interests?It’s rather fascinating to hear her talk about me like this.
I mean, fascinating and horrifying at the same time.
“Do you actually like hiking?”Max murmurs, leaning close to me.
“No,” I say.
His soft laughter makes my breath catch.
We’re saved from further conversation when the emcee announces some games for the happy couple, but those finish by the time the lobster is served.
“Do you know if Isobel and Daisy plan to have more children?”Mom asks.
Nobody has any idea.
“How many children do you want, Max?”Mom presses.
“I… Mmm.This lobster isreallygood,” Max says.“Isn’t it, Kim?”
He’s probably uncomfortable with the question, too, but I have the sense he’s doing this mostly for me, and I suppress a smile.
Some people can make a conversation flow in the way they like, as though it’s effortless, but not Max.Although it’s stilted, I appreciate that he’s trying.
“Yes, the lobster is excellent.”I struggle for a topic.Lobster…P.E.I.“Have you ever been to the Maritimes?”I talk about our family trip there—fifteen years ago—for a while, only stopping when I think my mother might have finally forgotten her question about children.
Alas, as soon as there’s a pause in the conversation, she jumps in.
“How many kids do you want?”she asks Max.
Sensing that he won’t be able to get out of this, I suppose, he answers, “Two, I think.”
When I turn in his direction, I notice he’s sweating, and yes, it’s warm in the crowded banquet hall, but I don’t think that’s the reason.I suspect this situation freaks him out more than he’s trying to let on, and something clenches in my chest.
“Areyouokay?”I ask him quietly.
“Yes.Don’t worry about me.”
Those clipped words don’t help me worry less.
“Dinner won’t last forever,” I say.“Just another hour or two.It’ll pass like this.”I snap my fingers.
I chuckle awkwardly at my terrible attempt at humor, but he shoots me a smile that might make my knees weak if I weren’t already sitting.He’s so handsome, in a rather nerdy and starchy way.It’s really working for me tonight.
Once again, I feel like we’re in this together.
After soup for dessert, the banquet is finally over, and I nearly weep with relief.There’s also wedding cake, which is being sliced up in the kitchen right now, but it’ll be served after the dancing starts.We all stand up, and some of the tables are moved to the side.
My mother approaches Max.“Kim came here by transit.Perhaps you could give her a ride home later?”
“You don’t have to,” I say quickly.“I can catch an Uber.I probably don’t live anywhere close to you.”
“I’ll drive you,” he says, then promptly walks away.
I feel bereft at his absence, after sitting next to him for so long, and the feeling catches me by surprise, as does my anticipation of being alone in a car with him.
The lights are turned down as Isobel steps onto the dance floor with Daisy, who changed into a red cheongsam for the reception.I don’t recognize the song, but as they begin dancing—something which they have clearly been practicing—I’m strangely moved.I’m not usually affected by such things, but they look so happy to be here together, celebrating their love with friends and family.Watching them move across the dance floor, looking into each other’s eyes…it’s a beautiful sight.
