Page 58 of Champagne Kisses
“Well…I wish you all the best and I hope he makes you happy. Listen, Maya, I gotta get back to–"
“Adam, wait," she interrupts. "The person I’m seeing is awoman.” That’s a surprise. I knew she was open, but–
“Her name is Dr. Jamison. I’m seeing her to work on some of that baggage you mentioned. She's my therapist.”
For several moments, I'm too stunned to speak. I hadn't meant to make her feel like she was broken. Now, she's seeing a therapist because of something I said.
“Wow." I nervously clear my throat. "Uh…that's great, Maya."
"Thanks," she says, sounding calm and not at all pissed her boyfriend told her to seek professional help.
"You know…you didn’t have to do that just because of what I said,” I say quietly. She just laughs.
“I didn’t. I did it because my insecurities have been weighing me down for long enough. It’s time to see if some professional help can…well, help.” She seems more confident even over the phone. I breathe a huge sigh of relief and can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“Now I reallyamhappy for you. But why did you do that! You knew what it sounded like.” I hear an evil laugh across the line and wish I were there to give her a proper spanking.
“Maybe it was a little petty, but you hurt my feelings when you didn’t answer my calls or come over.” Though it hurt like hell, that's fair. She clears her throat and her voice is much more somber.
“I’m so sorry for not believing you. I could’ve handled that whole situation better.”
“Babe, I’m sorry, too. I never should’ve let it go unresolved for so long.”
“So…What now?" Her voice drops into a sultry range. "Do you want to come over to make up?”More than anything!
“I wish, but I’m stuck in Vegas for Bryan’s bachelor party. I’ll be back in town tomorrow.”
“Oh. OK.” Her pouting is literally audible and it forces a laugh from my chest.
“I’ll be back tomorrow. You know…I was thinking. Would you like to be my date to the wedding?” My invitation is met with silence and the smile falls from my face.
“Are you sure? Won’t it be awkward after the champagne flute incident?” I suppress a laugh. Emily is the only person other than myself who even knows about it, and she might want Maya there more than even me.
“No way. No one will even remember that. And if they do, they can take it up personally with me.”I'llnever forget thatday because it brought Maya into my life. She giggles and I can finally breathe again. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her.
“In that case, of course I’ll go with you.”
We settle into an easy conversation and I fall asleep to the sound of her light snoring.
Chapter thirty-two
Maya
Bryan and Jessi’s wedding is the epitome of “gilding the lily”. The driveway to the venue is lined with pink and white rose topiaries. Footmen clad in pink and white livery escort each guest down a white velvet carpet into a grand atrium. While waiting under a chandelier big enough for the Waldorf Astoria, I receive the bride and groom’s signature cocktail: a French martini. I barely resist rolling my eyes. Even thecocktailis pink. I wonder if this Bryan guy had any say in the planning.
I scan the other guests in the foyer and try not to gawk at the majestic surroundings. Thank God Denise helped me get ready, ensuring I was dressed to kill. I had planned to wear a basic black dress and one of my cardigans, but Denise scoffed at that idea when she heard the wedding was in the Hamptons. Instead of the black number, I'm wearing a forest green wrap dress made of crushed velvet with a ruffled skirt. The necklineis off the shoulder, prominently displaying my bountiful cleavage. I've accessorized with rich gold platforms and layered gold necklaces. At Adam’s request, I'm wearing my hair up in a bun, my locs curled for a more formal look.
My heart is fluttering with anticipation. Though Adam got back from Vegas a few days ago, his best man duties have kept him too busy to meet up. At least we got to talk on the phone every night. There’d been so much shameless flirting and teasing, a cold shower became part of my bedtime routine. I can’t wait to see him. Unfortunately, since he’s in the wedding party, I’ll have to wait until the reception to get any time alone with him. An usher takes my empty glass, hands me a program fit for a royal wedding, and walks me to my seat at the back of the groom’s side.
The inside of the venue is even more luxurious than I expected. The entire ceiling is covered in hanging blossoms, making me feel like I’ve stumbled intoThe Secret Garden. The colors, of course, are white and pink, and tall, white votives line the center aisle. An actual cherry blossom tree stands at the end of the aisle. Jesus! How richareBryan and Jessi? I find my seat next to two older women in large hats and brightly colored dresses just as the string quartet begins playing Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major.
And there he is.
Adam’s wearing a black tuxedo that's expertly tailored to highlight his toned body even beneath his dress shirt and pants. The five o'clock shadow is back, and somehow he's making a pink bowtie and cummerbund look incredibly sexy.
The skank from his apartment that horrible night has her pink talons wrapped around his forearm.You better get your hands off my man, bitch.She's politely smiling at the guests, sometimes nodding in silent greeting. Then her eyes lock with mine and go wide with recognition.That's right, chick!He choseme! I see something in her eyes. Not anger. Not gloating. Something much more…intense.Interested.What the hell?
I take a deep breath and focus on how handsome Adam looks instead of the home-wrecker on his arm. Thanks to some new internal mantras from Dr. Jamison,—I am enough. I am beautiful. I am valued. I deserve what I want.—she can't ruin my evening, not even with her weird stares.
